You Can’t Stop Salaries, Arrests Chiefs Arbitrarily, Ekiti Govt Tells Monarch.

You Can’t Stop Salaries, Arrests Chiefs Arbitrarily, Ekiti Govt Tells Monarch.

The Ekiti State Government, has resolved the escalating chieftaincy brawl in Odo Ayedun Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of the State, as government directed the town’s traditional head, Oba Solomon Ajibade and his backers to halt alleged arbitrary arrests of Chiefs and withholding of their salaries.

The government’s trouble- shooting intervention, was sequel to a petition written by some chiefs, led by Obajemu of Odo Ayedun Ekiti, Chief Ayoposi Ayoola, against Oba Ajibade and the Ajagunna of Ayedun, Chief Biodun Ogunyebi.

The accusations raised by the petitioners against the defendants are : intimidation and harassment by way of reckless arrests and detention of subjects, stoppage of stipends to some Chiefs and neglect of traditional festivals in Odo Ayedun Ekiti.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the directive on Thursday, while presiding over the petition written by the aggrieved traditional Chiefs.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant (Media), Victor Ogunje, urged the monarch to deploy every means to forge unity among his subjects to foster peace in line with the advocacy of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

To quell the festering upheavals and disunity in Odo Ayedun, Mrs Afuye, urged the monarch to stop those instigating arbitrary arrests of subjects, initiate immediate payment of stipends to all alienated Chiefs and show interest in all traditional festivals as the leader of all religions in the town.

The Deputy Governor, who asked the monarch to stop the alleged diversion of stipends meant for the Chiefs to palace maintenance, appealed to the angry Chiefs to return and reunite with the monarch to move the town forward in all spheres.

“No town can witness peace when some people are being arrested anyhow. Let the Kabiyesi begin a process of reconciliation with all his Chiefs. You are a traditional ruler, youh should take interest in all traditional festivals, that is the essence of your being a monarch.

“Let me also emphasize this, you can’t use the stipends for Chiefs for any other purpose even if they are not performing their traditional roles. Try and settle all these matters for your reign to enjoy peace. When you are making these efforts, the angry Chiefs too must be receptive to your reconciliation moves”, Mrs Afuye stated.

Speaking during the parley, the petitioner, Chief Ayoola, lamented how his position was being allegedly undermined by the monarch, using his influence as the prescribed authority of the town.

Chief Ayoola also accused the monarch of arbitrarily installing traditional chiefs without resorting to laid down traditions and customs, by way of circumventing quarters Chiefs perceived as “non-conformists” .

Dispelling the allegations, the defendants, the duo of Oba Ajibade and Chief Biodun Ogunyebi, commended the government for the peace initiative,

The traditional ruler added that at no time did he order the arrest of anyone by security agencies on trump up charges as being peddled by the petitioner. .

Specifically, Oba Ajibade, maintained that he hasn’t stopped traditional festivals in the kingdom, saying he has always been fair and maintain strong affinity with Christians, Muslims and traditionalists in the town.

“There was nowhere where I instructed anybody to arrest any of my subjects. Concerning the monthly stipends to Chiefs, those not paid were chiefs who refused to perform traditional roles and in the running of the town”.

Oyebanji Pays One Billion Naira Gratuity To Retirees.

Oyebanji Pays One Billion Naira Gratuity To Retirees.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved payment of the sum one billion naira as gratuity to retirees in the state as part of efforts to offset backlog of outstanding gratuities. 

The payment is in fulfillment of the Governor’s promise to prioritize welfare and wellbeing of workers and pensioners in the state, as well as his pledge to put in place an arrangement to offset backlog of gratuities owed by previous administrations. 

The Governor urges the senior citizens remain calm and optimistic as Government is committed to prioritizing their welfare, having contributed to the development of the state during their active years. 

Signed 

Yinka Oyebode 

Special Adviser, Media 

12- 07- 2024

Ajoni FC Consolidates On Winning Streak At Ekiti Football League 2024.

