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Tag: Ekiti State

  • Why Ekiti Assembly Speaker was impeached after 6 days in office

    Why Ekiti Assembly Speaker was impeached after 6 days in office

    The new Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Gboyega Aribisogan, was on Monday impeached, barely six days after his election.

    Aribisogan was also suspended as a member along with his six loyalists indefinitely and without salary and other emoluments.

    Aribisogan was immediately replaced with the House’s Chief Whip, Mrs Olubunmi Adelugba (APC-Emure Constituency), who earlier lost the election to Aribisogan on Nov. 15.

    Adelugba was elected as the new Speaker by 17 lawmakers present at an emergency plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hakeem Jamiu, amidst tight security around the Assembly complex.

    Jamiu had earlier dissolved all the existing principal positions, put in place by Aribisogan and appointed Johnson Oyekola Bode-Adeoye, as the new Leader of Government Business.

    At the plenary on the terms of punishment to be placed on Aribisogan and six others, the deputy speaker explained that the impeached speaker and six others were suspended without pay with immediate effect.

    He said that they have also been barred from 1.5 kilometres radius of the premises of the House.

    Jamiu, however, directed the axed lawmakers to handover properties of government in their possession to the Clerk of the House with immediate effect.

    According to him, anyone wishing to be reabsorbed, must write a letter of apology to the leadership of the House.

    Shortly after the election of the first female speaker in Ekiti, the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance were subsequently administered on Adelugba.

    She became the first female Speaker in the history of the Assembly since return to democracy in 1999, and in the 26-year-old history of the state.

    The new Speaker thanked her colleagues for counting her worthy to be elected as the speaker, promising not to take their trust and confidence reposed in her for granted.

    She later adjourned the House’s sitting sine die (indefinitely).

    Before the adjournment, six lawmakers were suspended for allegedly compromising the process of the election that produced Aribisogan as the Speaker on Nov. 15.

    They were also accused of unpatriotic and unparliamentary conduct, capable of threatening the peace of the state.

    Aribisogan and the six erring lawmakers were also barred from the vicinity of the House of Assembly Complex.

    Their acts, according to members present, contravened the provisions of the House Standing Rules and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The affected lawmakers alongside the impeached Speaker are: Tajudeen Akingbolu (Ekiti-West I); Tope Ogunleye (Ilejemeje); Ajibade Adeyemi (Moba I); Adekemi Balogun (Ado-Ekiti I); Yemi Ayokunle (Ekiti South-West I) and Adegoke Olajide (Efon-Alaaye).

    In his reactions, the impeached Speaker dismissed as effortless and irresponsible, his purported ouster from office.

    Aribisogan attributed his ordeal to the handiwork of a former governor in the state.

  • BREAKING: Ekiti lawmakers impeach newly elected speaker, Aribisogan

    BREAKING: Ekiti lawmakers impeach newly elected speaker, Aribisogan

    The newly elected speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gboyega Aribisogun, has been impeached.

    The speaker was removed just after a week of being elected into the speakership position of the Ekiti Assembly.

    Aribisogan  was impeached and suspended indefinitely by seventeen lawmakers, for blocking the passage of the 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

     

    Assembly Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba from Emure Constituency, was unanimously elected new Speaker by all the 17 lawmakers present at a plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu.

    She will replace the impeached Aribisogan at the Ekiti state Assembly.

    The oath of office and the oath of allegiance was subsequently administered on Mrs. Adelugba, who became the first female Speaker in the history of the Assembly, since return to democracy in 1999.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the previous Speaker Funminiyi Afuye dies after a brief illness.

    Upon the announcement of his death, Aribisogun was elected and installed as new speaker before his removal today, Monday 21st of November 2022.

  • Ondo Port ‘ll play vital role in country’s economy- Gov. Oyebanji

    Ondo Port ‘ll play vital role in country’s economy- Gov. Oyebanji

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, says the Ondo Sea Port is expected to play a role in contributing significantly to developing the state’s economy and its neighbouring states.

    Oyebanji who was represented by the Special Assistant (SA) to the governor on Budget and Planning, Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo, said this at the ongoing Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS).

    Newsmen reports that the event is organised by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commision (NiDCOM) in partnership with Nigerian Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI).

