The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ado-Ekiti

  • Salary crisis: Ekiti NLC, TUC impose 10-year ban on two Labour leaders

    ‘Unions remain dissolved,’ says banned officials

    Crisis rocking the Labour movement in Ekiti State deepened on Monday as the state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC) imposed a ten-year ban on immediate past chairmen, Mr. Ayodeji Aluko and Mr. Kolawole Olaiya, from trade unionism.

    The ten-year ban was imposed on the duo for leading a protest and shutdown of the State Secretariat last Thursday in protest against the arrears of salaries owed workers by the state government.

    Acting on the auspices of Ekiti Workers Rescue Team, Aluko, Olaiya and other labour leaders declared an indefinite strike and passed a resolution dissolving NLC and TUC executives led by Mr. Ade Adesanmi and Mr. Odunayo Adesoye respectively.

    Rising from an emergency congress held at Labour House, Ado-Ekiti on Monday and attended by affiliate unions, the union leaders insisted that Aluko and Olaiya lacked powers to declare strike and dissolve excos of the unions having finished their terms.

    Addressing reporters at the end of the congress, NLC Chairman, Adesanmi, urged security agencies to call Aluko and Olaiya to order accusing the duo of working as agents of destabilization.

    Adesanmi said: “The illegal activities of the aforementioned ex-labour leaders acting under the guise of Ekiti Workers Rescue Team came to a climax on Thursday, August 23 when they gathered thugs and molested workers who were carrying out their legitimate and lawful duties.

    “There is need to ask them whose interest were they protecting, because they didn’t act when workers were owed over eight month salaries. They have never engaged the government to pay pensioners but they only woke up after the July 14 governorship election.

    “Sometimes ago, an administrative panel was set up by the outgoing government of Governor Ayodele Fayose against Comrade Aluko and found him guilty of participating in electioneering  in 2015, which was against public service rule. It was the same unions that intervened and ensured that he was pardoned.

    “It is no more news that Comrade Aluko was promoted to the position of Director of Administration at the local government ahead of his seniors and the government looked at this and reverted him to the rightful position. It was clear that this ex-labour leader is aggrieved. But must he hide under non-payment of salary to get at the government?

    “How could labour leaders gathered thugs and pronounced the entire labour structure dissolved. Were they State Executive Council of the labour unions? The two of them are not members of SEC, where now did they derive such powers.

    Read Also: Unpaid salaries: Ekiti labour leaders declare strike

    “With their actions of recent, it is clear that they were only clearing coast for political appointments from the incoming government and not fighting the interest of workers.

    “Following these, they are declared persona non grata in labour circle and they are banned from labour activities for a period of ten years”, he said.

    Reacting to the ban, Aluko maintained that Adesanmi and Adesoye have been proscribed from acting in their positions by workers, having failed to fight for the rights of those that voted them into their respective offices.

    Aluko said Adesoye’s tenure as TUC chairman had lapsed in July, saying he lacked the locus standi to preside over a meeting where any member will be suspended or barred.

    He said: “Can any labour leaders who has been described a persona non grata by the entire workforce preside over a meeting and suspend any member?

    “Two, is the fact that the two labour leaders (Adesanmi and Adesoye) have lost their values. They are enjoying the support of the government, so they can decide to take illegal actions pending the time another government will ascend the throne.

    “But let me say this, workers will send them out of the secretariats by the time this government leaves. TUC Chairman had served out his term, while that of NLC will end in February.

    “I want to assure Adesanmi that he will be the first NLC chairman that won’t complete his term in Ekiti. What he is doing is anti-labour and he shall pay dearly for it.”

  • Fayose: I’m fulfilled leaving worthy legacies behind

    As his tenure winds down in less than two months, Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he is fulfilled leaving behind legacies that will not be forgotten in history.

    Fayose said the various developmental projects carried out by his administration will continue to speak for him long after he might have left office.

    He praised the people of Ado-Ekiti for their support during his tenure which he said resulted in construction of legacy projects in the city.

    As the battle for the governorship seat shifts to the courtroom, Fayose urged the people of the state to remain calm and be peaceful.

    Making allusion to the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the July 14 governorship election who is also his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, Fayose expressed optimism that “God will return the glory of Zion very soon.”

    Olusola was defeated by the governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Fayose spoke on Tuesday at the grand finale of this year’s Udiroko Festival in Ado-Ekiti, which marks the beginning of a new year in the town’s traditional calendar.

