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Tag: Adewale Omirin

  • Ex-Ekiti Speaker writes Assembly to reverse impeachment

    Ex-Ekiti Speaker writes Assembly to reverse impeachment

    Former Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Adewale Omirin, has written a letter to the incumbent lawmakers to reverse his impeachment by seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers last year.

    The seven PDP members of the Fourth Assembly claimed to have impeached Omirin on November 20 last year and elected Dele Olugbemi who was recognized by Governor Ayo Fayose as Speaker.

    The Ekiti parliament has 26 members and to validly impeach the Speaker, the House needs at least 18 members, which is the two-third of 26.

    Olugbemi sat on the Speaker’s chair until June 4 when the tenure of the Fourth Assembly expired.

    The impeachment was later challenged by Omirin at a Federal High Court in Lagos which he later withdrew and was subsequently struck out.

    Omirin, in a letter addressed to the Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, dated October 19, 2015, and entitled: “Reversion of Unconstitutional Impeachment” urged the Assembly to reverse the impeachment which, according to him, violated the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

    He said:  “The legislative arm is put in place to make laws for peace, order and good government in pursuant to section 4(7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and if an institution that is supposed to make laws seems to be violating the laws, the effect will be disorderliness, hence the action taken on November 20, 2014 should be reverted and all records bearing Hon. Dele Olugbemi be obliterated.”

    Addressing a briefing alongside his colleagues on Tuesday in Ado Ekiti on Omirin’s letter, Speaker Oluwawole said the lawmakers lack the constitutional powers to reverse the impeachment and obliterate Olugbemi’s record as Speaker.

    Reading a reply written by the lawmakers to Omirin to reporters at the briefing, the Speaker said the resort to the court of law by Omirin made the request very difficult to consider.

    Oluwawole said: “Sir, why we will not comment on the constitutionality of the impeachment or otherwise, one point remains sacrosanct that there was an impeachment exercise against you on November 20, 2014, upon which you instituted the matter referred to above.

    “It must be borne in mind that whether your impeachment was legal or not is for the court of law to decide. But we, with due respect to your person, are helpless in the circumstances.”

  • Impeachment: Court accepts Ekiti APC lawmakers’ application

    Impeachment: Court accepts Ekiti APC lawmakers’ application

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday accepted the application for discontinuance of suit filed by 19 All Progressives Congress lawmakers in Ekiti State, challenging the impeachment of Speaker Adewale Omirin.

    Justice Saliu Saidu while striking out the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1823/14, and filed against the Governor, Ayodele Fayose and 13 others for their alleged role in the impeachment of Omirin and his deputy, Adetunji Orisalade, awarded N100, 000 cost in favour of the defendants.

    The plaintiffs had on April 7, filed an application through their lawyer, Norrison Quakers (SAN), seeking to discontinue their case against Fayose, the seven People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) lawmakers and others, over the ”’unlawful” removal of Omirin and Orisalade on November 20 last year.

    Joined as the defendants along with Fayose,  Dele Olugbemi and Olayinka Abeni were the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police in the state and the Department of State Service.

    Others include the three commissioners cleared for appointment by the House under Olugbemi’s leadership and the five other PDP lawmakers in the House.

    The plaintiffs among other things, sought an order restraining the factional Speaker of the House, Olugbemi, and his deputy, Abeni, from either parading themselves as or executing duties in the capacity of the leaders of the House.

    The plaintiffs’ move to discontinue the suit was objected by the defendants who argued that the matter should rather be dismissed, since it has filed its statement of defence.

    Counsel to the defendants, E.O. Afolayan, representing his principal Femi Adesina (SAN), prayed the court to dismiss the suit because “it is the proper thing to do.”

    He urged the court to dismiss the case in order to foreclose any future representation of the matter by the plaintiffs.

     

  • Ekiti lawmakers’ suit: Fear of attack stops service on Fayose

    Ekiti lawmakers’ suit: Fear of attack stops service on Fayose

    Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin and 18 other members have been unable to serve Governor Ayo Fayose notice of their suit filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, for fear that the bailiffs will be attacked, arrested or killed.

    Their lawyer, Norrison Quakers, told Justice Saliu Seidu that they were unable to serve the processes on the governor and other defendants due to safety concerns.

    He suggested an undertaking by the defendants’ lawyers to accept service on their clients’ behalf.

