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Tag: ekiti

  • Tears, uncertainty as Fayose departs Ekiti for Abuja

    The outgoing Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, left the state on Sunday amid hailing and emotional farewell from his admirers.

    He had earlier on Saturday embarked on a ‘Thank you walk’ around major streets of Ado Ekiti, where he received accolades from traders, artisans and other residents of the state.

    Fayose, clad in a T-shirt and jean trousers, climbed through the open-roof of his Lexus jeep carrying a board with the inscription, “Ekiti-Kete, Thank You All and Goodbye.”

    On Sunday, tears rolled down the cheeks of many who lined up the streets to bid him farewell en route to the Akure Airport, Ondo State, where he had to board a flight.

    The second term tenure of the governor ends midnight of Monday (today) while he has a date to keep with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday by 1 pm.

    Earlier at a thanksgiving held in his honour at the Government’s House Chapel, Fayose, in an emotion-laden voice, thanked the people for their support.

    He told the people that he would always be with them, urging them to trust in God for a better future for him and the state.

    The event was attended by traditional rulers led by their Chairman and Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju, and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe.

    Also at the event were the wife of the governor, Feyi; the outgoing Deputy-Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, and his wife, Janet; the Chief of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo; Head of Service, Dr Gbenga Faseluka; the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Modupe Alade; former Speaker, Kola Oluwawole; members of the national and state assembly, and members of the cabinet, among others.

    At the event, Feyi said her husband would come back to Ekiti a triumphant man.

    “We are coming back; I don’t know how but I have 200 per cent assurances,” she said.

    Fayose said he was leaving a contented and fulfilled man.

    He said, “I’m contented, I’m happy and I say thank you. Don’t be disparaged, don’t worry about me, I will come back. I will rise to the glory of God. I have enjoyed uncommon grace; I will never complain but thank God.”

    Fayose told Oluwawole, who was impeached as Speaker on Thursday by 14 members of the state’s House of Assembly, not to fight back.

    “I don’t want you to trouble your mind, there won’t be testimonies without battles. Go and concede defeat in the overall interest of Ekiti. You were removed illegally but let God fight for you.”

    In his sermon entitled, “Affliction shall not rise the second time,” the Chaplain of the Government House, Revd. Seyi Olusola, said a man must be ready to face affliction if he must rise.

    “Don’t allow anything to trouble your mind, always come to God,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Fayose on Sunday left for the Abuja office of the EFCC.

    He said he was not scared of the detention of the anti-graft agency, adding that he wanted to go the EFCC deliberately in order not to give the impression that he would flee after handing over to his successor.

    Speaking to newsmen at the Akure Airport, Akure, Ondo State capital, where he boarded the plane to Abuja, the governor said he was always available for questions or interrogations.

    He said, “My tenure expires on the 16th of October; this is the journey to Abuja. It is safer to be in Abuja than to be in Lagos and be creating the impression that you want to escape. There is no seaport in Abuja. The EFCC doesn’t need any drama; I am a man of courage. I have told them I’m coming and I’m on my way to them.

    “So, after a meritorious service, anybody who wants to call me to question, I’m available to them, just one call away and my going now is my demonstration to them that I’m a man of my words.

    “I’m not scared of anything. I always say to the people that the life of a man does not consist in the abundance of what he has. Life is for the courageous, not for the weak. I have served well, I have defended the common man in this country and I will continue to defend them.

    “I will never be cowed by anybody. It is important to speak truth to power; I will not allow myself or any Nigerian to be oppressed.”

    Fayose also declared that he remained the leader of the people of Ekiti State and would continue to defend them.

    “In or out of office, I am always their leader. Ekiti comes first above everything and anybody and we will continue to defend our people, “he stressed.

