25th February, 2011
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 yesterday locked out former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and other People’s Democratic Party, PDP chieftains who were in the ancient town to commission the renovated Atiba town hall and flag off Akala’s governorship campaign.
PM NEWS gathered that despite the fact that Obasanjo had contacted Alaafin on Wednesday informing him of his intention to pay him a visit with Akala on Thursday, the entrance gate into the palace being manned by security men was under lock and key throughout yesterday making it impossible for all visitors to see the monarch.
According to the South-West Vice-Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo Obasanjo was expected to lead Governor Alao-Akala of Oyo State and other high-powered delegation to the monarch.
“We decided to flag off the campaign here because we want people to know that there are other big towns in Oyo State aside from Ibadan . Again, we want people to know that there is no problem between Akala and Alaafin. As a matter of fact, once we are through here (Durban Stadium), we are going to Alaafin because Alaafin has promised to host us,†Oladipo said.
But he expressed surprise, that the paramount ruler would not receive them as he had locked his gate against all visitors.
A source close to Obasanjo said, “Baba later shelved the idea of going to the palace when he was informed that the palace has been locked against him and his political son.
Responding to questions from the newsmen on why the Alaafin was not his media aide, Alhaji Azeez Fehintola told the journalists that the monarch was out of the town.
According to him; “Kabiyesi traveled. That is why he was not in the palaceâ€.
It would be recalled that the Alaafin had few months ago alleged that the governor plotted to kill him through some agents. The governor had denied the allegation since. The presidency is said to be investigating the allegation.
Some indigenes of Oyo town in solidarity with their monarch were seen pelting the Alao-Akala’s convoy with stones as they proceeded to the Durbar Stadium for the flag-off of his campaign rally.
However, the rally recorded some causalities as five people allegedly died in a ghastly motor accident at Moniya Area of Ibadan while returning from the rally. Several others were injured.
—Gbenro Adesina/ Ibadan