AREGBESOLA SHUNS OONI’S INSTALLATION OF JONATHAN, WIFE

Osun state Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola Friday shunned the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade as he was absent at the installation of President Goodluck Jonathan as the “Ohun- Orun” of the source and his wife, Patience as the “yeye
Ohun-Orun” of the source.

The coronation ceremony was part of the activities marking the 30th coronation anniversary of the Ooni, Oba Sijuade.

The ceremony was witnessed by the President of Benin Republic, Dr Boni Yayi, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, PDP governors of Oyo and Ogun states, Otunba Alao Akala and Otunba Gbenga Daniel respectively and former Governors of Osun and Ondo states, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Dr Olusegun Agagu among others.

Neither Governor Aregbesola nor his deputy, Mrs Grace Laoye-Tomori or any representative of the Governor was around when the ceremony lasted.

It was however gathered that Osun state Governor was at the Ibadan airport to receive President Jonathan and his wife earlier in the day.

But the Action Congress of Nigeria ACN Director of Research and Strategy in the state, Hon Sunday Akere told our correspondent that there was no rift between the Governor and the royal father.

He explained that the Governor traveeled to Lagos on Thursday and had so many official engagements outside the state.

The absence of the Governor at the Ooni anniversary may not be unconnected with frosty relationship between the duo before, during and after the 2007 elections.

Speaking shorthly after his installation, President Jonathan asked Nigerians to take the issue of the coming registaration exercise seriously in order to ensure credible elections next year.

He also called on traditional rulers across the country to ensure that their subjects in their domains participate actively in the exercise.

President Jonathan reiterated that next year’s general election would be conducted on the basis of one man one vote.

He disclosed that it was a matter of regret that traditional rulers were not given specific roles to play in the 1999 constitution, saying that National Assembly would be made to pass amendment bill which will specify the roles of the royal fathers.

Other prominent persons at the ceremony which earlier witnessed that engagement ceremony of Princess Adenrele Sijuwade and Mr Ayodeji Fayose at the palace include Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, Minister of Women Affairs Mrs Marian Annenih, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Cheif Gani Adams, Professor Michael Faborode, Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University OAU Ile-Ife and Professor Wande Abimbola former VC of OAU among others.