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Why Abiodun Was Absent At 8th-Day Prayer For Dimeji Bankole’s Mother
the mother of his touted political ally,
Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, was one of the noticeable absentees at the 8th-day prayer for Madam Monsurat Bankole, the mother of his touted political ally, Dimeji Bankole.
The fidau prayer for the mother of the former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives was held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Abeokuta Sports Club, Ogun State.
Abiodun, who was represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, was one of the key political figures in Ogun State not physically present.
His absence, along with that of major stakeholders in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), like Senators Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (alias Yayi) and Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), has sparked different narratives regarding its political implications.
Former Senator Ibikunle Amosun (SIA) was the only member of the big four players in APC present at Bankole’s event.
However, sources claim the Governor was absent due to the devastating shock he suffered over the untimely death of his strong ally, Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, famously known as Ijaya.
Adewunmi Ijaya, who represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, died on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.
Abiodun was so affected by the loss that it took virtually all his willpower to hold back tears during a condolence visit to the deceased’s family on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Insiders disclosed that the Governor opted not to attend the fidau for Dimeji Bankole’s mother to recover his composure and out of respect for Onanuga’s memory.
“She was a very close ally of the Governor and a pivotal member of his political structure. The Governor is yet to recover,” insiders revealed.
However, those in the know insist Abiodun demonstrated his strong ties with Bankole through the calibre of representatives he sent to the former federal lawmaker’s event.
Among others, hard-core loyalists like Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele and Senator representing Ogun Central, Afolabi Salisu, were on hand to show that Abiodun and Bankole remain on good terms.
Bankole is one of the listed aspirants in the 2027 Ogun State gubernatorial race, with Senator Adeola Yayi as the clear front-runner.
