'The Ajimobis Lied About Being Unaware of My Presence'- Oyo Deputy Gov

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan has told his side of the story about being denied access to the venue of the eighth-day Fidau Prayers for Former Governor Isiak Abiola Ajimobi.  The Deputy Governor described it as a "premeditated act" as he stated through his Senior Special .Assistant on Media, Omolere Omoetan that the family could not claim ignorance of his presence at the venue.

According to Omoetan, the Deputy Governor, who led the government delegation comprising himself and some commissioners, 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", Omoetan stated.

He went on to state that " at a point, the security personnel in uniform and mufti at the gates became very hostile and the ADC to the 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". 
He said Engineer Olaniyan took his leave after he had waited for a while to see if the situation would change.
Omoetan also disclosed "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 ongoing and a male walks in, it's an indication that the prayers have received Allah's acceptance", the Deputy Governor's SSA said.
The statement also read in part; "Engr Raufu Olaniyan wishes to reiterate that the visit of the government delegation to the 8th day Fidau Prayers of His Excellency Senator Ajimobi was a clear demonstration on the part of His Excellency, Engr Seyi Makinde, that the late Governor is held in high regard. He stated that it was only fitting for the state government to show respect to the late governor at the Fidau prayers held in his honour.

The Deputy Governor also wishes to put it on record that despite the way he was treated by the Ajimobi family,he holds no grudges and he will continue to pray that Allah grants the departed former Governor Al-Jana Firdaus".