     

  • Ekiti court refuses motion stopping Fayemi from dissolving LGs

    Ekiti court refuses motion stopping Fayemi from dissolving LGs

    An Ekiti State High Court on Friday refused to grant a motion seeking to restrain the Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, from dissolving the 16 local government councils.
    The application was filed by the state’s Association of Local Governments of Nigeria led by the Chairman of Ifelodun/Irepodun Local Government, Dapo Olagunju.
    In his ruling, Justice Abiodun Adesodun described the application as “unmeritorious, preemptive and speculative,” as there was no compelling fact in the application to warrant the granting of the order.
    The judge subsequently adjourned the substantive matter till October 22.
    The LG bosses filed the case through their lawyer, Obafemi Adewale, while Tajudeen Akingbolu and Adeoye Aribasoye appeared for Fayemi.
    Fayemi had challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the application on the grounds that the matter was speculative.
    All the Local Government chairmen are members of the Peoples Democratic Party, while Fayemi is of the All Progressives Congress.
    The Governor-elect is to assume office on Tuesday, October 16, when the tenure of the incumbent, Governor Ayodele Fayose, comes to an end.

  • BREAKING: Ekiti lawmakers impeach speaker, deputy, others

    The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Kola Oluwawole, has been impeached.
    The Deputy Speaker, Sina Animasaun was also impeached.
    Both Oluwawole and Animasaun are members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
    Oluwawole, a staunch loyalist of Governor Ayo Fayose, was removed at about 11.00 am behind closed doors.
    The lawmakers elected the former Deputy Leader, Adeniran Alagbada while the Minority Leader, Gboyega Aribisogan, was elected as new House Leader of Business.
    Alagbada defected from PDP to APC in June alongside his political mentor, Prince Dayo Adeyeye.
    The change in leadership was believed to have been effected in anticipation of the change of government.
    Outgoing Governor Ayo Fayose will make way for the incoming Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who will be inaugurated on Tuesday.
     

  • Buhari, APC governors, ministers, others storm Ekiti on Tuesday for Fayemi’s inauguration

    …as inauguration committee rolls out one week long programme
    President Muhammadu Buhari will lead other eminent Nigerians to the inauguration of Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Tuesday.
    Fayemi will be sworn in alongside the Deputy Governor-elect, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, by the state Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.
    Buhari, who had promised to attend Fayemi’s inauguration shortly after the latter won the All Progresse Congress (APC) primary, will be the Special Guest of Honour.
    The Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Inauguration Ceremonies, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, disclosed this on Wednesday at a news conference to herald to mark week long activities to usher Fayemi into office.
    Oyebode revealed that others expected at the inauguration include governors, ministers, military and paramilitary top brass, traditional rulers, diplomats, clergymen, party leaders, civil society groups, artisans, market women and general public.
    Speaking on the significance of Buhari’s personal attendance of Fayemi’s inauguration, Oyebode described the President as a “lover of Ekiti and father of the nation.”
    He added that Fayemi served under Buhari as Minister and supervised the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, a sector that was dear to the heart of the President.
    The Chairman of the Security Committee, Brig. -Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), said the military will be part of the security arrangements adding that security operatives will be drafted from neighbouring states.
    Events to make the milestone, according to Oyebode, commence on October 15 Inauguration Lecture to be delivered by eminent poet and literary icon, Prof. Niyi Osundare and Book Presentation, Photo Exhibition and presentation of prizes to Essay Competition winners.
    Besides the swearing-in ceremony on October 16, reception will take place at the same venue, Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.
    Fayemi, after being inaugurated, will hold a Town Hall meeting at Ekiti North senatorial district at Odo Udo Primary School, Ido Ekiti in the morning of October 17 while that of Ekiti South will hold at Ereja Park, Ikere Ekiti in the afternoon.
    On October 18, an interfaith thanksgiving service holds in Ado Ekiti in the morning to be followed by Ekiti Central town hall meeting at Aramoko Motor Park, Aramoko-Ekiti.
    A Thanksgiving Jumat Service holds at Ado-Ekiti Central Mosque on October 19 while on October 20, Ekiti Arts, Culture and Talent Fair at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.
    Inauguration activities will be rounded off on October 21 with a Thanksgiving service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Old Garage.
    On the same day, a reception will hold at Fayemi’s personal residence, Eyiyato Lodge, Isan-Ekiti.
    Oyebode added: “It would be a new dawn on October 16 as Dr. Fayemi will be back on track to take the government back to the people again for accountable government that will also make Ekiti people active participants in the way they are governed.
    “This knack for institutionalisation of participatory governance by Fayemi has reflected in the stakeholders forum commissioned by him where Ekiti people spoke I’m conference on their expectations from the government.
    “Now, the journey for the actualisation of Ekiti dreams starts on October 16, 2018; the date fate has chosen for Ekiti State to recover her destiny and turn around her fortune.
    “Suffice to say that this kind of historic and historical occasion held to celebrate the freedom of a people cannot go without pomp and drums with dignitaries in attendance to join the celebration.”
     

