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The family of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi has denied that they intentionally locked out Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, from the 8th Fidau prayers for the former governor, adding that the gate had been locked earlier in the morning to prevent crowd in compliance with COVIS-19 regulations.
A statement signed by the spokesperson for the family, Bolaji Tunji, said there is the need to clarify the believed presence of the deputy governor, Olaniyan, at the 8th day prayer of the former governor.
According to Bolaji: “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.”
He added: “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 10mins.
“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.”
It was earlier reported that the deputy governor was prevented from entering the former governor’s compound for the Fidau prayers.