EKITI GUBER PETITIONS: OYEBANJI RAISES ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION BEFORE TRIBUNAL.

EKITI GUBER PETITIONS: OYEBANJI RAISES  ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION BEFORE TRIBUNAL.

...As Panel Continues Sitting on Monday.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has formulated six issues for determination before the Election Petition Tribunal hearing the petitions arising from the June 20 governorship election in the state.

Oyebanji who was the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner of the June 20 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after polling 319,224 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr Oluwole Oluyede garnering 40,543 votes to come second while African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Chief Dare Bejide came third with 12,872 votes.

Two petitions were filed by Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Action Alliance (AA) before a three-member panel of the Tribunal chaired by Justice Abubakar Kutigi which continues its sitting in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Monday.

The SDP candidate, Adebayo Alade, polled a total of 179 votes while the AA candidate, Olu Omotoso, obtained 126 votes at the governorship election. The PDP candidate Oluyede has withdrawn his petition before the Tribunal.

Governor Oyebanji in a bid to solidify his defence has put forward six issues before the three-member jury for determination in the course of the trial of the two petitions by the opposition parties and their candidates.

The six issues formulated by Oyebanji for the SDP petition are as follows:

●Whether the Petition is not incompetent in view of its gross violation of the Electoral Act 2026 and other fundamental defects there to.

●Whether the Petition is not incompetent for non-joinder of the APC as a necessary party in the Petition.

●Whether the Petitioners have proved that the election of the 2nd Respondent (Oyebanji) was invalid by reason of non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act 2026.

●Whether the Petitioners have proved that the election of the 2nd Respondent (Oyebanji) was invalid by reason of corrupt practices.

●Having regard to the evidence before the Tribunal, whether the Petitioners proved that the 2nd Respondent (Oyebanji) was not elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the election; and 

●Whether the Petitioners in the current circumstances of the petition filed by SDP, proved that the 2nd Petitioner (Alade) is entitled to be returned as the duly-elected Governor of Ekiti State, following the Ekiti State governorship election held on 20th day of June, 2026.

Five issues were formulated for determination in the petition filed by AA and they are all similar to the first five issues in the SDP petition.

The papers conveying the governor's issues for determination were signed by his team of lawyers led by Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN.

However, the SDP is expected to open its case on Monday by calling its witnesses to give evidence before the Tribunal.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI MOURNS APC LEADER, HON. LAWRENCE ADEBAYO KOLAWOLE.

GOVERNOR OYEBANJI MOURNS  APC LEADER, HON. LAWRENCE ADEBAYO KOLAWOLE.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed condolences on the passing of a frontline leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Moba Local Government, Hon. Lawrence Adebayo Kolawole (aka Aba Leader). 

The late Hon Kolawole passed on Saturday, after a brief illness. He was aged 88. 

Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Olayinka Oyebode, described Hon Kolawole’s death as a major loss to the party,  the people of Otun Ekiti community and Moba Local Government , where the deceased held sway as a trusted community leader, towering political figure and a father figure to many. 

 The late Hon Kolawole, according to the Governor was a distinguished and courageous leader, a progressive-minded grassroots politician, and a great supporter of his administration, who was accorded a great respect within the party hierarchy in view of his leadership qualities. 

The Governor said the late Hon. Kolawole who served diligently as a Councillor, Leader of the House, Moba Local Government Legislative Council, during the administration Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, later served as Chairman of the APC in Moba Local Government for many years. 

“Baba remained loyal, courageous and consistent till he breathed his last, leaving behind legacies of selfless service, integrity and loyalty. 

 

“He was a man of wisdom, integrity, humility and unwavering commitment to his people, the party and to the progressive principles”, the Governor added. 

  

Governor Oyebanji urged the children and family of the late politician to be consoled by the record of selfless service and good name left behind by the deceased.

“Our condolences to the family, children, associates of our dear leader, Hon Kolawole. It is our prayers that God will grant him eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, the statement added.

AAUA Alumnus, Tosin Gbogi, Wins Double Global Awards.

AAUA Alumnus, Tosin Gbogi, Wins Double Global Awards.

An alumnus of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, AAUA, Dr Tosin Gbogi, has earned international recognition, clinching two prestigious awards for his scholarly contributions to African literary and cultural studies.

Gbogi, an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, was named the winner of the Best Book Prize of the African Studies Association of the United Kingdom (ASAUK) for his book, “Nigerian Hip-Hop: Race, Knowledge, and the Poetics of Resistance”, published by Oxford University Press in 2025.

Gbogi received the award on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the ASAUK awards ceremony at Durham University.

