Tag: Ekiti State

  • Gov Oyebanji fires Ekiti agency boss

    Gov Oyebanji fires Ekiti agency boss

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has relieved Mr Abayomi Olumide of his position as Chairman of the Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency.

    This is contained in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti.

    “The removal, which was as a result of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty, is with immediate effect.

    “The sacked chairman has also been directed to hand over all government properties in his custody to the Agency,” the statement reads.

  • Ekiti 2026: Aides donate N10m for Oyebanji’s nomination form

    Ekiti 2026: Aides donate N10m for Oyebanji’s nomination form

    Political appointees of Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti have presented a cheque of N10 million to him as contribution for the purchase of the All Progressives Congress(APC) nomination form ahead of the party’s governorship primary.

    Oyebanji’s first term in office will end in October 2026. The donation, which was announced in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, involved the Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, Senior Technical Assistants, and Technical Assistants serving in the current administration.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategy, Tope Olanipekun presented the cheque on behalf of the group to Oyebanji, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo.

    Olanipekun noted that the governor had demonstrated exceptional leadership, transparency and dedication to the welfare of Ekiti people.

    According to him, this justifies the group’s decision to rally support for his second-term in office.

    He said that the contribution was voluntary and reflected the confidence the aides have in the governor’s ability to sustain good governance.

    Olanipekun noted that APC had set the cost of purchasing Expression of Interest form at N10 million and Nomination form at N40 million, with the commencement of sale of form on Aug. 26.

    He maintained that the aides decided to pay for the Expression of Interest form to show that the endorsement by over 300 groups in the state was a true reflection of the love the people have for the governor.

    He further stressed that the decision of the group was driven by the desire to ensure continuity of the governor’s policies and projects, particularly in infrastructure, human capital development and economic growth.

    He promised that the group would continue to mobilise stakeholders across the state to consolidate on Oyebanji’s achievements and ensure his overwhelming victory in the election.

    Receiving the cheque, Oyebanji commended the aides for their unwavering support and promised to the confidence reposed in him by sustaining his people-oriented governance.

    The governor who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo, noted that the donation was more than just a financial contribution, but a demonstration of shared vision and collective responsibility for the progress of the state.

    He urged them to go beyond financial support by mobilising citizens across the state to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), emphasising that it is the only way their voice could be heard.

  • JUST IN: Oyebanji dissolves cabinet, retains 6 commissioners

    JUST IN: Oyebanji dissolves cabinet, retains 6 commissioners

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council (SEC) with immediate effect.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro and made available to newsmen on Monday in Ado-Ekiti.

    The statement directed the affected Commissioners and Special Advisers to hand over to the Permanent Secretary or the most senior civil servant in their respective MDAs.

    Oyebanji thanked the affected members of the State Executive Council and wished them success in their future endeavours.

    The dissolution, however, does not affect the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, as well as the Commissioners for Health and Human Services; Agriculture and Food Security; Education; Works; and Trade, Investment, Industry and Cooperatives.

    Also exempt are the Special Advisers on Special Education and Social Inclusion, as well as Lands, Survey, and e-GIS.

    “All Directors General who are members of the State Executive Council are to retain their positions.

    “These are the Director General Office of Transformation and Service Delivery (OTSD); Director General SDGs and Project Monitoring; and Director General Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),” the statement said.

  • Ekiti Govt dissolves traditional council, appoints new chairman

    Ekiti Govt dissolves traditional council, appoints new chairman

    The Ekiti State Government has dissolved the State Council of Traditional Rulers, chaired by the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro.

    The dissolution is contained in a statement signed by Mr Victor Ogunje, the Special Adviser on media to the deputy governor, on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti.

    The statement said that the government’s action was sequel to the expiration of the council, whose two year tenure expires on July 31, 2025.

    The council was inaugurated on July 31, 2023 by Gov. Biodun Oyebanji.

    The statement said the state government has appointed the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Adejimi Adu, as the new chairman of the council.

    Oba Adu will succeed the outgoing chairman of the council and Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro.

    The statement said that the date for the swearing-in of the chairman, which will be performed by the governor, would be announced later.

    It appreciated the immediate past chairman and members of his council for their patriotism in partnering the state government, not only to protect the traditional institution, but to raise the bar of governance in Ekiti State.

    The statement also congratulated the new chairman and wished him a rewarding tenure.

  • Ekiti postpones statewide endorsement for Tinubu

    Ekiti postpones statewide endorsement for Tinubu

    The Ekiti State Endorsement Committee for the second term of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji has postponed its statewide endorsement event to Monday, July 28.

    The endorsement event was initially scheduled for Tuesday, July 23.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Central Organising Committee of the Endorsement Crusade, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti.

    The statement stated that the event is slated for the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, along New Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti at 10.00am.

    It explained that the adjustment in date was part of efforts to ensure seamless participation, improved logistical coordination across all local government areas, and to allow adequate scheduling time for key stakeholders and political leaders to ensure robust attendance.

    “The Organising Committee extends its appreciation to the media and the general public for their continued support and commitment to this significant engagement, which aims to reaffirm the support of Ekiti people for the leadership of President Tinubu and Gov. Oyebanji.

    “We deeply appreciate the enthusiasm and support shown towards this important gathering and count on your continued cooperation as we prepare to host a truly inclusive and impactful event in honour of our esteemed leaders,” the statement reads.

