In a dramatic turn of events, the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Ademola Adeleke, abruptly left the Osogbo Eid prayer ground due to a heated argument with former Senate spokesperson, Ajibola Basiru, over seating arrangements, News About Nigeria reports.
The incident unfolded when Basiru, accompanied by influential figure Chief Tunde Badmus and other notable individuals from Osogbo, arrived at the prayer ground to participate in the Turakat prayer.
Initially, Basiru unknowingly occupied a prime seat in the front row, which had been reserved for the Governor.
A member of the protocol staff approached him in a courteous manner and conveyed the information that the seat had been reserved.
Complying with the request, Basiru moved to another front-row seat, only to face opposition from the protocol officer once again.
Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke arrived at the prayer ground, and Chief Badmus respectfully relinquished his seat to welcome the Governor at the entrance.
A fiery dispute broke out when the Governor’s protocol team adamantly demanded that Basiru evacuate the front row.
Local residents, on the other hand, staunchly defended Basiru’s right to occupy the seat as a respected citizen of the city.
As tensions escalated, Governor Adeleke, visibly agitated, decided to leave the area and retreated to his car.
After a short absence, the Governor returned to find Basiru still seated in the disputed front-row seat.
Frustrated by the situation, he departed from the prayer ground without participating in the prayer.
Not long after the Governor left, law enforcement officers arrived at the location and ensured the entrance to the prayer ground was guarded.
It was alleged that they had been instructed to apprehend Basiru.
However, worshippers strongly resisted this action and managed to forcefully open the gate.
As a result, Basiru and other prominent residents of Osogbo were able to perform the Turakat prayer before leaving the prayer ground.
Despite attempts to gather comments from both Basiru and Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, no statements were obtained.
