OSOGBO, Nigeria – Ajibola Basiru, former spokesperson of the Senate, refuted claims that he had refused to vacate a seat reserved for Governor Ademola Adeleke at the Eid praying ground in Osogbo, Osun State.
In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, Basiru emphatically stated that he did not see any seat earmarked for Governor Adeleke at the venue.
“There is no chair in the mosque; today I did not see any seat earmarked for Governor Adeleke, and I did not see any protocol of the governor, and I did not also see an advance party,” Basiru stated.
The clarification comes in the wake of reports that surfaced earlier in the day, suggesting a clash between Basiru and an aide of Governor Adeleke over seating arrangements at the Osogbo Eid praying ground.
Basiru recounted his experience at the venue, stating, “I sat in my place, and the moment I have been on my seat, one man who I know is not a government official named Olawale Rasheed, came to tell me that there is a government official.”
He further noted that a man he identified as Muniru Raji, whom he referred to as “a political irritant in Osogbo,” approached him with some individuals trying to make him leave his seat.
Controversy over seating arrangements, especially at high-profile events, is not uncommon in political circles.
However, the incident has captured the attention of the public due to the involvement of prominent political figures.
As of now, Governor Adeleke’s office has not issued any statement regarding the incident.
The Eid praying ground is traditionally a place for worship and reflection, especially during the holy festival of Eid.
Political observers in the state have called for respect and decorum, especially in places of worship.
As the story develops, citizens and political analysts will be keen to see if any further clarification or reconciliation emerges from the parties involved.
