The family of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi has explained their side of the story in the mild drama that played out at the 8th Day Fidau prayer held in honor the deceased.
The Oyo state government delegation led by Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan, the Head of Service, Amidst Ololade and the Commissioner for land, Mr Abiodun Abdul-Raheem, had arrived the Oluyole venue of the prayers, but could not gain entrance into the venue of the prayers.
In explaining on behalf of the family, Mr Bolaji Tunji, the spokesman of the late former governor said, the family was not aware that the Deputy Governor would be attending the event and there was no early information from deputy governor’s advance protocol team to intimate the family.
The press statement, signed by Bolaji Tunji on behalf of the Ajimobi family, reads: “There is the need to clarify the believed presence of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan at the 8th day prayer of HE Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past Governor of Oyo State.
“1. The Deputy Governor arrived after the prayer had started. The event was strictly a family affair.
“2. 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. After which the gate was shut.
“3. No one was aware that the Deputy Governor was coming as neither the advance team nor the protocol informed us.
“4. By the time we got to the gate to usher him into the sitting room, he had left. Everything happened within a spate of 10mins.
“5. 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.
“Thank you.”