Ajoni FC Consolidates On Winning Streak At Ekiti Football League 2024.

....as Ajoni FC secures victory against Perfect Touch FC.

Ajoni FC emerged victorious in the match against Perfect Touch FC by 2 nil.

The first goal was scored in the first half by Abiona Sunday whose brilliant kick was applauded by the spectators while the second goal came in the second half with a bicycle kick from Raman Abdullah Ige.

 Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Prince Micheal Ogungbemi, fcpa.

The Chairman of Ajoni LCDA , Prince Micheal Ogungbemi and the entire team of Ajoni FC were delighted over the deserved victory in the ongoing Ekiti State Football League 2024.

Prince Ogungbemi said hard work and dedication have been helping Ajoni FC to be victorious in their matches thus far.

The LCDA boss described the recent victory as a testimony of the team's determination and team spirit saying he looked forward to more victories in future matches.

The tireless efforts and dedication of Ajoni LCDA Chairman, Hon. Prince (AMB) Michael Ogungbemi in establishing Ajoni FC is already paying off and yielding remarkable results in less than a year as the Ajoni FC team team captain, Osasona Sunday Michael has been invited for a European Football trial 

Head coach of Ajoni FC, David Timmy said the Chairman's vision, leadership, and dedication to sport have been astonishing and laudable adding that the progress and achievements recorded by Ajoni FC wouls not have been possible without the commitment of Prince Ogungbemi towards the development of the youths through Sports.

The coach expressed appreciation for the Chairman's unwavering commitment to the team and sport. 

He congratulated the entire team and assured the players of greater days ahead .

Tinubu Hails Supreme Court Verdict on Local Government Autonomy.

Tinubu Hails Supreme Court Verdict on Local Government Autonomy.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised the Supreme Court of Nigeria's landmark judgement affirming the constitutional rights of local governments. This decision, he says, underscores the Constitution's spirit and intent and marks a pivotal step towards improving local governance in Nigeria.

President Tinubu highlighted the chronic inefficacy of local government administration as a significant hindrance to national progress. He asserted that governance at the grassroots level has been virtually non-existent, affecting the delivery of essential services to the people.

He urged local council leaders to seize this opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to serving their communities. "The Renewed Hope Agenda is for all Nigerians, regardless of faith, tribe, gender, or political affiliation. This judgement empowers our people, especially the poor, to hold local leaders accountable for their actions," Tinubu said.

The President emphasized that transparency in the allocation and use of local government funds is now mandatory. "What is sent to local government accounts will be known, and services must be provided without excuses," he stated. 

Tinubu explained that his administration pursued this legal action out of a firm belief in providing relief to Nigerians through legitimate means. He sees the judgement as a validation of efforts to restructure Nigeria's governance and economy for a fairer and better society.

He also noted that the emasculation of local governments has hindered the provision of essential services such as road maintenance, street lighting, and community security. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold local government financial autonomy is a historic milestone in reinforcing Nigeria's federal structure.

The President commended Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his dedication to this cause. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to upholding the principles of the Constitution, ensuring efficient governance, and fostering national development.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), issued the statement on July 11, 2024.

EKSG Disburses N35m to Fire Disaster Victims in Ekiti.

EKSG Disburses N35m to Fire Disaster Victims in Ekiti.

In a determined bid to restore their losses and offer them respite in a time of trial, the Ekiti State Government, has disbursed a whopping sum of N35 million to over 50 victims of fire accidents in the state.

The government described the philanthropic gesture as part of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s strategic and calculated measures to mitigate the negative effects of emergency situations on victims in the state.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, said these in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while distributing the funds to beneficiaries, who were victims of fire accidents between September, 2023 and March, 2024.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, urged the beneficiaries not to despair despite their situations, saying the government decided to offer them emotional and financial support to stabilise them to regain their losses.

Besides these support, Mrs Afuye, revealed that a sum of N47 million, had been approved by Governor Oyebanji for victims of rainstorm, while N12.3 million will soon be disbursed to another round of victims of fire disaster across the state, which signposted how committed the government was to liberate the distressed.

