Akeredolu's Return a Testament of Strength, Resilience, Says Minister of Interior.

Akeredolu's Return a Testament of Strength, Resilience, Says Minister of Interior.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo , has extended his heartfelt welcome to the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu. SAN, CON, on his return to Nigeria.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde on Friday, the minister stated that the return of the governor is not just a testament of his strength, resilience, and will, which the majority admire him for, but also a proof of God's faithfulness."

"The people of Ondo State, who have eagerly awaited the return of their beloved governor, are filled with joy and gratitude to have him back. 

Your unwavering commitment to the well-being and progress of Ondo State has been an inspiration to us all, and we are pleased to see you back in good health.

"Your leadership and dedication to the people of Ondo State are invaluable, and we look forward to the continued development and prosperity of the state under your guidance. 

"As you formally resume duties, I pray our state witnesses more development under your watch," he added.

Irewolede LCDA Chairperson Commends EKSIEC For Embarking On Familiarization Tour.

Irewolede LCDA Chairperson Commends EKSIEC For Embarking On Familiarization Tour.

The Executive Chairperson of Irewolede Local Council Development Area (LCDA),Hon. (Mrs) Dupe Bakare has commended Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) for the good job they are doing in the State as unbiased umpire.

Hon. Bakare gave the commendation while playing host to the Chairman of EKSIEC, Rtd. Justice Cornelius Akintayo and his team during their familiarization visit to the LCDA.

The Council Boss appreciated the Commission for the visit and assured them of the readiness of the LCDA to cooperate and support the Commission in the course of performing their constitutional roles.

"I appreciate the EKSIEC Chairman and his team for not excluding Irewolede LCDA in their familiarization tour and I assure you that our LCDA will not be a clog in your wheel of progress".

Hon. Bakare informed the Commission that she has provided a befitting accomodation for their staff in order to boost their morale.

In his speech, Justice Akintade appreciated Hon. Bakare and the management of the Council for the warm reception accorded his team.

"My sincere gratitude goes to Hon. Bakare for her previous cooperation and contributions to the Commission, most especially, for providing accomodation to our staff".

Justice Akintade implored the Council Chairman to assist the Commission by sensitizing the citizens on the need to come out enmass during election day.

"There is a need to create awareness amongst the people that voting is a civic responsibility".

The SIEC boss gave assurance that the Commission will conduct free, fair, credible and acceptable elections in December.

Thereafter, he presented a copy of the election timetable to the Chairperson.

In his remarks, the Head of Local Government Administration (HLA),Mr. Gbenga Sanya thanked the Commission for the visit.

The SIEC boss was  accompanied by his Commissioners, Directors and Permanent Secretary, Barr. Modupe Akinbolawa.

Present at the meeting were the Vice-Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Samson Kolawole, Secretary, Hon. Isaac Komolafe, HLA, Mr. Gbenga Sanya, Directors and  the staff of the LCDA.

Daniel Abe

Press Officer,

Irewolede LCDA.

Hon. Ojuawo Congratulates President Bola Tinubu on his Victory.

Hon. Ojuawo Congratulates President Bola Tinubu on his Victory.

The Legislator representing the Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi has congratulated  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his resounding victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

Hon Ojuawo stated on behalf of his constituency, 'I join millions of Nigerians who are progressively minded and those who care about the advancement of Democracy and the development of our dear nation, irrespective of religion and tribal differences, as well as the judicial victory won on the strength of our constitution, at the Presidential  Election Petition Tribunal'.

He also felicitated with Nigerians and the entire members of the APC family in Nigeria and in diaspora on the victory. 'I am elated to congratulate our President on his victory at the tribunal'.

The Honourable member stressed further that  the victory is a double victory as he marks 100 days of exceptional leadership to Nigeria. The victory is well deserving, and proper. It reaffirms and re-validates the love Nigerians have for our dear President which they demonstrated in February 25th with the overwhelming and popular mandate they bestowed on him,

'I urged the defeated petitioners to place love for the Country above sentiments and partisan strivings, accept the tribunal's verdict with utmost equanimity, and support the President in his efforts to build a better Country. 

He gave kudos to the judiciary for being the last hope of the common man.

'We have no other Country except Nigeria and we all, irrespective of party affiliation, religion, or tribe, owe it as a duty to make our Country work',Ojuawo concluded.

 OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Ekiti people have scored you pass mark, Fayemi tells Governor Oyebanji.

Ekiti people have scored you pass mark, Fayemi tells Governor Oyebanji.

..…as ex-Gov joins Biodun Oyebanji to commission Ultra Modern Bus Terminal.

The immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Thursday publicly applauded the sterling performance of the incumbent Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji saying that he is happy the people of the state had already given him a pass mark barely a year into his tenure. 

Dr Fayemi who stated this as he joined Governor Oyebanji to commission the ultra -modern Ado- Ekiti Bus Terminal in Ado- Ekiti, said he didn’t have to wait till mid-term to do an assessment of Governor Oyebanji’s performance, adding that the people of Ekiti State had already awarded him a pass mark, based on his sterling performance. 

“The evidence of your excellent performance is all over the place for everybody to see. I don’t have to wait till mid- term to do an assessment of your performance. The people have already given you a pass mark and I am happy you didn’t disappoint the people. 

“The successful completion of this ultra modern bus terminal that is being commissioned today is one of such. I have also seen several other projects and programmes you are undertaking to the benefit of the people. This is the beauty of continuity we talked about, and I am so happy to be around to witness this. “ Fayemi said. 

Speaking further, Dr Fayemi who said the decision to choose Governor Oyebanji as his successor was not taken out of sentiment, added that he had every reason to support the Oyebanji administration to achieve its set goals, because the “(Oyebanji) governorship project was consciously determined, carefully researched and prayerfully endorsed”.

Commissioning the bus terminal, Governor Oyebanji said the project is a testimony to his administration's commitment to the actualization of the socio-economic development of the state capital, especially the expansion of the city transportation infrastructure in response to its rapid urbanization.

Governor Oyebanji said commissioning the project which was initiated by Dr Fayemi is a justification of the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of his administration, having earlier commissioned the Traditional Council Chamber also initiated by the former governor.

He explained that the bus terminal would serve as an economic hub for inter- state transportation, with facilities such as good internal road, a well arranged parking lot, driver's lounge, clinic, restaurant, ticketing bay and banking hall, among others.

While charging the road transport workers to make judicious use of the facility and embrace a very good maintenance culture, the Governor said the project is equipped to solve trackable management problem, improve transportation infrastructure, enhance passenger experience in the state capital and  reduce indiscriminate packing of vehicles along the major roads within the state capital.

"Today's event is another testimony of our commitment to the actualization to the socio economic development of our state especially the expansion of city transportation infrastructure to rapid urbanization of the state capital.

Governor Oyebanji who hailed the visionary leadership of former Governor Fayemi, said the former Governor had continued to champion the interest of the state even out of office.

Stressing that he had an unalloyed loyalty to Dr Fayemi, Governor Oyebanji said his administration is an offshoot of the immediate past administration, hence no need for comparison. Governor Oyebanji, however said, he would like to surpass the record of achievements of the Fayemi administration in order to vindicate the former Governor that he made a right choice by backing him to succeed him in office.

The Governor said: “The commissioning is another justification for the continuity of vision to which we campaigned, for example you will recall that the foundation of this project was laid on October 27, 2021 by my boss and leader, Dr Kayode Fayemi. We thank God that we are here today with him physically present as a guest of honour to commission this project few weeks after commissioning the traditional council chambers another flagship project of the JKF 2.0 administration completed by our own administration.

"The project being commissioned here today will serve as a hub for inter-state transportation  with such facilities as good internal road, an organizer packing lot, driver's lounge, clinic, banking hall, among others.

"I thank my leader and my boss, the former Governor Kayode Fayemi  for laying a very solid foundation on which we are building upon. I keep telling people that I’ am an offshoot of your administration, this is one government and there is no reason for comparisons and the only thing I can do to make you happy, to convince the “Doubting Thomas” that you have chosen wisely is to surpass your achievement and with God on our side and with your support, I will make you proud.

"Those of you talking on whatsApp, please leave Fayemi and I alone because he is a father to me. Don't waste your time because you cannot separate us. If you know me well, I don't have a history of treachery. We plead with you to allow us develop this state in the interest of all of you.

Earlier, the chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), Chief Joseph Falope, and chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Chief  Sunday Adeola, in their respective goodwill messages, commended Governor Oyebanji for the construction of the terminal and promised that Drivers would put it to judicious use.

They described the project as a welcome development, stressing that it would help increase the Internally Generated Revenue of the State and promote sanity in the transportation sector. They pledged their support for the administration, urging Governor Oyebanji to continue in his good work in the state.

The Ewi of Ado- Ekiti, HRM Oba Rufus Adeyemi Adejugbe, who hailed the successful completion of the project, urged both Fayemi and Oyebanji to continue to work together in harmony for the benefit of the state, not minding what distractors and political jobbers are saying. 

