FIDAU PRAYER: We had no plan to bar Oyo deputy governor —Ajimobi Family

The family of the late Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, said on Sunday it had no intention to bar the deputy governor of the state, Rauf Olaniyan, from the eight-day fidau prayer organised for the deceased.

Media aide to the late Ajimobi, Bolaji Tunji, stated this in a statement issued on behalf of the family.

The family had on Sunday held the eight-day prayer for the late former governor who died on June 25.

The family’s reaction followed reports that a delegation of the state government led by the deputy governor was barred from entering the venue of the event.

But in the statement, Tunji said the family had no such plan to bar the government’s delegation.

He said the family was not aware that the deputy governor would attend the event, adding that neither the advance team nor the protocol unit informed the family.

READ ALSO: FIDAU PRAYER: Ajimobi family bars Oyo Dep Gov

The ex-governor’s media aide disclosed that the event was held in compliance with COVID-19 protocols established by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), noting that not more than 30 people were allowed at the venue.

The statement read: “There is the need to clarify the believed presence of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Rauf Olaniyan, at the 8th-day prayer of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the immediate past governor of Oyo State

“The Deputy Governor arrived after the prayer had started. The event was strictly a family affair.

“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.

“No one was aware that the deputy governor was coming as neither the advance team nor the protocol informed us.

“By the time we got to the gate to usher him into the sitting room, he had left. Everything happened within a spate of 10 minutes.”

Tunji said efforts were made through a serving senator and a former attorney general to get in touch with the deputy governor.

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