The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Raufu Olaniyan, has described as untrue, explanations given by Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the spokesperson of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi that the Ajimobi’s family was not aware that the Deputy Governor was attending the 8th-day prayer of the late Senator.
In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Omolere Omoetan, said the ill-treatment meted out on Mr Olaniyan was premeditated.
Recall that the West African Pilot News had reported on Sunday, that the Deputy Governor was denied access to the Ajimobi’s residence after policemen at the gate of the street leading to the residence allowed only Mr Olaniyan’s vehicle, access, but locked out his convoy.
“The Deputy Governor who led the government delegation comprising himself and some commissioners, on the approval of the Governor, was kept waiting at the gate for over 15 minutes. Even when security men at the gate went in to tell them he was at the gate, no directive came back to grant his Excellency access,” Mr Omoetan said.
“At a point, the security personnel in uniform and mufti at the gates became very hostile and the ADC to Deputy Governor was manhandled by men of the police force. It was at this point that the Deputy Governor decided to leave the scene that was becoming tense and wait in his car.
“Having waited for a while to see if the situation would change to no avail, he proceeded to take his leave.
“It should be noted that the Deputy Governor put a call through to Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Chairman of Oyo State Muslim Council, who was among the officiating ministers, that he was at the gate and was being denied entrance. Alhaji Sanni responded that his hands were tied. This is clear indication that what transpired was premeditated.
“There was no truth in the family saying they were not aware that the state government delegation was at the gate because Mr. Bolaji Tunji was severally called by men of Civil Defence at the gate.
“Even if the Deputy Governor arrived when the prayers had started, it is a well-known fact in Islam that when prayers are on-going and a male walks in, it’s an indication that the prayers have received Allah’s acceptance,” Mr Omoetan said.
He said the visit to the 8th-day prayer by the government’s delegation, showed the late Senator Ajimobi was respected by the incumbent government.
“The Deputy Governor also wishes to put it on record that despite the way he was treated by the Ajimobi Family, which he refuses to hold personal, has displayed maturity is prerequisite of the public office at this level. He holds no grudges and he will continue to pray that Allah grants the departed former Governor Al-jana Firdaus.
“Engr. Raufu Olaniyan will also like to draw the attention of the Oyo State Commissioner of Police to the highly unprofessional and unruly conduct of the police personnel at the premises,” the Deputy Governor’s media assistant concluded.
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