  • Why I killed Ekiti monarch – Suspect

    The suspect who allegedly stabbed the traditional ruler of Odo Oro Ekiti, Oba Gbadebo Ogunsakin to death, on Friday confessed to the crime, saying he carried out the act to reclaim the throne.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 40-year-old Omonoyi Ademola, who was said to be mentally unstable before the crime, said he never knew the Oba would die.

    Omoniyi, who looked unkempt and unremorseful, shocked journalists with his eloquence and spoken English when he was paraded by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Muhammed, along with 26 other suspects.

    He claimed that the late Oba first attacked him when he visited the palace to pass important information to him.

    He said that he was told by the spirits and his family that it was the turn of his clan to reign over the community, and based on this information he headed for the palace on the fateful day.

    “I never went to the palace with the intention of killing the monarch,’’ according to him.

    Omoniyi explained that it was when the Oba heard of the message he brought, that he attacked him, claiming he did not know the monarch would die as a result of his retaliation.

    Earlier, the commissioner of police had told journalists that he did not believe Omoniyi was an insane person going by his conduct and actions so far.

    According to him, it is illogical to think that a man said to be a mad person would kill a whole Oba with a knife and choose to escape into the bush and later travelled down to Ado Ekiti where he was later arrested.

    Muhammed also hinted on the arrest of a number of persons suspected to have links with the recent murder of late Bunmi Ojo, former Personal Assistant to former governor Segun Oni and one-time Commissioner in the Federal Character Commission.

    He explained that the alleged killers were not paraded on Friday in order not to jeopardise the efforts to arrest those still at large.

    The police boss said that 27 suspects had so far been picked in connection with various crimes in the state, such as murder, cultism and armed robbery.

    He listed the suspects to include 16 cultists, seven murder suspects and four armed robbery suspects.

    However, he appealed to residents to continue to partner with the command in its bid to rid the state of crimes.

    NAN

  • l’ll complete, deliver all ongoing projects before leaving office – Fayose

    l’ll complete, deliver all ongoing projects before leaving office – Fayose

    Gov. Ayodele Fayose said on Tuesday said that all the ongoing capital projects will be completed and inaugurated before vacating office on Oct. 16.

    The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the governor, made the promise while speaking at 2018 edition of the Annual Udiroko Festival in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

    The governor said he had resolved to complete all ongoing projects in consonance with his promise while being sworn-in for a second term in office not to abandon any project embarked upon.

    According to him, his critics who were allegedly saying he embarked on employment of new hands into the state public service at the tail end of his tenure should also have asked him not to continue with projects he started.

    He listed the capital projects so far completed and ongoing to include the One-Kilometre overhead bridge in Ado Ekiti, the new state High Court complex, the new Governor’s office and the new Ministry of Finance complex.

    He listed others to include the new Ultra-Modern Kings Market in Ado Ekiti and the Amphi Theatre, the Banquet Hall at the Ewi’s palace and the dualization of virtually all the 16 Local Goverment Headquarters among others.

    NAN reports that he had, at about 3:00p.m arrived the venue into the waiting hands of cheering crowd of residents singing his praises.

    Fayose said there was no known law in the country that says a sitting governor must stop performing the functions attached to his office once his party his preparing to wind down or have election decided agaist it.

    He told the gathering that the about 200- lock up shops at the new Kings market would be shared to willing traders before the end of the week.

    He pledged that those traders initially displaced as a result of the fire incident that razed the old market would be given preferential treatment.

    NAN reports that the governor appreciated the people of Ado Ekiti for standing by his party during the last governorship poll, regretting, however, that certain forces allegedly did not allow their votes to count.

    He assured them that the ruling party in the state led him would use all normal and legal means to reclaim the stolen mandate.

    In his response, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe thanked the governor for what he termed as “sudden turn around” of the state capital, saying close to 80 per cent of the projects carried out by Fayose during his second term in office were concentrated in Ado Ekiti, thereby making his reign memorable.