The Monarch said he was happy to see both the former governor and the incumbent arrive at the venue of the event in same car. “This is what we want to see. I am happy to witness this. We want our political leaders and politicians to work together in unison for the overall development of the state. I urge our people to please allow them to continue their father-son relationship and not try to sow seed of discord between them.”, Oba Adejugbe said.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro,  Chief Executive Officer of Planet Projects, Engr Biodun Otunola; members of the State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers and members of the transport unions in the state.

Traditional Transition: Pastor Ghandi Laoye Takes the Helm in Ogbomoso.

Traditional Transition: Pastor Ghandi Laoye Takes the Helm in Ogbomoso.

A former pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Prince Afolabi Ghandi Laoye, on Friday, was installed as the new Soun of Ogbomosoland in Oyo State.

Recall that Laoye, who was based in the United States of America, arrived in Ogbomoso early in the morning in a private chopper, which landed at Ogbomoso Grammar School, before moving to the palace.

It will be also be recalled that the Soun of Ogbomoso stool became vacant after Oba Jimoh Oyewumi transited to the great beyond, on December 12, 2021.

However, some members of the family opposed the approval, thereby heading to court, arguing that he was not part of the process right from the beginning and that he shouldn’t be crowned against their wish.

The family members instituted the suit, marked HOG/27/2022, in July 2022, against the nomination of Ghandi Olaoye by the kingmakers, citing various irregularities in the procedures that produced him thereby praying the court to, among other reliefs, set aside the nomination and to order a fresh process.

The judge, A.K. Adedokun, fixed the judgement day after Olaoye’s counsel, Oladapo Atanda, and Kolawole Fatoye, who represented Ghandi and the kingmakers adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the suit.

The defendants in the case include the Oyo State Governor, Oyo State Attorney General, Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ogbomoso North Local Government, Ogbomoso North Traditional Council, and Prince Amos Olawole Olaoye (Mogaji Olaoye Ruling House) who are 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

The 7th to 11th defendants are the kingmakers: Chief S.O. Otolorin (Areago of Ogbomoso and Chairman), Chief Salawu Ajadi (Jagun), Chief Tijani Abioye (Bara), Cheif David Adeniran Ojo (Ikolaba) and Chief Yusuf Oladipupo (Abese) while Prince Ghandi Olaoye, the Soun nominee, is the 12th defendant.

The plaintiff, while claiming that the regulations guiding the nomination to fill the vacant stool of Soun Chieftaincy Ogbomoso which include the Soun Chieftaincy Declaration (1958), Ogbomoso District Native Authority Resolution (1953) and Oyo State Chiefs Law (2000) were grossly violated, sought relief that the procedure for Ghandi’s nomination was inconclusive in that a minority committee performed the task instead of the whole members of the family.

“A declaration that the procedure adopted for the nomination of candidate or candidates to fill the vacant stool of Soun of Ogbomoso Chieftaincy by the members of Laoye Ruling House through the purported 11-member screening committee was inconclusive.

“The member of the Olaoye ruling house as a family was denied their legal right of having a final say in voting and/or ratifying the aforesaid report at the time the kingmakers acted upon it, not strictly the method envisaged under the native law and custom, the Laoye ruling house as a body entitled to nominate a candidate for appointment to the stool of Soun and not by the minority of the members of the larger body.”

He wanted the court to declare that the active participation of the 4th defendant (Ogbomoso North Local Government) in the process leading to the emergence of Ghandi Olaoye rather than being a mere observer invalidates the process.

The claimant, therefore, sought orders of the court to set aside the nomination of Ghandi, noting the procedure that produces him contravenes native law and custom for the selection of a candidate for selection of a new Soun.

In addition, the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 12th defendants represented by Kolawole Fatoye, Olalekan Oguntoye and O.E. Igene filed counter-claims to which the claimant also filed defence.

The legal team of 7th to 10th defendants which also represented Ghandi, urged the court to “dismiss the claim and grant the counterclaim” noting that “all the procedure as itemized above clearly showed that the 12th defendant was duly nominated by the Laoye ruling house and selected by the kingmakers.”

It asserted that the plaintiff filed “this action because the selection did not favour him having participated along with others in the nomination and selection exercise.”

The judge, Adedokun, therefore, fixed October 3 for the judgement.

On Saturday, September 2, however, the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, had in a statement by his Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, approved the selection of Olaoye as the next Soun.

Again, on Thursday, the state High Court in Ogbomoso restrained the governor, the Attorney General of the State and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters either by themselves, agents, or officials from presenting any instrument of office in any form of ceremony or issuance of the certificate of installation to Olaoye until the final determination of the mandatory injunction already filed before the court.

