Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo has slammed critics who faulted his absence at programmes held to honour Oba Saliu Adetunji, the late Olubadan of Ibadan. 

Mr Makinde explained that although he was in Saki when the monarch was down with illness, he was in talks with medical doctors who treated him.

He said, “Today, I am saying it in front of everybody that those saying that I was supposed to return to the state immediately I got the news of Baba’s demise lack knowledge,” Mr Makinde said, according to a statement signed by his aide, Taiwo Adisa.

The governor was criticised for his absence at the eight-day prayer held for the repose of the soul of the late monarch.

But the governor who visited the family of Mr Adetunji, at Popo-Yemoja in Ibadan on Tuesday, said, “So, those criticising my action are not the ones to tell us how we are supposed to take care of our aged ones. We know what to do and we did what was expected of us to do.” 

Mr Makinde also stated that he had heard enough on the controversy surrounding who or who was not to be installed as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, including other narratives around the matter.

“This will be the last time there will be controversy on the next person to ascend to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland,” the Oyo governor pointed out.

He assured Ibadan indigenes that his administration would do what was right to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of Ibadanland.

(NAN)