Published by one of the world's leading academic presses, the book examines Nigerian hip-hop as a significant site of cultural production, knowledge creation, and resistance.

Drawing on music, lyrics, visual arts, archival materials and interviews, Gbogi explores the relationship between Nigerian hip-hop, race, identity, popular culture and decolonial knowledge, while highlighting the ways young Nigerians use the genre to interrogate questions of self, nation and society.

The first comprehensive and systematic study of Nigerian hip-hop – one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant of such scenes – the book attends to the literary forms, the density of ideas, historical encounters, ideological struggles, and the lively internal debates that have animated the culture for more than four decades.

The University of Minnesota describes the work as a major study of Nigerian hip-hop's popular poetry, intermediality, Afrodiasporic connections, and contributions to decolonial and epistemic thought.

In another recognition of his scholarship, Gbogi's essay, “Ears to the Ground: Realness, Decolonial Meta-Rap, and the Language Debate in Nigerian Hip-Hop”, also received the 2026 Abioseh Porter Best Essay Award of the African Literature Association for an outstanding article in African literary studies.

Gbogi earned his Bachelor's degree in English Studies from Adekunle Ajasin University and subsequently taught at the University's Department of English Studies before proceeding abroad for further studies and academic advancement.

Before his international academic career, Gbogi had already established himself as a scholar, poet, and cultural critic. He is the author of two poetry collections, “The tongues of a shattered s-k-y” and “Locomotifs and other songs”, and has published widely on African literature, poetry, hip-hop, popular culture and linguistics.

Agbeyewa, Matna Foods Deepen Ties with Netherlands' ANDRITZ Gouda to Unlock New Value from Cassava.

Agbeyewa, Matna Foods Deepen Ties with Netherlands' ANDRITZ Gouda to Unlock New Value from Cassava.

From the farm to the factory, Agbeyewa Farms and Matna  are exploring new possibilities for cassava through technology and strategic industry partnerships.

Sander Schwartz of ANDRITZ Gouda B.V., Netherlands, recently visited Agbeyewa's cassava operations in Ipao, Ekiti State, before proceeding to Matna Foods' processing facility in Akure.

The two-stop engagement explored opportunities to strengthen cassava processing, optimise production and unlock higher-value applications through advanced processing technologies.

With ANDRITZ Gouda bringing more than a century of expertise in process technology, the engagement represents another step toward connecting reliable cassava production, industrial processing and value addition.

At Agbeyewa and Matna, we remain focused on one bigger opportunity: unlocking more value from cassava, from root to industry.

#CassavaValueChain #AgroProcessing #AgriculturalInnovation #ValueAddition #AgriBusiness

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU FACILITATES CONSTRUCTION OF SIX-CLASSROOM BLOCK FOR ORUN COMMUNITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

SENATOR YEMI ADARAMODU FACILITATES CONSTRUCTION OF SIX-CLASSROOM BLOCK FOR ORUN COMMUNITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

The ongoing construction of a modern six-classroom block at Orun Community Grammar School, Orun-Ekiti, facilitated by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has further strengthened efforts to improve educational infrastructure and create a more conducive learning environment for students.

The project is designed to provide safe, comfortable and functional classrooms that will enhance teaching and learning while supporting teachers in delivering quality education.

The intervention underscores Senator Adaramodu’s commitment to human capital development, educational advancement and community-focused representation, particularly across Ekiti South.

Speaking on behalf of the community, High Chief Aro, representing His Royal Majesty, Oba Zachaeus Aderohunmu Oluwatosin Adewumi Omuyomade I, the Olowuro of Orun-Ekiti, expressed the community’s appreciation to Senator Adaramodu for his consistent interventions and responsiveness to the needs of the people.

The Olowuro of Orun-Ekiti prayed for Senator Adaramodu and pledged the community’s continued support for the government at all levels, while expressing confidence in the Senator’s commitment to the development of Orun and Ekiti South.

Residents Defy Heavy Rainfall to Receive Balarabe Akinwumi, Others.

Residents Defy Heavy Rainfall to Receive Balarabe Akinwumi, Others.

Residents of Ward 2 in Akure South Local Government Area, on Friday, September 11, 2026, defied a heavy downpour in the metropolis, trooping out in large numbers to receive Hon. Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi, candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election.

The visit formed part of the ADC's ongoing ward-to-ward engagement across the constituency, during which the party's candidates and leaders have been interacting with residents, community leaders, party members and various interest groups.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Akinwumi thanked the residents for turning out despite the unfavourable weather conditions. He described the reception as a demonstration of the confidence and support of the people, assuring them that he and the party would not take their support for granted.