    This year’s Udiroko was chaired by eminent lawyer and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola and it will be the last to be attended by Fayose in his capacity as governor.

    The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III, received homage from traditional chiefs, palace queens, honorary chiefs, traditional warriors, traditional police, market women, ethnic nationalities resident in the town and other interest groups.

    Fayose, himself a honorary chief, paid a special homage to Ewi and prayed that “Ado will not receive an unwanted visitor.”

    The governor emphasized that he still remains in office and will perform some functions until the expiry of his tenure on October 16 when he is expected to make way for Fayemi.

    Read Also: Fayose’s rushed recruitment in bad faith, says Fayemi

    He promised to allocate shops to market women displaced by the construction of the new Erekesan Market including “pepper and vegetable sellers” before the week runs out.

    “I will give the shops back to the poor people who are interested in them and this will be backed with valid documents.

    “The pepper sellers, the vegetable sellers will regain their shops back.

    “I gave you my word that I will perform and work for you and to the glory of God,  I have performed.

    “To the glory of God, I came, I saw and conquered; I came, I saw and I conquered.

    “Very soon, I will roll out the timetable for a tour round the state to say thank you to the people.

    “Even if Eleka (Olusola) had been declared winner, I will still go. Don’t fight with anybody continue to sing the song of praise.

    “By the grace of God, the glory and plunder of Zion shall be returned.”

    Babalola in his speech described Udiroko as a veritable platform for the people of the town to remember the tradition and culture of their ancestors.

    He, however, expressed regret that some events he described as “enemies of progress” have eroded great virtues of Ekiti.

    Babalola decried the upsurge in criminal activities in the state such as robbery, daylight killings, stealing, destruction of property and kidnapping which he said were alien to Ekiti.

    According to him, lack of infrastructure like motorable highway, absence of rail lines, airport, steady electricity and water will continue to deny Ekiti of the needed investment.

    Babalola noted that the development of Ekiti is the responsibility of both the state government and the people urging them to join hands to lift their home state.

    Oba Adejugbe in his remarks praised Babalola for siting ABUAD on Ado Ekiti soil describing the University as “one of the best in the world.”

    He urged Ado indigenes who are eligible voters to troop out in large numbers and register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCS).

    This, he said, will allow them to vote for the candidates of their choice in the 2019 general elections.

    The Ewi also hailed Fayose for executing remarkable projects in his palace like the hall, amphitheatre and other infrastructure including the flyover and the new market.

    The monarch said: “Forever, the name of Peter Ayodele Fayose will not be forgotten in the history of Ado-Ekiti.

    “You have done these for yourself and in the future, people will be asking who did these and they will answer that they were done by Peter Ayodele Fayose.

    “You did it during my reign but in your name and I pray that as you leave,  everything you brought here, wife, children and property will not be lost.”

  • Idiroko, Eid al-Kabir: Fayose’s aide Felicitate with Ewi, Greet Muslims

    A Food and Beverages Entrepreneur, Mr. Sunshine Anifowose  has congratulated the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba (Dr.) Rufus Aladesanmi Adejuyigbe on 2018 Idiroko Festival, wishing the first class traditional ruler good health and grace to witness more of such celebration on earth.
    The Udiroko festival is celebrated in Ado-Ekiti. It is the only festival apart from Ogun or Oitado according to Ado-Ekiti tradition that brings all Ado-Ekiti citizens both at home and in the Diaspora together. It was established around 1310 AD during the reign of Oba Awamaro, the first Ewi of present day Ado-Ekiti and marks the first day of the year for the town’s inhabitants.
    It is a day people set aside to give thanks for their creator, Olorun hence its nickname, the Olorunborun festival. The name Udiroko is derived from the venue of the festival, which is beneath the big Uroko (Iroko) tree at the Ewi’s palace.
    The festival comes up on Tuesday 21st August 2018 at the palace of Ewi, situated around the popular old garage, Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State.
    Anifowose, who is also the Personal Assistant to the State Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose on Administration, Human-capital Development (popular known as Stomach Infrastructure) and Special Duties also extended the tentacle of his greetings to all Muslims faithful in Ado-Ekiti on this year Eid al-Kabir celebrations.
    In a statement personally signed by him, a copy of which was made available to news men on Monday in Lagos, the Ado-Ekiti born trained Geologist urged his kinsmen to use the period of Idiroko and Eid al-Kabir celebrations to pray for sustenance of peace and unity of his community, Ekiti State and Nigeria in general.
    He urged his kinsmen who were yet to register to vote or collect their permanent voters card (PVC) to do so without delay, stating that it is only through their votes that good governance can be enthroned and bad governance can be rejected in Ekiti State and across the nation of Nigeria.