    The fifth edition of the  NDIS holding at the  Conference Center, Presidential Villa Abuja has as its theme: “Optimising Investment Opportunities for National Development “.

    According to Oyenbaji, findings have shown that there is a positive relationship between seaport development and the growth and development of the local economy and neighboring communities.

    “A significant ratio of Nigeria’s imports and exports rely on the maritime sector. Ports are the epicentre of the Blue Economy including transportation of humans and goods, export and import.

    “Tourism and leisure, fishing, aquaculture, and more recent developments like offshore renewable energy, among others.

    “Thus, Ondo Port is expected to play a role of utmost importance and contribute significantly to the development of the economy of Ondo state and neighbouring states such as Ekiti.

    “As most (if not all of us) know, what is now referred to as Ekiti was part of the Ondo Province in Western Region of Nigeria.

    “Ondo province would later become Ondo state in October 1976. 20 years down the line, precisely on  Oct. 1, 1996, the modern Ekiti  was formed out of Ondo state,” he said.

    He further added that  both states shared history and were economically and culturally closer  than any of the 34 states of Nigeria.

    “Hence, the establishment of a sea port in Ondo state will be of immense benefit to Ekiti . The importance of the proposed port becomes even clearer when one considers the fact that Ekiti is a landlocked state.

    “Many investment potentials are expected to emerge and economic benefits are expected to be  derived from the establishment of the Ondo seaport.”

    He said the port would enable industrial outputs and agricultural produce in Ekiti  to gain enhanced access to the international market and improve our ability to actively participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA).

    “Thereby generating foreign exchange. The port will also improve the economics of production and distribution of corporations in Ondo state  and Ekiti and the general well being of the people of our two states,” he said.

    NAN also reports that the summit which stated on Nov. 15  will end on Nov. 17.

  • Gov. Oyebanji appoints 8 Special Advisers

    Gov. Oyebanji appoints 8 Special Advisers

    Gov. Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of eight Special Advisers.

    Mr Yinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, announced this in a statement in Ado-Ekiti.

    He said the appointments were made to give the new administration the desired solid foundation, and move the state forward.

    He explained that the new Special Advisers were of cabinet rank.

    Oyebode gave the names of the new appointees as Mr Niyi Adebayo, (Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management), Mrs Tayo Adeola (Investment, Trade and industry).

    They also include Ebenezer Boluwade (Agriculture and Food Security) and Dr Kofoworola Aderiye ( Education, Science and Technology).

    Others are Chief Jide Awe (Political and Inter-Party Affairs), Mr Tope Ogunleye (Bureau of Special Project), Mr Seun Fakuade (Governance, Reforms and Innovation) and Mr Yinka Oyebode (Media and Strategy/ Chief Press Secretary).

    Oyebode said the governor urged the appointees to see their appointments as an opportunity to contribute their time, talent and expertise to the overall development of the state.

    He said they would be sworn-in on Friday.

    Oyebode also disclosed that Gen Ebenezer Ogundana had been re-appointed as Security Adviser to the Governor, with immediate effect.

  • NDLEA destroys hectares of hemp farmland 1,465 kg in Ekiti state

    NDLEA destroys hectares of hemp farmland 1,465 kg in Ekiti state

    About 3.7 hectares of hemp farmland has been destroyed by men of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ekiti State Command.

    The farmland situated in Ire-Ekiti Forest in Oye Local Government Area of the state was totally destroyed on Friday afternoon.

    Eight persons including a woman were reportedly arrested for the cultivation of the illegal substances suspected to be marijuana.

    Mr Kabir Ibrahim, a Deputy Commander, Operations and Investigation and Mr Isaac Fadare, the Principal Staff In-Charge of Operations at the NDLEA in the state, led the team for the operations to Ire-Ekiti on Friday.

    Ibrahim speaking with newsmen shortly after the raiding of the three farms located about 20 kilometers away from the town, said that the agency acted on tips about the Hemp plantation in the forest in Ire-Ekiti.

    “Acting on pieces of information that there is Cannabis sativa plantation, popularly known as hemp here in Ire-Ekiti forest and that the people have started harvesting, we immediately swung into action.

