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Tag: Ayo Fayose

  • Ekiti 2026: ‘Voters ‘ll decide next governor, not Fayose’

    Ekiti 2026: ‘Voters ‘ll decide next governor, not Fayose’

    Otunba Emmanuel Fayose is the younger brother of  former Ekiti state governor, Ayo Fayose. He is one of the aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party vying for the 2026 governorship poll in Ekiti State. In this interview with RASAQ IBRAHIM, the Afao-Ekiti born politicain  explains why he is in the race, his visions for Ekiti state, and his expectations in the PDP primaries.

    Why do you want to be the next governor of Ekiti State?

    I want to be the next governor not just to govern, but to lead a transformation that puts people first, invests in the future and brings competence, compassion and innovation into governance. My decision to run for governor is not made lightly. It is the result of deep reflection, consultation with stakeholders across all strata of Ekiti society, and a burning desire to offer a new kind of leadership that this state needs. I am driven by a deep and personal commitment to the people of Ekiti State. I have worked closely with our communities through various youth empowerment initiatives and educational programs. I have seen firsthand, both the immense potential and the frustrating stagnation.Ekiti is a land of pride; rich in culture, history and most importantly, people. But over the years, despite our potential, we have been caught in a cycle of inconsistent leadership and short-sighted growth and development. Our people deserve more.

    I want to be the governor that finally connects policy to the people, that listens more than he talks and delivers more than he promises. Ekiti can rise again, and I believe I have the vision, the discipline, and the moral clarity to lead that regeneration.

    What political background do you have before now that encourages you to aspire to be governor and not any other position?

    I may not have previously held elected office, but I am not a political greenhorn. I have been deeply embedded in the political structures of Ekiti and the PDP for years. I am a successful business executive and I have been actively involved in grassroots politics, political education and mobilization, party organization and youth development for decades. I have served on strategic advisory teams, campaign organizations and policy formulation groups for several institutions, not only in Ekiti State, but also in some States in Nigeria and diaspora. My background in community service and my experience leading a charity that has trained and empowered hundreds of young people have given me a practical understanding of governance.

    What I want to bring to the table is not just political experience, but a well-rounded knowledge of governance, public policy and how to use power responsibly.Leadership is not only about title, it is about understanding the pulse of the people and building systems that solve problems.I believe it is time people with real solutions and integrity step forward at the highest levels and I am ready for that responsibility.

    You are one of the few aspirants jostling for the PDP ticket. What distinguishes you from other contestants?

    What distinguishes me is my vision, my integrity and my connection to the people at the grassroots. I represent a new era of politics that combines compassion with competence and service with strategy. While others may rely on godfathers or recycled manifesto, I come with a fresh approach, backed by results from my work with youth, women and the vulnerable. I am offering a clean break, modern, responsive and inclusive style of leadership. My movement is not just about me; it is about a movement of the young, passionate and competent people who are tired of the status quo and want to build a future that works. I am deeply connected to the real issues facing ordinary Ekiti people and I have fresh and workable ideas on how to solve them. Though, every aspirant has something to offer, and I respect all of them. But, I am not a career politician looking for the next opportunity, I am a servant-leader who sees politics as a platform for impact.

    What exactly do you plan to offer the people of Ekiti State differently from what others did in the past?

    I will focus on three key areas, namely; Economic empowerment, education and transparent governance. My administration will prioritize local industries, agro-tech partnerships and small business support to create sustainable jobs. Education will not just be about certificates but about skills and innovation. I will ensure every kobo spent is accounted for, using digital tools to make our government transparent and participatory.Ultimately, we will diligently build our development plans around the real needs of local communities, education, healthcare, roads, jobs, not just ribbon-cutting projects.

    You cut the picture of a gentleman, but politics is quite a tough task. How do you intend to run your politics preparatory to getting the ticket of your party?

    Being a gentleman is not a weakness, it is a strength. I believe in strong ideas, not strong arms. My approach is strategic and people-driven. My politics is rooted in respect, inclusion and result-oriented.I’mbuilding alliances, consulting across all wards and leveraging my experience in conflict resolution and negotiations and I am already gaining traction across local government areas.