  • Shooting in Ado-Ekiti as RTEAN members clash

    There was sporadic shooting yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, when members of the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) battled for the leadership of the body.

    There was panic in the city for several hours as many residents were reportedly wounded during the clash.

    Loyalists of the incumbent chairman, Samuel Agbede, and former chairman, Rotimi Olanbiwonnu, reportedly launched attacks against one another, following the alleged  takeover of RTEAN motor parks by supporters of the former.

    Agbede is a loyalist of outgoing Governor Ayo Fayose while Olanbiwonnu is a loyalist of incoming Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    Areas like Okeyinmi, Old Garage and Ijigbo were turned to war zones by the rampaging drivers.

    Several gunshots sent many residents scampering for safety.

    The attack sacked the popular Erekesan Market, also called Oja Oba, as business activities were paralysed.

    The mayhem forced shop owners in the areas to hurriedly close for the day and headed home to avoid being caught in the crossfire among the unionists.

    Many residents sustained injuries in a bid to escape from the scene while traffic came to a standstill.

    Motorists and motorcyclists diverted to other routes.

    Armed policemen were drafted in the flashpoints while many residents were reportedly arrested.

    There has been a crisis in RTEAN following the discharge and acquittal of Olanbiwonnu and six others, who were on trial for alleged complicity in the murder of former National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman, Omolafe Aderiye.

    Aderiye was killed on September 25, 2014 and the trial of the accused at an Ekiti State High Court ended on January 27 when they were set free after nearly four years in prison custody.

    The latest violence reportedly started with the arrest of Olanbiwonnu which his loyalists believed was another attempt to detain him perpetually.

    Police spokesman Caleb Ikechukwu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), claimed last night that nobody had been arrested over the mayhem.

    He said the situation had been put under control while the warring factions had been invited to ensure peace.

    The spokesman said policemen had been deployed in the affected areas and given the mandate to protect life and property.

  • Shooting in Ado-Ekiti as RTEAN members clash over leadership

    Many wounded

    There was sporadic shooting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Tuesday as members of the Road Transport Employers Association (RTEAN) were locked in a bitter struggle for the leadership of the body.

    There was panic in the city for several hours as many residents were reportedly wounded during the clash.

    Loyalists of the incumbent chairman, Samuel Agbede and former chairman, Rotimi Olanbiwonnu, reportedly launched attacks against one another following the takeover of RTEAN motor parks by supporters of the former.

    Agbede is a loyalist of outgoing Governor Ayo Fayose while Olanbiwonnu is a loyalist of incoming Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    Areas like Okeyinmi, Old Garage and Ijigbo were turned to war zones by that rampaging drivers as several gunshots rent the air sending many residents scampering to safety.

    The attack sacked the popular Erekesan Market, also known as Oja Oba as business activities were paralyzed.

    The mayhem forced shop owners in the areas to hurriedly close for the day and headed home to avoid being caught in the crossfire by unionists.

    Many residents sustained injuries in a bid to escape from the scene while traffic came to a standstill as motorists and motorcyclists diverted to other routes.

    Read Also: Man stabs father, himself to death in Ekiti

    Armed policemen were drafted to the flashpoints of violence while many people were said to have been arrested.

    Crisis has been rocking RTEAN following the discharge and acquittal of Olanbiwonnu and six others who were on trial for alleged complicity in the murder of former National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman, Omolafe Aderiye.

    Aderiye was killed on September 25, 2014 and the trial of the accused persons at an Ekiti State High Court ended on January 27 when they were set free after nearly four years in prison custody.

    The latest violence was reportedly sparked by the alleged arrest of Olanbiwonnu by the police which his loyalists believed was another attempt to detain him perpetually.

    Reacting to the mayhem, police spokesman, Caleb Ikechukwu, claimed that nobody had been arrested at press time.

    Ikechukwu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the situation has been put under control while the warring factions have been invited to ensure peace.

    He said policemen have been deployed in all the affected areas and have the mandate to protect lives and property.

