Ajimobi Fidau Prayer: We weren’t expecting Oyo Deputy gov – Family

The family of the late ex-governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, has responded to the report of Rauf Olaniyan, deputy governor of the state, being denied entry to the Fidau prayer organized for the late politician.

Fidau is a prayer for the deceased who was a Muslim till death.

Reports made the rounds earlier today that Olaniyan was prevented from attending the 8th-day Islamic prayer organised for him. According to reports, the deputy governor had left the Oluyole residence of Ajimobi in Ibadan after being stranded for close to 20 minutes.

In a statement issued on behalf of the family, Bolaji Tunji, media aide of the ex-governor, said the prayer was strictly a family affair.

He said the prayer was done in line with COVID-19 protocol which is against large gatherings.

“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,”

“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 inform 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 mins.

“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.”

But the Oyo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed the explanation of Tunji.