Former secretary to the Oyo State government and gubernatorial candidate of the Zenith Labour Party, ZLP, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli has revealed the reason for his absence at the inauguration of the State Advisory Council by Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday.
Alli, in a conversation with the Nigerian Tribune said he was absent because he had been in Abuja since Wednesday and was only just on his way back to Ibadan.
He said Makinde was a witness to his travelling as they were on the same flight to Abuja on Wednesday.
“I have been in Abuja for the past two days. In fact, I went in the same flight as the governor. I had a programme there. I just got to Lagos and will be coming to Ibadan now. And that was why I was absent,” Alli said.
Asked if his absence was tantamount to a rejection of his nomination, Alli said, “Have I made any comment to say I have rejected the nomination? The truth is that I was not around.”
Recall that InsideOyo.com had earlier reported that Alli was absent at the inauguration of the State Advisory Council. Aside Alli, Mr Joseph Olaitan was also not in attendance among the 10 members advisory council announced by Makinde, in a June 11 statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa.
The advisory council inaugurated by Makinde has former Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Hosea Agboola as its head.
Other members inaugurated are former majority leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Mulikat Akande-Adeola; Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN); former Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Jacob Adetoro; former honourable Kamil Akinlabi; Chief Gboyega Laoye and Professor Kolapo Hamzat.
Speaking on behalf of the council, Hosea Agboola said they would offer advice driven by the fear of God and the need to improve the lives of the people of the state.
He said the presence of the eight council members showed their acceptance and commitment to the assignment to advise government properly. The advisory council members subsequently went into a meeting with Makinde.