However, the new monarch was at the palace, on Friday, for an official installation which was performed at Abata by the kingmakers led by the Areago High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin.

The kingmakers said they did not receive any court injunction restraining them from installing Ghandi as the new Soun of Ogbomoso.

He is billed to commence the traditional rites soon.

The new Oba is proclaimed His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.

Throne Abdication: Ekiti Govt Restores Traditional Ruler, Pacifies Angry Chiefs.

Throne Abdication: Ekiti Govt Restores Traditional Ruler, Pacifies Angry Chiefs.

The Ekiti State Government, yesterday restored the embattled  Obasaoye of Isaoye, Moba  Local Government Area of the state, Oba Damilare Olajide Gabriel back to the throne after tendering apology to his Chiefs, who were miffed by his alleged abdication of his royal seat.

The monarch had been having a running battle with his chiefs, since 2018, for allegedly taking step to exterminate all traditional festivals in the community, which prompted the chiefs to angrily begin a process of deposing  him and install a successor. 

The monarch in the heat of the crisis, had abdicated the throne and stood his ground not to participate in  worshipping of deities on the strength of his religious belief. 

The matter was resolved in Ado Ekiti ,on Thursday, by the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, during a peace parley with the two factions to resolve the lingering crisis.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by his Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, described as inappropriate, a statement allegedly made by Oba Gabriel at a peace meeting held  on Tuesday, 11th February, 2020, that he won't participate personally and financially in any traditional festival.

Based on his pledge to change and partake in all traditional activities being held by the community, Mrs Afuye pleaded with the Chiefs to allow the monarch to return, saying this remains the best way to foster peace and development in Isaoye.

Mrs Afuye also directed the embattled monarch to sign a document that would lend credence to his readiness to support all traditional festivals based on the request of his subjects to resolve the matter permanently.

"The government will watch our Kabiyesi  for six months before realeasing his outstanding salaries to him . If he doesn't cooperate with the town, then we can begin a process of deposition, but I know that things will not get to this level. Please, give him this second  chance.

"The monarchs are the custodians of our culture and tradition . The essence of being a monarch is to be leader of all religions, particularly the  traditional one. You can't be a king and be working against your subjects'  wishes and interests, you must cooperate with them.

"If you are removed from this throne, it will affect your lineage. Try and mend fences by cooperating with your chiefs to celebrate your culture and  tradition".

While apologising to his Chiefs, the monarch promised to sign a document compiled by his chiefs indicating his readiness to embrace tradition.

"Let me also appeal that they should forgive all my past mistakes and cooperate with me to move the town forward. As a sitting Obasaoye, I have a date with history and I don't want anything that will affect my lineage in the future.

"I am ready to cooperate with you by doing all your requests. I also thank the state government for intervening severally in this matter". 

The Obaisa of Isaoye and second in command, Chief Joseph Ogidi, said the town had no issue with the monarch other than for him to rescind his decision to obliterate all traditional deities in the town.

Ogidi promised that the Chiefs and the  town will be ready to cooperate with the monarch if he softpedals on his earlier hard posture and demonstrate his readiness to abide by their demands.

Ekiti First Lady Condemns Killing Of FUOYE Student.

Ekiti First Lady Condemns Killing Of FUOYE Student.

.....Demands justice for the deceased.

The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has condemned the killing of a female student of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE), Miss Deborah Modupe Atanda in strong terms. 

The First Lady expressed her profound sorrow upon learning about the tragic killing of Deborah, a 200 Level student of the Department of Nursing at FUOYE, empathizing with the family of the deceased and the university community who are mourning the loss of a promising student.

Dr. Oyebanji conveyed her shock and heartbreak upon receiving the news of the student's untimely demise. She described the killing as an act of sheer wickedness, shocking in its brutality, heartrending to the core, and absolutely condemnable. 

According to her, such act of violence has no place in a civilized academic community where future leaders are nurtured.

She emphasized that a university should serve as an environment for academic pursuits and the exchange of ideas, and it should never become a site of tragedy where the destinies of the next generation of leaders are cut short.

As a mother herself, Dr. Oyebanji shared the agonizing pain of losing such a daughter with a promising and bright future. She acknowledged that only the grace of Almighty God can provide solace to heal the broken hearts of the grieving family.

Dr. Oyebanji extended her heartfelt condolences to the parents of the slain student, praying that God would grant them the strength and fortitude to bear the immense loss of their precious daughter.

The Ekiti First Lady pleaded that every possible human effort should be exerted by the security operatives to identify and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice in honour of Deborah's memory.

Signed:

Odunayo Ogunmola

Senior Special Assistant (Media)

Office of the Wife of the Governor

8th September, 2023