    Also speaking, legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola Universiyy, Chief Afe Babalola, who is also a leading son of the ancient city, expressed delight at the volume of the people that trooped out to celebrate the festival.

    Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman , National Caretaker Committee of the Ado Ekiti Progressive Union, Chief Bayo Ogunmodimu said the Udiroko Festival marked the begininig of another traditional year for the sons and daughters of Ado Ekiti.

    He said that it was also being used as a rallying point and unifying factor for all age groups and all local associations and clubs in the town.

    He thanked the state government for the modern strucures erected in the palace and wished the outgoing governor well in his future endeavours.

    NAN

  • Commotion in Ekiti as suspected ‘lunatic’ stabs monarch to death

    Odo-Oro-Ekiti, a community in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti, was on Monday thrown into mourning as its traditional ruler, Oba Gbadebo Ogunsakin, was stabbed to death.

    Some residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said the traditional ruler was stabbed with a knife by a man suspected to be insane after a meeting of the traditional council.

    A resident, Mr Henry Olu, said the assailant was from the same royal family as the slain traditional ruler.

    Olu said the assailant was earlier seen before the council meeting sitting on the throne and was chased away.

    The monarch was stabbed by the assailant while he was attempting to enter his vehicle after the council meeting.

    ” All we heard was a cry for help from the traditional ruler’s driver shortly after the council meeting.

    “On getting there, we saw our traditional ruler in a pool of his blood with a knife in the chest.

    ” We tried rushing him to the hospital, but Oba Ogunsakin gave up the ghost,” another resident, who does not want his name mentioned, said.

    NAN reports that some irate youths in the community took to the streets in search of the assailant who was said to have fled into the bush after the incident.

    The youths mounted road blocks on major junctions leading into the community while the search lasted.

    NAN also reports that there was panic in the community, with its market deserted as the news of the incident filtered out.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in Ekiti, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with NAN.

    “It is true the incident actually happened and police men have moved in.

    “The person alleged is of unsound mind and he actually escaped into the bush after committing the crime.

    “ Our men are combing the bush to fish out the suspect.

    ” All I can say for now is that the suspect is within reach and will be put in custody,” he said.

    NAN reports that the late Ogunsakin ascended the throne in 1986.

    NAN

  • Tears as murdered APC chieftain, Bunmi Ojo is buried in Ekiti

    Tears as murdered APC chieftain, Bunmi Ojo is buried in Ekiti

    A thick pall of mourning enveloped Ido-Ekiti, headquarters of Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State as the remains of an All Progressives Congress ( APC) chieftain, Mr. Bunmi Ojo, were buried on Friday.

    Recall that Ojo, a Commissioner on the board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), was shot dead on August 10 at a viewing centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, when he was watching a live football match.

    The deceased also served as the Personal Assistant to the Governor during the administration of Chief Segun Oni between 2007 and 2010.

    The deceased who was 51 years of age, was survived by his parents, wife and children.

    There was unprecedented display of grief in Ido-Ekiti on Friday as Ojo’s kinsmen rained curses on his killers throughout the period of the burial.

    Women of the town most of whom were clad in black attire poured expletives on the killer of the politician invoking the wrath of God on them eternally.

    They sang dirges laden with curses, wore their clothes inside out and left their heads uncovered which was believed to be a sign of mourning and boding dire consequences for the killers of Ojo.

    Security men had a hectic time controlling the restive women who continued their protest outside the church till the time the body was taken to the burial ground.

    The town’s main market, shops and public offices were closed in honour of the deceased

    Tears welled up in the eyes of the crowd that thronged the funeral at Methodist Church and those who couldn’t find space inside the worship centre.

    Prominent personalities who attended the funeral include Governor Ayo Fayose, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Dipo Anisulowo; the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; deputy governor-elect, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi; former Governor Oni, his wife, Kemi and former deputy governor, Dr. Sikiru Lawal.

    Others are: former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, former National Assembly members, Senator Ayo Arise, Senator Anthony Adeniyi and Senator Bode Ola; Ekiti APC Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe and fellow commissioners in FCC.

    Delivering the sermon at the burial service, a Methodist priest, Reverend Olanrewaju Komolafe, said although Ojo lived a short life, he had positive impact of many people with the offices he was privileged to occupy.

