… personally shut church doors, keeps guests, aides outside auditorium
There was a mild drama on Friday at the burial of the mother – in – law of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mrs Florence Adenekan, as the former leader enforced compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
Obasanjo’s mother-in-law died at 90 and was laid to rest at Isara, in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Friday.
A statement by the former President’s Media Aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, said Mrs Bola Obasanjo (the deceased daughter) was absent at the ceremony, as she was in United Kingdom (UK) and could not make it to the ceremony.
The statement said that Obasanjo stood his ground, enforcing adherence to safety measures at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church (Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion) Diocese of Remo, Isara Remo, where the burial service took place.
Recall that the state government only allows a gathering of 20 people as part of measures to maintain physical distancing and to flatten the COVID – 19 curve.
Obasanjo ensured that only the approved number of those to be allowed was adhered to at the church service, the statement disclosed.
Some of his close aides and associates were reportedly shut out, despite wearing their face masks.
“He (Obasanjo) personally shut the Church doors, as the Service presided over by the Archibishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos/Bishop of Remo Diocese, Most Rev Dr M.O Fape, began at about 10.30am,” the statement said.
Shortly after the funeral service, the interment took place at the cemetery located behind the church, with Obasanjo leading family members to perform the dust to dust rites.
The statement said the former President later paid homage to the four traditional rulers at Ode and Isara areas of the local government.
The monarchs he reportedly visited were Oba Mukaila Akanbi Olabinjo (Isara); the Iraye Remo, Oba Samuel Olatunji Kalejaiye; the Eleposo, Eposo, Ode Remo, Oba Albert Adebose Mayungbe and the Alaye Ode, Oba (Suvr.) Adetunji Osho.
Oba Osho was quoted to have said Obasanjo demonstrated “how true and respected Yoruba son he is, by visiting their domains despite coming on personal engagement to the area. “We shall continue to learn from your wisdom. The entire people of Ode are proud and appreciate this visit.”