    “Identified the three farms, recovered 1,465 kg of the substance and arrested eight suspects.

    “The farms which are located about 20kilometres away from the town, spanned over 3.7 hectares of land mass,” he said.

    Ibrahim urged members of the communities to cultivate legitimate crops on their farm plantation as against planting of Hemp.

  • Alleged N6.9bn fraud: Court adjourns Fayose’s trial until Jan. 31

    Alleged N6.9bn fraud: Court adjourns Fayose’s trial until Jan. 31

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday adjourned the alleged money laundering trial of former Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, until Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

    The case was earlier scheduled for continuation of trial on Oct. 26, but could not proceed due to a mix up in the date, while a new trial date was to be agreed on by parties and fixed by the court.

    Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N6.9billion fraud and money laundering charges.

    He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun, alongside his company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

    The defendant was subsequently, re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2, 2019, after the case was withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun, following EFCC’s petition.

    He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted, while the case was adjourned for trial.

    The commission has since opened its case before Justice Aneke, and is still leading witnesses in evidence.

    In December 2021, EFCC had called its 11th witness, one Mrs Joanne Tolulope, who had narrated how Abiodun Agbele, an associate of Fayose, bought properties worth several millions.

    Trial will now continue on Jan. 31, 2023.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that during trial before Justice Olatoregun the prosecution had called witnesses, from several commercial banks, as well as a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.

    The EFCC alleged that on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion.

    The money was said to be for the purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, a sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

    He was also alleged to have retained N300 million in his account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain the aggregate sum of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Besides, the defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sum of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    He was also alleged to have used N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his older sister Moji Oladeji.

    The offence, the anti-graft agency said, contravened the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

  • Gunmen abduct 4 travellers in Ekiti

    Gunmen abduct 4 travellers in Ekiti

    Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have abducted four travellers along the Irele Ekiti-Oke Ako Highway in Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti.

    The latest abduction is one in a series of abductions on the highway in which some victims were killed.

    Local sources in the community told newsmen that the victims, who were said to be returning to Ibadan, Oyo State capital, after attending an event in Kogi last weekend, were kidnapped around noon on Sunday.

    They were said to have been waylaid by some gun-wielding attackers on the road between Irele-Ekiti and Oke Ako, and took their victims into the forest.

    A reliable source said,  “The four persons kidnapped were returning from an event in Kogi to Ibadan along the Irele Ekiti and Oke Ako Road.

    ”We have not heard anything from the gunmen since yesterday (Sunday), and we are hoping they will get in touch with their families, possibly for ransom.”

    Confirming the incident, a community leader in Irele-Ekiti, Chief Kehinde Abejide, condemned the abduction, saying incessant attacks by gunmen in the area, were becoming worrisome.

    He called on the new administration in the State to beef up security in the axis.

    Abejide urged the new governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, to partner the military to help in fighting the menace in the state

    ”These four people were returning to Ibadan when  they were attacked and kidnapped on Sunday morning and we have not heard anything since they were taken into the forest.

    ”We have been crying and pleading with government to help us in this area, but it appears nothing is happening, especially when you consider the recurring incidents in the community

    ”Though, we have in the past made local arrangements here relating to security, it can never be enough to confront these people.

    ”Let me call on the governor of Ekiti to do something urgently on  insecurity before our people in the entire communities in Ajoni LCDA are wiped out ,” he said.

    “There is  the need for a military post between Irele and Oke Ako, which will help to forestall any possible attack by these gunmen because it appears they are taking advantage of the poor security arrangements here.”

    When contacted, DSP Sunday Abutu,  the spokesman for the Police Command  in Ekiti, who confirmed the incident, said he would brief the media as soon as details  about  the incident reach his office.

    Also, the State Commander of Amotekun Corps, retired  Brig-Gen. Joe Komolafe, confirmed the incident.

    He said that the  operatives of the corps were already combing the forest in the area toward rescuing the victims alive.

  • Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu mourns departed Ekiti Speaker, Afuye

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu mourns departed Ekiti Speaker, Afuye

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State mourned the passing of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye on Thursday.

    Afuye died on Wednesday in a brief illness at the age of 66.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu described Afuye (APC-Ikere 1) as one of the illustrious sons of Ekiti.