    The cleric quoted copiously from the book of Ecclesiates Chapter 3 to drive home his message.

    Describing death as an inevitable occurrence, Komolafe noted that there was time for everything in life. He said the late politician had fulfilled the purpose for his existence.

    Death, according to him, had no regard for anyone or social status, and could come in any form irrespective of status in the society.

    He admonished families, relatives and associates who witnessed the funeral to live a life worthy of emulation just like the late Ojo.

  • Police vow to arrest killers of ex-Gov. Oni’s aide

    The police in Ekiti said on Monday that they would leave no stone unturned in their efforts at tracking the killers of Mr Bunmi Ojo, a former Personal Assistant to former Gov. Segun Oni.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, told journalists in Ado Ekiti that those responsible for the killing would not escape justice.

    He said though no suspect had been arrested in connection with the murder of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, investigation had begun into the incident.

    The spokesman said a team of detectives and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) were now on the trail of the unidentified gunmen.

    He said the police would address a news conference as soon as ongoing investigation had been concluded.

    “We are determined to ensure that the killers are brought to justice. We are gathering tips and working on all possibilities to ensure that these evil doers are made to face the wrath of the law

    “We have sent our men to comb everywhere possible.

    “ Our men in plain clothes are out to unravel the killers, they are combing every corner and those areas seen to be criminal hideouts are under the watchful eyes of our men.

    “ So, we are confident that the killers will be arrested soon,’’ Ikechukwu said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased was the commissioner representing Ekiti at the Federal Character Commission before he was killed at a popular viewing centre located in Adebayo area of Ado Ekiti on Friday night.

    His remains would be buried on Friday after a funeral service.

    Oni had already paid a condolence visit to Ojo’s private residence located at Federal Housing Area of Ado Ekiti.

    Meanwhile, a family member has told newsmen that the assassins seized his three mobile phones before killing him.

    The family member, who pleaded anonymity, stated that the killers also collected his car key which he said was later returned after the murder.

    “When they stormed the viewing centre, they shot into the air to disperse the viewers and they immediately seized Ojo’s mobile phones and car key before shooting him.

    “But they later returned the car key after carrying out the act. What they wanted to do was to cause distraction and make the murder look like a robbery

    “We are appealing to the police to bring the perpetrators to justice. Mr Bunmi Ojo’s death shouldn’t be swept under the carpet,” he said.

    NAN

  • Governorship poll: Ekiti people in pains since INEC declared Fayemi winner – Fayose

    Governor Ayo Fayose has claimed that the people of Ekiti State are in pain over the victory achieved by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 14 governorship election.

    Fayose alleged that the APC stole the mandate belonging to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) claiming that the opposition cannot celebrate the victory.

    He assured that the Election Petition Tribunal will give the mandate to the PDP candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, urging party faithful to remain calm as it launches a legal battle to claim the governorship seat from the APC.

    Recall that the APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was declared the governor-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Fayose who spoke on Sunday while hosting PDP aspirants for House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senate at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti urged party supporters to keep hope alive until the mandate is won in the court.

    He also assured aspirants for state and federal legislative seats of level playing field ahead of primaries saying their destinies are tied to his own

    Fayose said: “We will reclaim our mandate. Let me assure you that my destiny is tied to yours and I will continue to be committed to this cause until you retrieve you mandate.

    “The journey of life is beyond today, we have seen today but no one has seen tomorrow. I believe God will return this mandate.

    “I appreciate your courage. Life is full of challenges and gives opportunities. Certain things happen for you to know who your real friends are. It gives you the stamina to carry on also.

    “Ekiti people and even your distractors will celebrate you. For me I have done in my best for the election, we won and I have no doubt that we will win the battle again.

    “Keep hope alive for beyond you, Ekiti people out there are in pain. Go to town you will see that the people who stole the mandate cannot celebrate it as the common man there are more pained.

    “Keep body soul and spirit alive because I am sure we will be victorious. It doesn’t matter how close anybody is with me, if he comes to tell you that Fayose has picked me, tell him that he is a fool. I expect everyone to sell himself to the people.

    “They who had witnessed my second tenure in spite of all odds and doubts, will also live to witness Olusola’s return as governor of Ekiti. Contest this poll in your own honour. There is a level playing for everybody to contest. I assure you.