An intense altercation between Governor Ademola Adeleke of
Osun State and former Senate
spokesman Ajibola Basiru nearly marred the
peaceful atmosphere of Eid prayers in Osogbo, the state capital. The incident
unfolded when Basiru refused to vacate the front row of mats arranged at the
Oke-Baale prayer ground.
Basiru alleged that the confrontation was a deliberate
attempt by a government official to embarrass him. In response, Adeleke’s
spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, clarified that the presence of armed individuals
within the prayer ground upon the governor’s arrival was seen as a potential
threat to his life.
When Basiru was informed that the spot he occupied was
intended for the governor, he moved to another mat in the front row. However,
the attempt to relocate him sparked an argument that was still ongoing when
Governor Adeleke arrived.
Upon witnessing the chaotic scene, Adeleke returned to his
car. After a few minutes, he reemerged only to find Basiru still occupying the
front row. Evidently angered by this, Adeleke decided to leave without
participating in the prayer.
Some worshippers, refusing to let the altercation disrupt the
occasion, resisted the commotion and forced open the gate, allowing the prayer
to proceed as planned. Basiru and other prominent indigenes of Osogbo observed
the prayers unaffected by the confrontation.
Following the prayers, Basiru clarified that he did not see
Adeleke or his advance and protocol team at the Eid prayer, and there were no
indications that any seat was reserved for the governor. He explained that the
sitting arrangement typically followed a tradition where Muslim community
leaders and government officials had designated spots. The Muslim community
leaders were under the auspices of the Asiwaju of Musulumi of Yoruba Land.
Basiru claimed that before their arrival, Muniru Raji had already assigned
someone to the spot they had arranged. Raji insulted Basiru, leading to the
surrounding of Basiru by worshippers to prevent any physical assault. Basiru
admitted being unaware if the governor had attended the Eid prayer due to the
crowd surrounding him. Eventually, Basiru stood up and performed his prayers.
After the prayer, some policemen insisted that Basiru meet
with their commissioner separately. However, Basiru insisted on meeting the
commissioner alongside the Muslim community leaders with whom he had arrived. A
confrontation ensued as the policemen attempted to remove Basiru from his
vehicle, but Basiru and his companions resisted, questioning the lack of a
warrant for his arrest. Basiru attributed the embarrassing situation to overzealous
supporters of the governor.
Governor Adeleke, appealing for calm, ordered the immediate
arrest of those involved in the incident. He expressed gratitude for his safety
and directed security agencies to apprehend those responsible, ensuring they
faced the consequences of their actions. Adeleke specifically highlighted the
role played by former Senator Ajibola Basiru, who refused to vacate the space
reserved for the governor at the prayer ground. The governor alleged that
members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who advocated for respect for the
Office of the Governor were subjected to physical assault.