    I understand that politics in Nigeria is tough, but I have also learned that you do not need to abandon your values to succeed. I have been sitting with community leaders, youth groups, market women, school students, traders, women associations and PDP delegates across the state. I’m not relying on noise, I am relying on results. I believe in silent strategy, not loud politics.

    You must be aware that to emerge as the party candidate, you must have structure and also have funds to prosecute your campaign. How rooted is your structure and how deep is your pocket?

    Yes, structure and resources are very essential. I have built a strong grassroots network through years of community outreach, youth mentorship, and social impact projects. As for funding, I may not be the richest, but I am strategic. I have supporters both locally and in the diaspora who believe in my ambition. This campaign is powered not just by money, but by people who are tired of the old ways and ready for something new.

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    I have invested heavily in building a solid grassroots network that covers all 16 LGAs and 177 wards. I have built a team of loyal party men and women, and people who believe in this project, not because they were paid, but because they are inspired.I have personal resources and the support of well-meaning donors who believe in good governance and want to see a new face of leadership in Ekiti. We are ready. The structure is real and the resources are available.

    What are the gaps in the governance system in Ekiti that you hope to address if you become the governor?

    The key gaps are in inclusive development, job creation and accountability. Too many communities feel left behind, too many youths are unemployed or underemployed and government often seems distant and disconnected. I intend to close these gaps with programs that prioritize people, not projects. We can break the gaps into three major aspects:The gap of continuity; too many good ideas in Ekiti are abandoned halfway because of political rivalry. I will establish a State Development Plan with bipartisan buy-in, ensuring that core projects are passed into law and immune to political sabotage. We also have the gap of inclusion;  too many communities feel ignored. Government in Ekiti often begins and ends in a particular Local Government . That must change. My government will be truly inclusive, involving all traditional rulers, youth leaders, market women, artisans and civil servants in decision-making.

    Another gap that of trust; the average Ekiti person does not trust government promises anymore. That is the most dangerous gap. We will rebuild that trust through transparency, humility and delivering results without noise.

    The PDP in the state has been going through internal crisis. Don’t you think this development will affect the chances of the party in the election?

    Internal disagreements are not unusual in a big party like ours. What matters is our ability to resolve issues with maturity and unity of purpose. I see this moment as a chance to rebuild bridges, re-ignite the party’s grassroots base and present a united front. My emergence as a candidate will symbolize renewal and offer a rallying point for all factions. My approach has been to engage with all blocs within the party without taking sides. I am talking with the elders, the youth, and everyone in between. The PDP in Ekiti must move from a party of factions to a party of action, and I am working daily to make that happen.

    There are talks that the PDP is not prepared for the governorship elections as a result of the deafening silence and its inability to provide the needed opposition?

    Like I said earlier, silence does not always mean weakness, sometimes it is strategic. Preparation is not always public. What many people call silence is actually recalibration for me. We are not shouting because we are listening. We are fixing our internal issues quietly and deliberately. I believe PDP will surprise many with a strong showing, especially when we present a candidate like myself who represents unity, competence and hope for the people. Opposition should not be about noise or insults, it should be about alternatives. That is what we are preparing. a credible, visible, and electable alternative to the current system.The PDP in Ekiti is regrouping and when we come out, we will come out stron, with a united front and a clear message of renewal.

    Do you think the electorates in Ekiti state can easily connect with you and your aspiration or put more simply, do you think Ekiti State is ripe for a young man like you as governor?

    Absolutely! The average voter in Ekiti is intelligent, politically aware and ready for a shift. This is not about age, it is about vision, character and courage. I connect with the people because I have walked with them, worked for them and I represent their aspirations. Ekiti is more than ready for a young, focused and service-oriented leader.We have seen young leaders across the world and even here in Nigeria doing great things. I understand the culture of Ekiti, I respect our values and I am deeply rooted in our communities. So the question is not whether I’m too young, the real question is whether I am ready. And the answer is yes, I am ready.

    Your brother, former Governor Ayodele Fayose recently endorsed the incumbent governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for second term despite being a prominent member of the PDP. What are your thoughts on this endorsement?

