Seating Dispute Briefly Disrupts Lucia Onanbajo's Burial Service in Ijebu Ode
The burial Mass for Lucia Onanbajo, held at St. Sebastian Catholic Cathedral in Ijebu Ode, was momentarily interrupted by a seating disagreement among senior political figures from Ogun State. The solemn occasion, intended to honour the deceased, drew public attention due to protocol issues that arose during the service.
Protocol Tension Erupts Over Reserved Seats
Organisers had meticulously arranged seating according to official hierarchy, with serving office holders placed on one side of the cathedral and former governors, including Ibikunle Amosun, seated separately. Tension flared when Amosun arrived after the service had commenced and occupied a seat reserved for the sitting Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Eyewitnesses reported that the situation escalated when Amosun reportedly requested that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, vacate his seat to accommodate Mrs. Amosun. By the time the Speaker arrived, protocol officers were compelled to intervene, leading to a brief disruption as they rearranged seating positions to restore order.
Calm Resolution Amidst Online Reactions
Despite the momentary commotion, no raised voices were reported, and the matter was settled within minutes, allowing the ceremony to proceed smoothly. Organisers and attendees emphasised that the incident remained procedural and was handled calmly, though it sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Footage later circulated online showing Talabi explaining the seating arrangement, with Nigerians sharing diverse opinions on the misunderstanding. Some criticised Amosun for arriving late and overreaching, while others pointed to organisational failures or praised the SSG for standing his ground.
Broader Context and Public Debate
This incident highlights the complexities of protocol at high-profile events in Nigeria, where seating arrangements often reflect political hierarchies. It also underscores how such minor disputes can quickly become topics of public debate, especially when shared on social media platforms.
The burial service, otherwise orderly, served as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and planning in event management to avoid disruptions during solemn occasions.
