Gbenro Adesina
Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, the widow of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, allegedly denied state representatives led by the incumbent Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan entry to the Oluyole Residence of the erstwhile governor, the venue of the 8th day Fidau Prayers in honour of the deceased.
According to information gathered, the deputy governor, who represented the state Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, was not allowed to attend the prayer.
It was stated that Olaniyan arrived the residence in a convey around 11:20 in the morning.
At the gate leading to Ajimobi’s residence, the security at the entrance stopped the convoy and stated that only the deputy governor could be allowed into the street.
Olaniyan agreed to the arrangement but on getting to the entrance of the house, he was told that he could not enter because the gate has been locked and the key was with Mrs. Florence.
After waiting helplessly for about 15 minutes, he had to leave.
However, at the Fidau prayer, notable Islamic clerics and eminent Nigerians took turn to eulogise the deceased, describing him as the best governor the state ever had.
He was also described as a lover of the state and Islamic religion, who granted all requests pertaining to Islam in the state.
In a vote of thanks, the only son of the deceased, Idris Abolaji said, “Our father is irreplaceable. My family and I had experienced a great loss. I know that every soul will die. Our father came, saw and died and left his family united. We shall continue to make you proud and your memory will never die”.
The prayer was concluded around 12:55 pm.
However, in a press statement swiftly issued by the spokesperson of the late Ajimobi, Bolaji Tunji, the family had tendered unreserved apology for the way the state government representatives were treated at the Fidau Prayer session.
The statement reads in parts:
“There is a need to clarify the believed presence of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan at the 8th day prayers for His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past Governor of Oyo State.
“The event was announced as strictly a family affair. However, some dignitaries arrived for the event prior to the commencement of the prayers and were permitted entry.
“There was a need to comply with the Covid-19 protocol as established by NCDC – Social distancing, not more than 30 people in a place and seats arranged, accordingly.
“Once we reached capacity, the gate was locked.
“No one was aware that the Deputy Governor was coming as neither the advance team nor the protocol informed us.
“The Deputy Governor arrived after the prayers had started and once the protocol team was informed they proceeded to the gate.
“By the time we got to the gate to usher him into the sitting room, he had left. Everything happened within a few minutes.
“Through a serving Senator and a former Attorney General, we tried to get in touch with him that it was not to slight him and he could sit in a private sitting room provided by the family. Unfortunately, he had left. We however apologise to his Excellency”.
