The Governor of Osun State, Mr. Ademola Adeleke, stormed out of the Osogbo Eid prayer ground following a heated altercation with former Senate spokesperson, Ajibola Basiru, regarding seating arrangements.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Basiru arrived at the prayer ground accompanied by an influential figure in Osogbo, Chief Tunde Badmus, along with other prominent individuals from the city, to partake in the congregational Turakat prayer.
Initially, Basiru occupied a front-row seat, unaware that it had been reserved for the Governor.
A protocol officer approached him and informed him of the reserved status of the seat. In compliance, Basiru relocated to another front-row seat, which was also met with opposition from the protocol officer.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke arrived at the prayer ground, and Chief Badmus respectfully vacated his seat to welcome the Governor at the entrance.
However, a heated argument erupted when the Governor’s protocol insisted that Basiru must vacate the front row, while some local residents staunchly defended Basiru’s right to occupy the seat as one of their esteemed citizens.
The situation quickly escalated, prompting Governor Adeleke to depart from the area, visibly agitated, and retreat to his car. After a brief absence, the Governor returned only to find Basiru still occupying the disputed front-row seat. Frustrated, he left the prayer ground without participating in the prayer.
Shortly after the Governor’s departure, police officers arrived at the scene and secured the prayer ground’s entrance, allegedly with instructions to apprehend Basiru.
However, worshippers vehemently resisted this action and managed to force open the gate. Subsequently, Basiru and other prominent Osogbo residents performed the Turakat prayer before leaving the prayer ground.
This newspaper learnt that efforts to obtain comments from both Basiru and Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, proved unsuccessful.