    My brother is not God! I am aspiring not as Ayo Fayose’s brother, but as a man with my own convictions, record and vision.He has endorsed several people in the past that failed. But because God does not want us to fail, that is the reason my brother is endorsing overnor Biodun Oyebanji, BAO to fail.Like I said, his endorsements in the past have not been successful. It has always resulted in losses.For instance, he backed Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka in 2018, who lost to Kayode Fayemi. His endorsement of Bisi Kolawole in 2022 only secured third place for the PDP. Even his son, Jomiloju, lost in 2023 House of Representatives elections. The same trend was observed when my brother’s candidates faced defeat against Senator Biodun Olujimi in 2015 and 2019. These outcomes clearly showed that he does not hold ultimate authority and the people of Ekiti will decide. I am confident that the people of Ekiti will shame them all in 2026.While I respect my brother’s opinion, my focus is on the future of Ekiti, not family interests. The electorate will judge me based on my ideas and integrity, not on my brother’s endorsement.Again, let me add clearly that I am not running a family race. I am running to serve.

    The name ‘Fayose’ is not a campaign strategy. My message, track record and the sincerity of my intent are what will resonate with the people. I am running as Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, otherwise known as ‘DOME,’ with a solid support base among Ekiti PDP members and citizens, and I believe that the electorate is smart enough to see the difference.

    Don’t you think ex-governor Fayose’s endorsement will influence the outcome of the 2026 governorship election?

    Influence is possible, but ultimately, the people will decide. The endorsement may carry weight in certain quarters, but I trust the Ekiti electorate to choose a candidate based on merit, not personal alignments. We live in a new era of political awareness, voters are more interested in track records, plans and character than political endorsements. The people of Ekiti are not blind followers. They have shown time and again that they evaluate leaders by performance and clarity of vision. My task is to connect with them honestly, and I believe they will respond positively to that sincerity. I respect all political players, but I am taking my message directly to the people. The people will decide, not any individual, no matter how prominent.

    How will you work to build support among the PDP members and other stakeholders in Ekiti, given the party’s internal dynamics and your brother’s endorsement of Oyebanji?

    I believe in the politics of inclusion. My campaign is not about divisions, it is about building a broader coalition of loyal party members, undecided voters and even those who feel alienated. Unity, patience and respect are my tools.My goal is to unify and strengthen the PDP in Ekiti, starting with how I lead this campaign. Let me say it  again that my brother’s endorsement of another party’s governor will not define the future of PDP in Ekiti. He is not God. What will define it is our ability to come together, align on shared values and present a candidate who is electable, credible and ready to serve. I’m actively engaging with critical stakeholders across all 16 council Areas, listening more than I talk and offering real, workable solutions. I have promised them inclusion, respect and a fresh start.I am ready and by God’s grace, Ekiti will be great again.

  • Olujimi denies mocking Fayose, Eleka over Supreme Court verdict

    The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi has denied mocking the immediate governor, Ayo Fayose and the PDP candidate in the last year gubernatorial election over Supreme Court judgment.

    It would be recalled that there was a widespread report alleged to have originated from Olujimi in which Fayose was alleged to have destroyed the chances of the party with his selfish agenda to ruling by proxy with his puppet fielded as the party’s candidate.

    She allegedly said Fayose’s high handedness in muzzling the party to pursue selfish interest forced many of its strong members who could have swayed votes for the party in the election.

    The lawmaker representing Ekiti South Senatorial District said such statement was handiwork of some mischievous element who wants to cause division within the PDP.

    According to a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Chief Sanya Atofarati, the widespread report can be easily affirmed as a figment of imagination of the writer and his cohorts and a miscalculated attempt to fan the embers of discord within the PDP.

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    “For me, considering my very busy schedule would not have dignified these rants with any response, but in the overall interest of the unsuspecting citizens whom by this statement might be misled, hence, the need to set the records straight.

    “Senator Biodun Olujimi, a party leader whose efforts in uniting the party at all times and having been commended at all levels could never have issued such a disuniting statement.

    “It must be noted that prior to the governorship election, Senator Biodun Olujimi spent her personal resources to mobilize well-meaning leaders and members of the PDP to ensure the success of the party in the election.

    “She also rallied round across the 16 local government areas and the 171 political wards of Ekiti state with the guber candidate, Prof. Olusola Eleka whom she has always enjoyed smooth relationship with.

    “The general public, especially PDP members are hereby urged to disregard such statement and see it as one orchestrated by agents of political ravagers set out to malign the hard earned reputation of sportmanship built over the years by our distinguished Senator Biodun Olujimi”, he said.