    The defendants are represented by a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Deacon Dele Adesina (SAN).

    A lawyer from his office, Mr. E.O Afolayan, insisted that the order of court as to service of the processes must be complied with.

    The plaintiffs may, therefore, use substituted service.

    The Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, the Department for State Services (DSS) and the purported “Speaker”, Dele Olugbemi, are respondents.

    Olugbemi was “elected” by seven PDP members of the House after claiming to have “impeached” Omirin.

    Also joined as defendants are members loyal to Olugbemi- Samuel Ajibola, Adeojo Alexander, Adeloye Adeyinka, Isreal Ajiboye, Fatunbi Olajide, Olayinka Abeni; and the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti.

    Three commissioners purportedly cleared by the House under Olugbemi, namely Oweseni Ajayi (Attorney-General), Kayode Eso (Works) and Toyin Ojo (Finance) were also joined as defendants.

    The plaintiffs, in their originating summons, are praying the court to declare that Omirin and his deputy are entitled to occupy their offices except removed by the votes of two-third majority of the Assembly.

    They also sought a declaration that the attempt to force them to join the PDP is against their constitution right to freedom of association.

    They also want the court to nullify the purported removal of the Speaker and his deputy by seven lawmakers for being unconstitutional.

    Omirin, who was elected as Speaker on June 6, 2011, said a team of heavily security operatives were deployed to the Assembly’s premises on November 17, and prevented the plaintiffs from conducting their legislative duties.

  • Impeached Ekiti Speaker, others sue Fayose, Abba, DSS

    The Ekiti State House of Assembly Speaker, Adewale Omirin and 18 other members of the House have sued Governor Ayo Fayose at the Federal High Court in Lagos for preventing them from performing their lawmaking duties.

    They also joined the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the purported “Speaker,” Dele Olugbemi.

    Olugbemi was “elected” by seven Peoples Democratic Party members of the House after claiming to have “impeached” Omirin.

    Also joined as defendants are members loyal to Olugbemi, namely Samuel Ajibola, Adeojo Alexander, Adeloye Adeyinka, Isreal Ajiboye, Fatunbi Olajide, Olayinka Abeni and the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti.

    Three commissioners purportedly cleared by the House under Olugbemi, namely Oweseni Ajayi (Attorney-General), Kayode Eso (Commissioner for Works) and Toyin Ojo (Commissioner for Finance) were also joined as defendants.

    The plaintiffs, in their originating summons, are praying the court to declare as unconstitutional and illegal the “election” of Olugbemi as “Speaker,” among others.

    Justice Saliu Saidu on Wednesday granted the plaintiffs leave to issue and serve the Originating Summons and all other processes on Olugbemi, Fayose, Abba and Ojo outside the court’s jurisdiction and by substituted means, such as through advertisements.

    The judge made the order following an ex-parte application moved by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), led by Mr. Norrison Quakers (SAN).

    In a supporting affidavit Omirin, who was elected as Speaker on June 6, 2011, said a team of fully armed policemen positioned at the House of Assembly premises on November 17, prevented him from gaining access to his office.

    “I proceeded to my office as usual but was denied entry by the commanding officer who stated that he had me listed as an All Progressives Congress (APC) member on a list he was holding and was instructed not to grant me entrance into the premises of the House of Assembly that day,” he said.

     

  • Ekiti Assembly suspends recess

    Ekiti Assembly suspends recess

    The Ekiti State House of Assembly suspended yesterday its planned 30-day recess announced by the Speaker, Adewale Omirin, last week.

    The House will resume sitting today in preparation for the screening of special advisers and commissioners.

    In a statement signed by Special Adviser, Media to the Speaker, Wole Olujobi, the Speaker said the step was “in the overriding public interest”.

     

  • Ekiti SIEC submits referendum’s result to Assembly

    EKITI State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) has submitted results of last Saturday’s referendum it conducted on the creation of 18 local council development areas (LCDAs) to the State House of Assembly.

    Chairperson of the Commission, Mrs. Bosede Adelusi, who submitted the report,  clarified that it committed no error in conducting the referendum as opposed to claims by the opposition parties.

    While receiving the results, the Speaker,  Dr. Adewale Omirin, promised the Assembly would accord it accelerated attention.

    The speaker, who praised the commission for the exercise, said the move by Governor Kayode Fayemi’s administration was meant to draw governance nearer to the people at the grassroots.