“This show of love is overwhelming. It is a confirmation of your confidence and belief in us. As an individual and a political party, we will not disappoint you too,” Akinwumi said.

He said he was determined to establish a standard of representation that would serve as a benchmark for whoever represents the constituency in the future.

“I am determined to set a standard that even after me, subsequent representatives will not be able to perform below the standard. We will support our women with funding for their businesses and provide job opportunities for their children so that their businesses can grow,” he said.

Akinwumi also spoke on the need for greater economic opportunities for women and youths, stressing that support for small businesses and employment opportunities could contribute to improved livelihoods within the constituency.

He called on ADC members and supporters to continue mobilising peacefully across their respective wards and communities, urging them to communicate the party's message responsibly and engage residents with respect.

The candidate also thanked the residents for their resilience in braving the heavy rainfall to participate in the engagement, describing their presence as an indication of the importance they attach to direct interaction with political candidates.

The campaign train included the ADC Chairman in Akure South,  Prince Abiodun Adeyemi; Director-General of the ADC Campaign Council in Akure South, Ambassador Kunle Adeloye; House of Assembly hopefuls, Engr. Temi Oluwalade and Hon. Adeyemi Adesida; and the ADC Women Leader in Akure South, Olori Falaye Adenike, among other party leaders and supporters.

The Ward 2 engagement is part of the ongoing grassroots sensitization activities of the ADC ahead of the 2027 general election, with the party continuing its interactions with communities across the Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency.

Balarabe Foundation Empowers Households, Students as 30 Trainees Graduate, 100 Set for Next Intake.

Balarabe Foundation Empowers Households, Students as 30 Trainees Graduate, 100 Set for Next Intake.

The Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi Foundation (BAAF) has continued its intervention in education, youth empowerment and community development, with 30 young people graduating from its latest skills-acquisition programme as another 100 set to benefit from a new digital-skills training initiative.

Founder of the Foundation, Hon. Balarabe Abiodun Akinwumi, said investing in young people and making meaningful contributions to society had become an important part of his personal commitment to community development.

Akinwumi, who is also the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Akure South/Akure North Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, stated this on Friday, September 11, 2026, at the BAAF Impact and Graduation Ceremony held to celebrate the 30 beneficiaries who completed their training.

The beneficiaries were equipped with practical skills across various areas, including fashion, hair styling, photography, video editing, event planning, pastries and nail artistry.

Speaking at the ceremony, Akinwumi said one of the most enduring ways of impacting society was through investment in human capacity, particularly by giving young people the skills, mentorship and support required to become self-reliant.

According to him, empowering young people goes beyond providing immediate assistance, as it also involves mentoring them and monitoring their progress to ensure that the knowledge and skills acquired translate into sustainable livelihoods.

He announced the sponsorship of another batch of 100 young people who would be trained in digital skills as part of the Foundation's continuing empowerment initiative.

Akinwumi expressed appreciation to his wife, Adenike, for what he described as her invaluable support, while also commending the Manager of the Foundation, Mrs Simisola Alabi, and the team of volunteers for their commitment to the Foundation's programmes.

Earlier in her remarks, the Foundation's Manager, Mrs Simisola Alabi, had said BAAF's interventions should not be measured merely by the number of beneficiaries but by the individual lives and families positively affected by its programmes.

“When we look at the journey of BAAF so far, we don’t just see numbers. We see faces. We see young people whose dreams were given another chance. We see parents whose burdens became a little lighter. We see communities that were reminded that someone cares,” Alabi said.

She explained that the Foundation's education-support initiatives had reached a significant number of pupils and students, noting that BAAF had paid the school fees of 100 students and supported 20 parents with their children's education. According to her, the Foundation had also provided 60 school uniforms and distributed more than 2,000 learning materials, 500 mathematical sets and 500 school bags to children who needed them.

Alabi said the Foundation recognised that financial constraints could constitute a major barrier to educational advancement, particularly for young people seeking admission to tertiary institutions.

“We also believe that the cost of an examination should not limit a young person’s future. That is why we sponsored 100 teenagers for JAMB registration, helping remove one more barrier between them and tertiary education,” she said.

She recalled that when residents of Ifelodun community reached out following damage to their water-storage facilities, the Foundation responded by providing two 2,500-litre water tanks.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to the 30 beneficiaries who completed the skills-acquisition programme.

The event also featured a panel discussion and talent presentations, providing the beneficiaries with an opportunity to showcase some of the skills and abilities acquired during their training.