  • Olujimi mocks Fayose, Eleka over Supreme Court verdict

    Senate Minority Leader, Biodun Olujimi, has lashed out at immediate governor of the Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose and the PDP candidate in the last gubernatorial election, Prof. Olusola Eleka after the Supreme Court judgment.

    The Apex Court had upheld the election of Governor Kayode Fayemi in a unanimous judgment by a five-man panel, declaring the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Ekiti, Kolapo Olusola Eleka as frivolous and lacking in merit.

    Olujimi alleged Fayose of destroying the chances of the party with his selfish agenda to ruling by proxy with his puppet fielded as the party’s candidate.

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    She said Fayose’s high handedness in muzzling the party to pursue selfish interest forced many of its strong members who could have swayed votes for the party in the election.

    The lawmaker urged the duo to cover their faces in fame for sacrificing the people’s party for their unrealistic selfish interest.

    According to a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Chief Sanya Atofarati, “We told them but they wouldn’t listen. How do you expect Fayose’s stooge who is not even conversant with politics to win at the polls not to talk of the Supreme Court.

    “He (Fayose) destroyed the party by fielding unsellable and unpopular candidate.”

  • EFCC counsel’s absence stalls Fayose’s alleged N1.2b, $5m fraud trial

    A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday adjourned till May 21 the alleged corruption trial of a former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, following the prosecution counsel’s absence.

    Justice Mojisola Olatoregun fixed the date after waiting for over an hour, during which the matter was stood down, for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) to make an appearance.

    Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2 billion and $5 million allegedly stolen from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through a former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro.

    He was arraigned by the EFCC on an 11-count charge on October 22, last year, alongside a company, Spotless Investment Limited.

    The former governor pleaded not guilty and was granted N50 million bail with one surety in like sum.

    The EFCC opened its case on November 19, last year.

    At the last adjourned date, on May 10, Jacobs obtained an adjournment, after telling the court that his 13th witness, Adewale Aladegbola, seemed to be hostile.

    The court granted his prayer to enable the prosecution decide on its next line of action.

    At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, the ex-governor and his defence team were in court, but no member of the prosecution team was available.

    Messrs Ola Olanipekun (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN) announced appearances for the defendants and informed the court that prosecution was absent and had not told them why.

    Olanipekun said: “In the circumstances, we want to apply for a stand down, if my lord will graciously oblige them for one hour, to see if we can make contact with them.”

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    Ojo added: “I associate myself with the position of my learned brother for a stand down. I have not received a phone call or text message from Mr Jacobs.”

    Justice Olatoregun granted their prayer, following which the matter was subsequently adjourned.

    According to the EFCC, Fayose and Abiodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, took possession of N1,219,000,000 on June 17, 2014, to fund the former governor’s 2014 governorship campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing”.

    The agency said the former governor, on the same day, received a cash payment of $5 million from Obanikoro without going through a financial institution.

    The commission said the money exceeded the amount authorised by law, thereby violating the Money Laundering Act.

     

  • Ekiti reviews Fayose’s last minute recruitment of 2,000 workers

    The Ekiti State Government has expressed readiness to review the procedure that led to the recruitment of no fewer than 2,000 new workers into the civil service by the immediate past administration of Ayo Fayose.

    The new set of workers had continually protested their non-recognition as bonafide civil servants by the current government, as well as non-payment of their salaries seven months after their engagement.

    Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Values Orientation, Mr Muyiwa Olumilua, disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti on Monday while addressing a group of physically challenged people also affected by the exercise.

    Olumilua noted that that none of the appointments, involving various categories of people went through due process, especially as it involved biometrics.

    He said the recruitment was hurriedly done, even up till the very night of the day of exit of the former governor.

    The commissioner said it was on basis of that the Fayemi’s administration set up a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi to review the appointments.

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    He said the committee was also to determine the actual available vacancies within the public service.

    Olumilua disclosed that the committee had concluded its assignment and would soon take decisive verdict on the issue, so that those involved could no their fate.

    Giving a breakdown of the total of 2,000 appointments, the commissioner said that 600 teachers were recruited into the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) while 400 personnel were employed into the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and 1,000 injected into the Ministry of Establishment.

    He reiterated the commitment of the present administration to generation of employment opportunities without political coloration.

