Security agents on Wednesday evening, prevented the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, from going into the newly renovated Lekan Salami Stadium for reasons yet unknown.
The two monarchs had arrived the sports complex and attempted to go in with their aides, but they were stopped by the operatives stationed at the entrance of the stadium. This prompted them to leave in anger, Oyo Vanguard is reporting.
The 82-year-old Alaafin and the 93-year-old Ibadan monarch were made to wait for almost 30 minutes as the security agents at the gate were said to have insisted that just one of the aides would be allowed to go in with each of the monarchs.
An eye witness said there was pushing and shoving at the gate and the monarchs left the venue in anger.
The spokesman for the Olubadan, Chief Adeola Oloko confirmed the shabby treatment of the royal father despite having the entry requirements.
Oloko said the monarch did not have anything against Governor Seyi Makinde, who he said, did a wonderful job but blamed the overzealous security agents for what he called lack of discretion.
The spokesman for the Alaafin, Bode Durojaye, also confirmed the incident saying, “Overzealousness of the security agents there prevented the Alaafin from entering. I did not go but I have just being briefed.”
In attendance at the inauguration were Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of Ondo State; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, former Governor Rasheed Ladoja of Oyo State; his successor Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Military Governor of Oyo State Gen. David Jemibewon who constructed the stadium in 1976, the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, among others.
The event kicked off with a Novelty Match between former Super Eagles players and ex players of 3SC. The governor himself was among the players with his OYSG-inscribed blue jersey worn on ox-blood track trousers.
Among the popular players on the pitch were: Ike Shorunmun, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Felix Owolabi, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Tijani Babangida, Mutiu Adepoju, among others.
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