    He consequently referred the document to the Chairman, Ad-hoc Committee on Local Government Creation, Chief Taiwo Orisalade, who is also the Deputy Speaker for further consideration.

    Orisalade promised to hasten the process of consideration of the document  and refer same back to the whole House for a final decision.

    The SIEC Chairman had in an earlier parley with journalists announced detailed results of the referendum, the breakdown of which showed that in Ado Local Government, total “Yes” vote was 3,521 with nil “No” vote.

    Others were: Ekiti East where “Yes” votes were 2,310 and “No” votes (256); Ekiti West “Yes” votes were 8,729 while “No” (one).

    Ekiti South West had 17,725 “Yes” votes and nil “No” vote while Gbonyin Local Government had 5,163 “Yes” votes and  26 “No” votes..

    Also, Ido-Osi Local Government had 2,845 “Yes” votes and 49 “No” votes while Ijero had 6,059 “Yes” votes as against 1,076 “No” votes.

    The commission chairman added that Ikere Local Government had 3,427 “Yes” votes against nil “No” vote, while Ikole Local Government recorded 2,518 “Yes” votes and 1,183 “No” votes.

    Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government had a total of 4,926 “Yes” and 223 “No” votes, while Moba Local Government 10,088 “Yes” votes and nil “No” vote and Oye Local Government had 4,398 “Yes” votes and one “No” vote.

  • Eulogies as former Ekiti Acting Gov is buried

    Eulogies as former Ekiti Acting Gov is buried

    The remains of the late acting governor of Ekiti State, Hon. Friday Aderemi, were yesterday interred in Ayetoro-Ekiti in Ido Osi Local Government Area of the state after a well-attended church service at the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in the town.

    Late Aderemi, who was also a former Speaker of the Ekiti State Assembly from 2003 to 2007, died at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) on January 7, 2014 at the age of 74.

    Dignitaries at the event included the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin; the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu, to mention but a few.

    Speaking at the church service, Governor Fayemi said “the historic feat” of the deceased could not have been achieved by those he described as “the lily livered”, adding that the dogged insistence of the dark forces at the time could sway even the most well intentioned people.

    According to him, Ekiti witnessed one of its darkest points in history during Aderemi’s tenure both as the Speaker of the State Asembly and later as Acting Governor, but added that the “character of the texture and substance displayed by him and other co-missioners served to redeem the state.

    “Sir Aderemi belonged to the early generation of Ekiti political elite who devoted their days to the pursuit of Ekiti interest. He rose to prominence in the history of our dear state as providence thrust on him the onerous role as one of those who frontally led the resistance against the draconian leadership of the then governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose.

    “Though he was at the time a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his progressive inclinations as a true son of Ekiti propelled him to work with other progressive elements to cause the impeachment of Mr. Ayo Fayose,” the governor recalled.

    Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of Ekiti-Oke Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Isaac Olubowale, said the deceased used his time and resources to serve God and the people.

    He urged politicians to emulate the life of sacrifice of the late Aderemi, saying that this is the only way for them to be remembered.

    Aderemi’s journey to eternity started on Friday with a lying-in-state ceremony held at the new Governor’s Office, an event attended by Governor Fayemi and other top state functionaries.

    The procession later moved to the State Assembly Complex where a session, addressed by the Speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin, was also held for the deceased.

     

  • South West speakers meet to fashion out legislative agenda

    South West speakers meet to fashion out legislative agenda

    Speakers of state Houses of Assembly and parliamentarians from the South West zone gathered at the weekend in Lagos to fashion out a legislative agenda to enhance the South West’s socio-economic and political fortunes.

    In attendance at the conference were the host Speaker, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and his colleagues, Dr. Adewale Omirin (Ekiti), Suraj Adekunbi (Ogun), Monsurat Sunmonu (Oyo) and Najeem Salaam (Osun). The Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly was conspicuously absent.

    Delivering his welcome address, Ikuforiji reminded his colleagues that in setting a legislative agenda to re-invent the South West, they must not succumb to intimidation in keeping with the dreams of its founding fathers.

    Ikuforiji said, “When it comes to good governance, socio-economic development, wealth creation and advancement of their peoples, our parliamentary founding fathers were never intimidated by anything under the sun.”

    According to him, the parliament is the symbol-in-chief of electoral democracy anywhere in the world, while adding that Nigeria is also a consequence of parliamentary democracy, because in his words, “Our founding fathers were all parliamentarians and the unity of this country was birthed in the parliament; not the palace or barracks.”

