Mixed Reactions Over Oyo Governor’s Absence At Olubadan’s 8th Day Burial Prayer

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, was absent from the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji’s eighth day fidau prayer on Sunday, prompting varied reactions from political and traditional circles.

Despite having been away of the country since mid-December 2021, the governor returned to the state on Saturday morning and failed to attend the prayers.

It was learnt that many residents of the state have been criticising the governor for his failure to pay a condolence visit to the families of three late monarchs; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, and the Asigangan of Iganganland, Oba Abdle-Azeez Adeoye.

According to the Daily Trust, the governor’s program for Sunday included an eight-day fidau prayer, but he did not attend.
Makinde’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Bayo Lawal, was present at the fidau prayer and declined to comment on the governor’s absence.

The fidau was held at the Mapo Hall and had in attendance former Governor of the state, Rasidi Ladoja, senator representing Oyo Central, Sen. Teslim Folarin, the 2019 All Progressives Congress gubernatorial candidate in Oyo, Bayo Adelabu, Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola among others.