  • Seven youths docked for illegal possession of weapons, indian hemp

    Seven young men have been arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Magistrate’s Court for illegal possession of weapons and illicit drugs.

    They are Oke Olaniyi, 18, (m) Elegbeleye Sunday, 19, (m)  Adebayo Oluwaferanmi, 19, (m)  Idowu Azeez, 18, (m) ‎Ismaila Yunisa, 19 (m),

    Falayi Blessing‎, 18 (m) and Ogunlade Dayo, 23 (m).

    The defendants, whose addresses were unknown, are facing a three – count charge of being in  possession of dangerous offensive weapon,

    possession of one battle axe and possession of of Indian hemp.

    The prosecutor, Inspector Caleb Leranmo, told the Court that the defendants committed the offence on August 2 at about 0120hrs at Afatilo street, Oke-Ila in Ado-Ekiti.

    He alleged that dangerous offensive weapon were found in the possession of the defendants.

    Leranmo said that, one battle axe was found in their possession. He also alleged that, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were found in

    the possession of the defendants.

    According to him, the offences contravened Section 516, 417 (c) of Criminal Code, Law of Ekiti State 2012, and section 5 of the Indian

    Hemp Act Law of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

    The prosecutor asked the Court for adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and their counsel, Mrs Florence Nwadishi, urged the Court to grant the accused bail,

    promising that they would not jump bail.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Ajibade, in her ruling granted the accused bail in the sum of N10,000 with one surety each in like sum.

    She adjourned the case until August 28 for hearing.

     

  • Fayose’s aide bags Award from the Students’ Community 

    The Personal Assistant to Gov. Ayodele Fayose on General Administration and Stomach Infrastructure, Mr. Sunday Anifowoshe has once again bagged a honourary award from the National Association of Polytechnic Students, NAPS.
    The award was presented on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti where friends and well wishers of the awardee gathered to celebrate with the Ado born business tycoon cum politician.
    Giving the acceptance speech, the awardee thanked God for His grace in his life, he thanked His Excellency, Chief Ayodele Fayose for giving him platform to be celebrated; describing Fayose as his political father, benefactor and mentor whose leadership style he will continue to emulate.
    Mr. Anifowoshe  urged the students to do away with anything that can turn their their future into a bleak one.
    He said, “Considering the recent happenings in the country, the Nigerian students need to wake-up from their slumber and join forces with the focused youths  who are ready to bail the country out from the tyrants and party of deceits we have in the country now.
    “Permit me to urge those who are yet to  get their voter’s cards should go for it on time so as to kick out impunity in the country in 2019”.
    Presenting the award, the National Public Relations Officer of the National  Association of Polytechnic Students, Com. Olasunkanmi Ijaduoye said the association decided to bestow the honour to Mr. Anifowoshe due to his sense of humility and respect to all and sundry; stressing that only men of courage and confidence can be respected and celebrated.
    Com. Olasunkanmi described Mr. Anifowoshe as a courageous icon, an astute and cognitive thinker, a seasoned analyst, an epitome of excellence with a great heart of gold who will get unflinching support from the entire students in the country if he and when he justles for any elective position.
    “Your unrelenting contributions towards youth/students developmental projects and passion for education was also part of the criteria for this honour”, Olasunkanmi said.

  • Ekiti council chief commits suicide

    .JUMPS INSIDE WELL IN HIS COMPOUND

    Tragedy struck on Monday as a senior local government official, Michael Kayode Bamisaye, allegedly committed suicide at his residence in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Bamisaye, who was the Director of Finance in Ise/Orun Local Government Council, Ise-Ekiti, jumped into the well in his compound behind
    Tinuola Maximum School, off Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti.

    The deceased had earlier drank water mixed with cement in an earlier attempt to kill himself before jumping into the well.

    Top management staff of local governments in Ekiti State have being paying condolence visit to Bamisaye’s home.

    Sympathisers have been trooping to his residence to commiserate with the widow and other members of the family.

    Activities were said to have been grounded at Ise/Orun Local Government secretariat when the report of Bamisaye’s death filtered in
    from Ado-Ekiti.

    The cause of the suicide could not be immediately ascertained.

    Bamisaye was said to be the third senior management staff that would die in Ise/Orun Local Government Council this year as two other directors had died before him in mysterious circumstances.

    A source said: “The deceased woke up at about 4.00 am to assist his wife to do some house chores and even called some council workers he
    used to convey to Ise everyday to be ready to join him to their station.