    Ikuforiji stressed that Lagos State is not new to playing host to remarkable initiatives that has advanced the general polity and enlightened its people.

    He added, “More precisely, the Lagos parliament from inception has hosted historic transformation agendas; from the motion for National Independence to that which adopted a parliamentary system of government as the method of governance in early Nigeria.”

    He maintained that as progressives, the progress of the people in the zone should be paramount in the activities of the lawmakers in the zone, adding, “Our party leaders have set an economic agenda; it’s for us as parliamentarians to play our essential role. As legislatures, the torch we light should be that of hope for our people. Their expectations are high, believing that if as legislatures we set the right agendas, the tomorrow of their children will be okay.”

    The two-day programme will feature presentation on ‘Perspective/Overview of South-West Legislative Assemblies’, to be delivered by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Mr. Fola Arthur-Worrey; ‘Effective Leadership Communication’, by Mr. Dele Alake, former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy and ‘Deepening Legislative Relationships (agenda setting for a majority party in opposition)’ by Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi.

    In his presentation, Arthur-Worrey admonished the legislature to be more assertive in its legislative functions, reminding them that the executive is subject to the will of the legislature.

    “We must also realise that we have some common problems that can best be solved through common approach. We must speak with one voice on issues of environment, waterways, transportation, agriculture, social issues etc. There is need to co-operate on common issues to avoid wastage; we must research and look into existing laws that have become totally irrelevant,” Arthur-Worrey told the legislators.

     

  • Yoruba must unite against impostors, says Ooni

    Yoruba must unite against impostors, says Ooni

    •Afe Babalola: maintain peace with other Obas

    The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has said Ile-Ife remains the source of the Yoruba.

    He urged Yoruba groups to unite to dislodge those he said “are claiming to be what they are not and what God has not given them an opportunity to be”.

    Oba Sijuwade spoke yesterday at the public presentation of the Ekiti Historical and Royal Compendium in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    At the occasion were Governor Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Bisi; Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu; House of Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin; and founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was represented by his Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Samuel Odewumi.

    Also present were Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo; the Yeyelua of Ile-Ife, Olori Mojisola Sijuwade; Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers and the Onitaji, Oba Adamo Babalola; the Elemure of Emure-Ekiti Oba Emmanuel Adebayo; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Chairman, Alimosho Local Government, Lagos, Adekunle Sola and Senator Gbenga Aluko, among others.

    Oba Sijuwade said those who twist history to associate monarchical supremacy to other sources aside Ile-Ife were only trying to rewrite history and attack the origin of the Yoruba.

    He said: “Today, even with books and documents, a few senior traditional rulers in Yorubaland are still claiming what they are not and what God has not given them an opportunity to be. Until we put such people in order, it will be impossible to have lasting peace in Yorubaland.

    “For centuries, Yorubas have had no other source than the cradle, Ile-Ife, the core centre of the great dispersal. Migrants founded cities, communities and kingdoms and unmistakable references are made to other sources at all times.

    “It is saddening that today, the wet blankets are at work. Yoruba tradition is being bastardised in all ways. The foundation of the historical antecedents of progenitors and founders of the dynasty are being daily twisted, concocted, reconfigured and rewritten for personal ego, selfish reasons and individual satisfaction.

    “Books like the Historical and Royal Compendium shall, at all times, put an end to the lie of any mischief maker, who may want to tamper with the properly documented historical origin, antecedents and acclaimed pedigree of the people.”

    Babalola, who chaired the event, urged Oba Sijuwade to maintain peace with other Yoruba Obas, saying: “Based on the point your imperial majesty just raised on the distortion of history, I advise that you make peace with your brother Obas. This is the only way we can be united and enjoy peace.

    “Historical accounts of traditional rulers, rather than those written by some authors, will reduce the controversies trailing our history. One thing is valid here; nobody knows the history of parents than their children.”

    Fayemi described the book as a “rich collection of the history of the 131 towns in the state”.

    He said his administration planned to establish a museum within the Ekiti Civic Centre under construction to preserve historical documents and artefacts.

    Fayemi described the publication as a strong political instrument, adding that the role of history in achieving development, peace and unity cannot be over-emphasised.

    He pledged to continue to interact with traditional rulers to ensure growth across the state.