To mitigate the exponential and alarming increase in fire accidents in Ekiti, she promised that the state government will soon organise a training across the state to further broaden the horizons of the people on how to curb fire incidences .

The Deputy Governor stated that though the funds disbursed might not be suffice to rebuild their property that were engulfed by inferno, but pointed out that it will offer succour at this trying time.

“Some people are still in the habit of blocking the waterways with debris and refuse, thereby causing flooding and destruction of property. They must desist from these dangerous acts.

“The government is not happy with these unpleasant occurrences. However, Governor Oyebanji is assuring the people that prompt intervention will be given to any hardship that may occur through natural or man made disasters.

“Our determination is to make the people fit to contribute to economic development of our dear state. We must take precautions at all times. While going out, we must switch off our electrical appliances and avoid bush burning during dry season and storage of petrol in residential buildings during scarcity”, she advised.

Saluting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strong anti-poverty policy, Mrs Afuye, said: “On behalf of the government, we appreciate the FG for distributing assorted foods to vulnerable people across the state. We also salute NEMA for collaborating to boost emergency management in our dear state”.

The General Manager, State Emergency Management Agency, Oludare Asaolu, said the governor was saddened by the events of fire accidents that ravaged some property in the state, calling on the victims to take the situations with equanimity and hope for the best.

Asaolu advised the residents to always take precautionary measures like putting off all electrical appliances and gas cylinder appropriately before leaving their residences for their respective offices or farms.

Describing partnership as the best way to tackle disasters, the National Emergency Management Agency’s Head of Operations, Ekiti and Ondo, Mr. Kofoworola Soleye, saluted Governor Oyebanji’s government for collaborating NEMA to give succour to the victims of emergency in the state.

In her submission, the Head of Service, Mrs Folakemi Olomojobi, saluted the governor for being passionate about the welfare of the populace, advising the residents to equip their residential and commercial buildings with fire fighting materials that can help mitigate these occurrences.

Saluting the government on behalf of the victims, Elder Michael Ajayi, said the government’s gesture would help in boosting their morales and help regain their losses.

Dignitaries at the event were: The Commissioner for Information, Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun, Head of Service, Folakemi Olomojobi, Director General, Office of Community Communications, Mrs Mary Oso- Omotoso , Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Mr. Victor Adeniyi, among others.

University Of Ibadan VC, Principal Officers Shower Encomium On Ekiti First Lady, Hubby On Impact In Governance.

University Of Ibadan VC, Principal Officers Shower Encomium On Ekiti First Lady, Hubby On Impact In Governance.

Principal officers of the University of Ibadan (UI) led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale has showered encomium on Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her contribution to academia in particular and humanity at large.

They also hailed her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji for the great impact he has made so far in governance and making a difference in administering the Land of Honour the feat which they acknowledged was boosted by the quality support received from his wife.

The management team of the nation's premier university heaped the glowing plaudits on the Ekiti's first couple during a courtesy call by Dr. Oyebanji to the management in appreciation of her recent pronouncement as an Associate Professor in the Department of Education Management.

It was a grand homecoming for the Ekiti First Lady, who acquired a renown in the citadel of learning as a senior scholar of repute whose works have been globally acknowledged in her field as making immense contribution to learning and quoted widely in several reputable academic journals.

Appreciating the First Lady for her visit to the University, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adebowale said the university is lucky to have Dr. Oyebanji, as an academic staff member, judging by the value she had added to the system in many capacities she was privileged to serve.

Prof. Adebowale noted that Dr. Oyebanji contributed in no small measure to academic development in her department, faculty, and in administration before she became First Lady and had also produced and mentored many doctoral students.

Prof. Adebowale said the University of Ibadan is proud of the achievements of Ekiti Governor and the First Lady for living up to the expectations of the electorate nearly two years in office.

He commended Governor Oyebanji's style of governance and humility; which had brought lots of positive development to his state. He likewise appreciated Dr. Oyebanji for deeming it fit to pay a courtesy visit to her university .

The Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. K. Abiona said Dr. Oyebanji excelled in all positions of responsibilities handled at the university, of a particular note was her role as the assistant hall warden; ldia Hall, one of the major halls of residence, in the university. According to the Dean of Students, Dr. Oyebanji was on the verge of being made a warden of the hall when a call for a higher national assignment came up for her.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose; the Registrar, Mr. G.O. Saliu; the Bursar, Mr. Adewumi Popoola and the Librarian, Dr. Mercy Iroaganachi all took turns to acknowledge the resourcefulness and industry of Dr. Oyebanji in contributing to the excellence the University of lbadan is noted for.

In her response, the First Lady described UI as her second home and expressed appreciation to the staff and students for being part of her development as a senior academic.

She also expressed gratitude to the university management on her elevation to the rank of Associate Professor, which was long overdue promising to keep on giving her best as she awaits her full Professorship next year.

Ekiti Govt Quashes Installation of Regent, Describes Process Illegal.

Ekiti Govt Quashes Installation of Regent, Describes Process Illegal.

The Ekiti State Government has invalidated the process leading to the installation of Princess Taiwo Oladimeji, as the Regent of Emure Ekiti, Emure Local Government Area of the State.

The government through the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, branded the process through which the Regent ascended the throne as fraught with illegality and lacking the requisite approval from Governor Biodun Oyebanji- led government.

Princess Oladimeji was installed as the Regent, sequel to the demise of Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, on May 30, 2024, as the monarch belonged to Pelupelu, the topmost among the hierarchies of traditional rulers in the state.

Mrs Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, handed down the harsh verdict, on Tuesday, during a meeting with the critical stakeholders from the community.

Mrs Afuye bemoaned over how the community brazenly flouted the State Chiefs Law, by blatantly refusing to crave government’s approval before proceeding on the installation, saying such illegality can’t stand in the face of the law.

She, however, restated that government was neither planning to impose nor foist anyone on them as Regent, saying the already installed individual can be represented for the coveted stool, thereby amplifying the imperative of strict compliance with the law.

“Let me emphasize here that you have no Regent yet. Why did you have to rush into taking such step without consulting the government ? Why couldn’t you seek government’s approval?

“What you have as far as we are concerned is illegal Regent. We are not here to impose anyone on you, you are free to take whatever steps that suits you, but we are emphasizing the need for you to comply with the State Chiefs Law.

“So, go back home and do what you are supposed to do, so that government can give the Regent the required recognition, because the one you have installed has no government’s approval”, she stated.

Also, Mrs Afuye stoutly debunked the widespread allegation that she was making surreptitious moves to impose one Chief Toyin Ojo, the Olisa of Emure Ekiti and second in command to Elemure as the Regent, describing such accusation as spurious and unfounded.

On the brewing crisis over the delay in the payment of April, May and June stipends to the traditional chiefs due to the illness suffered by the late monarch, Mrs Afuye, commandeered the Chairman of the Council, Hon Oluwatosin Adedayo to rectify the snag and pay with immediate effect.

The Deputy Governor added that the Local Government Chairman, the Head of Local Government Administration and the Director of Finance should be acting as signatories to the Traditional Council Accounts, pending the time a recognised Regent will be enthroned.

In her submission, the Lawmaker representing Emure constituency in the Ekiti House of Assembly, Hon. Maryam Ogunlade, applauded the government for resolving the logjam surrounding the delay in the payment of stipends and installation of the Regent.

Hon Ogunlade assured that the stakeholders will meet,v finetune arrangements and straighten all rough edges to avert unnecessary bedlam that could jeopardise the peace and stability being experienced under the current government.

Other dignitaries at the meeting were: Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Hon. Ojo Atobioke, Emure Local Government Chairman, Hon. Oluwatosin Adedayo, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, and the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Home Affairs, Mrs Olabisi Akindele, former Assembly member representing Emure constituency, Hon. Febisola Adewale, kingmakers, traditional chiefs, prince and princesses, among others.