    He said Afuye contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ekiti during his lifetime.

    The governor said that the deceased was a principled politician, progressive, loyal, trustworthy and a committed member of the ruling APC in Ekiti.

    He said the lawyer and rights activist, turned politician spent his life in the service of humanity, of Ekiti and of Nigeria.

    Afuye served as a Commissioner for Information, lawmaker and later Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

    Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with his Ekiti counterpart, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, the former governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the entire members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly on the death of the former speaker.

    He urged Gov. Oyebanji, the deceased’s family, friends, and the entire people of Ekiti to preserve the legacy of the deceased by immortalising the good name and the struggle of the deceased speaker.

    “On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I sympathise with Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and the entire people of the state on the demise of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye.

    “Afuye was a committed public officer who served Ekiti passionately and selflessly in different capacities.

    “He did his best for Ekiti as a member of the executive and legislative arms of government. He was also a committed member of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) till his death.

    “I pray that God grants the soul of Afuye eternal rest and comfort the immediate and political families and the people of Ekiti he left behind,’’ Sanwo-Olu said.

  • Ekiti State: Assembly declares Seven days mourning over Speaker’s death

    Ekiti State: Assembly declares Seven days mourning over Speaker’s death

    The chairman House Committee on media, Mrs Yemisi Ayokunle noted via a statement signed and released by her that the flag in the Assembly complex would be flown at half mast during the period.
    Mrs Ayokunle, who described the late Speaker as an embodiment of courage, excellence and a highly committed man to public service, maintained that Mr Afuye will be greatly missed.

    According to the statement, the Speaker died on Wednesday evening during a brief illness at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, at the age of 66.

  • Fayemi bows out, Oyebanji takes over as Ekiti state governor

    Fayemi bows out, Oyebanji takes over as Ekiti state governor

    Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state will today bow out of the government house while Governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji, will  be inaugurated as the governor of the state for a term of four years.

    Oyebanji was declared the winner of the June 18 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

    The June 18  governorship election, which was described as a three-horse race saw Biodun Oyebanji of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) poll 187, 057 votes; Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) poll 82, 211 and Bisi Kolawole of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) poll 67,457.

    Meanwhile,  Fayemi has set up a 46-member committee to coordinate activities marking the end of his tenure as well as the inauguration ceremony for the incoming administration of Hon. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.

    According to a statement by Yinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Ekiti Governor, the committee is to be led by the State First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi as Chairperson, while Wife of the Governor-elect, Dr (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji is Co-Chairperson. Mr Seun Odewale, Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, will serve as Secretary to the committee.

    Similarly, Fayemi,  has assured the residents that dilapidated federal roads in the state will be given attention to bring relief to the users and complement the Ekiti State Agro-Allied Passenger International Airport.

    The airport along Ijan-Ado Road in the state capital marked the last project inaugurated for use by his administration.

    Speaking on Saturday at the inauguration of the airport, the governor said he, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo; and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, had been making representations to the Federal Government on the state of federal roads in Ekiti.

    Fayemi, who expressed satisfaction with the success of the project 10 years after its conception during his first administration in 2012, especially on the last day of his administration, said, “Upon my assumption of office in 2018, I appointed aviation experts and industry-related officials to kickstart the implementation of the project. They made several visits to communities in order to meet the requirements for the establishment of the airport.

    “As a government that adheres strictly to the rule of law with unwavering respect for the rights of our people, we made several appeals to communities affected for enumeration of their farmlands to ensure commensurate monetary compensation is paid on their crops. To this end, a total of 669 claimants were duly compensated out of those that presented themselves for the exercise. We acquired 4,017 hectares of land from nine communities: Ago Aduloju, Aso Ayegunle, Bolorunduro, Igbogun, Araromi, Obbo, Afao, Orun, Igbemo, and Ijan, covering three local government areas in the state. My job is done, Ekiti Kete.”

    The roads leading to the venue of the event and other adjoining streets within the precinct of the Ekiti patapo pavilion are under heavy security while Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and vans were stationed in front of the venue.

    Scores of security personnel, comprising the men of the Police, Army, Department of State Security and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were sighted manning strategic positions around the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, the venue of the event.