    “All of a sudden, he disappeared and went outside with the wife looking for him. Later she discovered that the well was opened and they saw the body floating.

    “The wife and other people who joined her searching later saw the cement he had mixed with water which he might have taken before taking
    the plunge into the well.

    “The men of the State Fire Service had come to remove the corpse which has since been deposited at the mortuary.”

    Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Caleb Ikechukwu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was not available for comment as his phone was switched off.

  • Tragedy as Ekiti council chief commits suicide

    Jumps inside well in his compound

     

    Tragedy struck on Monday as a senior local government official, Michael Kayode Bamisaye, alleged committed suicide at his residence in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Bamisaye, who was the Director of Finance in Ise/Orun Local Government Council, Ise-Ekiti, jumped into the well in his compound behind Tinuola Maximum School, off Afao Road, Ado-Ekiti.

    The deceased had earlier drunk water mixed with cement in an earlier attempt to kill himself before jumping into the well.

    Top management staff of local governments in Ekiti State has being paying condolence visit to Bamisaye’s home.

    Sympathizers have been trooping to his residence to commiserate with the widow and other members of the family.

    Activities were said to have been grounded at Ise/Orun Local Government secretariat when the report of Bamisaye’s death filtered in from Ado-Ekiti.

    The cause of the suicide could not be immediately ascertained.

    Bamisaye was said to be the third senior management staff that would die in Ise/Orun Local Government Council this year as two other directors had died before him in mysterious circumstances.

    Read Also: Police speak on alleged siege on Ekiti Assembly complex

    A source said: “The deceased woke up at about 4.00 am to assist his wife to do some house chores and even called some council workers he used to convey to Ise every day to be ready to join him to their station.

    “All of a sudden, he disappeared and went outside with the wife looking for her. Later she discovered that the well was opened and they saw the body floating.

    “The wife and other people who joined her searching later saw the cement he had mixed with water which he might have taken before taking the plunge into the well.

    “The men of the State Fire Service had come to remove the corpse which has since been deposited at the mortuary.”

    Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Caleb Ikechukwu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, was not available for comment as his phone was switched off.

     

  • Fayemi’s lawyers tackle INEC over PDP’s ‘secret’ access to electoral documents

    Lawyers to Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, have alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawyers access to electoral documents used for the July 14 governorship poll without notifying other parties.

    A member of Fayemi’s legal team, Mr. Tajudeen Akingbolu, said hi party has formally written to INEC requesting for the Certified True Copies (CTCs) of the electoral documents which had not been granted.

    Akingbolu said the documents requested include Forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E among others, wondering why INEC had allegedly allowed PDP lawyers access to the documents without the knowledge of other parties.

    According to him, the normal practice is that when a party has been given access to electoral documents, other parties must be notified and their lawyers must be present to prevent any of the documents from being mutilated or tampered with.

    Akingbolu who spoke with reporters in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday said he had gone to INEC office to see the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. AbdulGaniy Raji, on the development but was told that he was not on seat.

    When contacted, INEC spokesman, Mr. Taiwo Gbadegesin, declined comments on the matter saying “only the REC can speak on the development.”

    Read Also: Ekiti made right choice in Fayemi, says Rep

    Akingbolu said: “Immediately after the election was conducted, July 16 to be precise, we wrote an application to the REC to the effect that we need CTCs of Forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E and other documents used for the conduct of the election but ump till now, we have not been granted access to those documents.

    “This is my third time of coming here but we heard scary information this morning that our adversary, that is PDP, have come here and has been given access to those documents.

    “We were reliably informed that they (INEC) has opened the store where these documents are kept for them without putting us on notice.

    “That is why we want to sound a note of warning that, for any document to be released at all, every party must be available and every other party must be on ground and present.

    “We don’t want a situation whereby electoral materials, particularly the ballot papers, will be mutilated, tampered with or destroyed. They can be thumb-printed again to make them look as if they are void.

    “That is why we want to warn INEC to be on the side of caution on this issue. We know the character of the people we are dealing with, we don’t want to take any chances at all and we don’t want to be put on the defensive.

    “We heard from a very reliable source that they have been having access to the documents since last week. In a situation in which the other party is not given access it looks somehow.

    “I went to REC’s office but I learnt he is not available and I have to come out and wait for him. That is not the practice anywhere in the world.”