Oyo State Deputy Governor Rauf Olaniyan yesterday explained why he obeyed Governor Seyi Makinde’s order, which relocated his office to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Olaniyan said as a retired civil servant of over 28 years, he never got a query for disregarding constituted authority, how much more a governor.
He spoke with reporters who stormed the new office to confirm his compliance with the directive. According to him, office relocation is a normal thing in civil service, noting that he has had to change offices at different times in his civil service career.
The deputy governor also said the relocation was more administrative than political. He explained further that he remains committed to the oath he swore to, to uphold the peace, unity, development and progress of the state, and urged the people to remain calm in the interest of peace.
He said: “This is not a new office; it is still my office, the office of the Deputy Governor irrespective of the location or structure. Cold water is cold water irrespective of the fridge you are bringing it from either big, small or even a cooler.
“People who know me well know that I was in the public service for 28 years and I did not receive a query for a single day. So, why should I get a letter informing me that the governor directed something and I will not comply? No, I have not been known for insubordination to past governors whom I worked with, both military and civilian. Why should this be an exemption. There is no reason why I should not comply.