The Oyo State Government yesterday explained that the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, were not stopped from entering the Lekan Salami Stadium Complex during the unveiling of its main bowl on Wednesday.
Governor Seyi Makinde said the two kings were too important to be prevented from attending the event they had been duly invited.
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The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Taiwo Adisa, in a statement said, “What happened was that security operatives advised that the drivers of the revered monarchs make their way through another gate since their convoys were unable to access the VVIP Drop Off Zone from the gate they entered through.
“From the VVIP Drop Off Zone, it would be easy for the monarchs to access the VVIP box without meandering through the stairs, as that would have unduly stressed them given their age.”
Adisa added that seats of the monarchs were already reserved, and that the government valued their presence, adding “It is unthinkable that some individuals would try to create a wedge between the palaces of the respective monarchs and the state government, which holds them in high esteem.”
The Assistant Director of Media and Communications to Olubadan, Yanju Adegboyega, had on Wednesday said, “The DSS and bouncers did not allow us to enter. They said they can only allow the monarchs to enter if they can only go in with just one aide. Olubadan had no option but to leave, Aseyin also followed us.”
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