  • Governor Oyebanji opens up on defection claims

    Governor Oyebanji opens up on defection claims

    Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has denied an online report claiming he has joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling it misleading and false.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday by Mr Yinka Oyebode, Special Adviser on Media and Chief Press Secretary to the governor.

    Oyebode said the report, spread by unnamed individuals, falsely claimed that Governor Oyebanji and some officials were being led into ADC by former Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

    “For clarity, Governor Oyebanji and all public office holders mentioned remain firmly committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and have no link with the ADC,” Oyebode said.

    He added that the governor has, since the start of the Fourth Republic in 1999, consistently remained within the progressive political movement in Ekiti State.

    “He is among the few politicians who have never defected from the progressive fold in the state,” he noted.

    Oyebode accused certain individuals of trying to exploit the governor’s relationship with Fayemi to sow discord between him and President Bola Tinubu.

    “Unfortunately for these mischief makers, President Tinubu is a strategic leader who can see through their agenda and antics,” he explained.

    He urged residents of Ekiti State to ignore the “childish media attack” allegedly orchestrated by desperate politicians eyeing the governorship seat.

    “Now that INEC has announced the primary election date, let them be brave enough to present their ambitions to APC members,” Oyebode added.

  • Ekiti Assembly confirms Ogunmoye as Chief Judge

    Ekiti Assembly confirms Ogunmoye as Chief Judge

    The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Thursday confirmed Justice Lekan Ogunmoye as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.

    Ogunmoye had been acting as the Chief Judge of the state since November 2024.

    The Assembly, which was presided over by the Speaker, Adeboye Aribasoye, in Ado-Ekiti, confirmed Ogunmoye, as many lawmakers extolled his virtues.

    Earlier, the House Committee Chairman on Judiciary and Legal Matters, Mr Babatunde Oke, read the committee’s findings on Ogunmoye to the Assembly.

    After extensive deliberation, the lawmakers unanimously adopted the report through voice vote.

    The speaker, thereafter, announced the confirmation of Ogunmoye as the substantive Chief Judge of the state.

  • JUST IN: INEC confirms date for Ekiti Governorship election

    JUST IN: INEC confirms date for Ekiti Governorship election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the Ekiti State Governorship election will be held on Saturday 20th June, 2026 as earlier announced.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the confirmation is contained in the notice of election released by INEC on Wednesday.

    Recall that the electoral umpire, in May, for the first time, announced the Saturday 20th June, 2026 date for the Ekiti State Governorship election.

    INEC disclosed that the publication of the notice of election is in line with Section 28(1)&(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, as amended.

    The commission affirmed that the 2026 Ekiti State Governorship election “shall be conducted in the 16 (sixteen) local government areas (LGAs) of the State”.

    In the notice, INEC disclosed that the election will take place across all 2,445 polling units in Ekiti and that the exercise will commence from 8:30 am.

    “Only persons whose names appear on the register of voters and have valid permanent voter card shall be allowed to vote.

    “Voters shall only vote at polling units where they are registered.

    “The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) shall be used for the accreditation of voters.

    “No pvc, no voting,” the notice of election for the Ekiti State Governorship election released by INEC reads.

  • Ekiti Acting Chief Judge pardons 25 awaiting trial inmates

    Ekiti Acting Chief Judge pardons 25 awaiting trial inmates

    The Acting Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, has pardoned 25 awaiting trial inmates of the Ado-Ekiti Correctional Centre in a bid to decongest the facility.

    Justice Ogunmoye, who was conducted round the facility by the Comptroller of Corrections, Mr Femi Olorunshagba, commended the comptroller’s efforts at maintaining a clean environment.

    The Acting Chief Judge said that his constitutional duty was to visit the correctional facility regularly, review cases of awaiting trial inmates, with offences ranging from capital crimes to lesser offenses.

    After careful consideration, the Acting Chief Judge granted bail to eight inmates, pardoned 17 inmates unconditionally, citing reasons such as advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Julius Ajibare.

    According to him, other reasons are lack of evidence or detention time beyond constitutional stipulated term, among others.

    Justice Ogunmoye advised the pardoned inmates to exhibit good behaviour, warning that those who engage in trouble-making would face the full wrath of the law.

    He also appreciated the efforts of the police, Attorney General, and Director of Public Prosecutions in their efforts to decongest the facility.

    Speaking, the Comptroller of Corrections expressed gratitude to the Acting Chief Judge for the pardon, which he said would positively impact on the live of the inmates.

    He said that act of mercy would bring relief to the pardoned inmates and their families, allowing them to reunite and rebuild their lives.

    Those on the Acting Chief Judge entourage include, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN; Director, Ekiti Public Complaint Commission, Mr Isaac Anifowose; and NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Toma Enya.

  • Lady slumps, dies in Ekiti hotel – Police begin probe

    Lady slumps, dies in Ekiti hotel – Police begin probe

    The police command in Ekiti State has said a lady allegedly slumped in a popular hotel on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti, and died.

    The Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), SP Sunday Abutu, told journalists via telephone conversation that the lady was a worker in the hotel.

    Abutu said the  lady was rushed to the hospital where she was confirmed dead.

    He confirmed that investigation was ongoing as some of the staff had been invited for questioning to ascertain the cause of her death.

    Abutu also said that an autopsy would also be carried out to assist the investigation of the command.