    “We want to assure that available vacancies will be equitably filled without prejudice and undue political consideration,” he said.

    NAN

  • Fayose: How I took delivery of N1.2b cash, by bank chief

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Monday heard how the N1.2billion allegedly given to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) was moved to the state.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is trying Fayose for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from the ONSA.

    Testifying before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun, the 11th prosecution witness, Mr. Sunday Alade, said he was the  Akure Branch Manager of a new generation bank in 2014 when the money was moved to his branch.

    Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness said he got a call from his head of operations asking him to prepare to head for Akure Airport to receive cash from a customer.

    “On the 17th of June 2014, I was in my office in Akure. I received a call from my head of operations Abiodun Oshodi that a customer would be coming to make deposit into his account with the bank.

    “He said in order to provide security, we should arrange for a van bullion to go to the airport to pick the cash.

    “After an hour, my head of operations Abiodun Oshodi came and said the customer had arrived. He introduced Abiodun Agbele as the customer.

    “He said we should prepare to go to the airport. I asked for time to arrange for security, but they said that won’t be necessary as they had sufficient security.  They came with MOPOL and some soldiers in a Hilux van,” Alade said.

    The witness said he joined Oshodi and Agbele to the airport, along with the bullion van and the security men.

    Alade said: “At the airport, we waited for a few minutes before the arrival of the aircraft. Three individuals came out of the aircraft.

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    “Two of them walked away. The remaining person introduced himself as O. Adewale. The cash was offloaded into the bullion van and we drove to the bank,” Alade said.

    He said when they arrived at the bank; the money was counted in his presence.

    He said Oshodi, Adewale and Agbele were also present.

    “The money was counted in our presence. It was N724million. We were informed that there was a balance. We went back to the airport and picked N494million.

    “The total cash amounted to N1.219billion. Another aircraft brought the N494million.

    “I gathered that the cash was lodged in three bank accounts – those of De-Privateer, Spotless Investment and Ayodele Fayose.

    “I also understand some cash was taken away that day by Mr Agbele.”

    Asked who Adewale was, he said: “Adewale O. introduced himself as Obanikoro’s ADC (aide-de-camp).”

    Asked if he knew those who walked away from the aircraft after it landed, the witness said: “One of them resembled Obanikoro. I never met him in person. But he resembled the person I saw on television and newspapers.”

    Under cross examination by defence counsel Ola Olanipekun (SAN) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN) (for Spoless Ltd, Fayose’s co-accused), the witness said he did not know where the money came from.

    Asked if he knew what the money was meant for, he said: “Not at all.”

    The witness said it took 10 days to process the cash.

    In response to a question by Ojo as to whether he submitted a bulk cash register to EFCC on the transaction, the witness said “No.”

    Ojo showed the witness a statement of account belonging to Spotless Investment.

    He was asked to identify entries for October 6, 2014, September 5, 2014 and December 6, 2014.

    Alade said the entries showed the transfer of N11.173million each described as “mortgage repayment” and “mortgage loan liquidation”.

    He added: “But I didn’t know anything about the transactions.” Ojo said: “Don’t worry.”

    Before the trial began, Jacobs said he was involved in an accident and had to come to court in crutches.

    He asked the court to allow him take only one witness, but he did not disclose when or where he had the accident.

    He was seen wearing a heavy bandage brace on his right foot with no footwear on.

    There was also no indication that the case would be transferred to another judge.

    EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu reportedly wrote to the Chief Judge, asking that the case be withdrawn from Justice Olatoregun and re-assigned to another judge.

    Magu was said to have expressed lack of confidence in the judge.

    But no reference was made to the purported letter to the CJ by Magu.

    Fayose had pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on an 11-count charge on October 22 last year.

    EFCC said he and Agbele, facing a different charge, allegedly took possession of N1, 219,000, 000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    EFCC said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5million from former Minister of State for State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution.

    The commission said the sum exceeded the amount authorised by law, thereby violating the Money Laundering Act.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until May 10 and 14 for continuation of trial.

  • Fireworks in Fayose’s trial as judge, EFCC’s lawyer clash

    There were fireworks at the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday as Justice Mojisola Olatoregun accused a prosecuting counsel Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) of being “incompetent” and “extremely rude”.

    The judge accused Jacobs of engaging in jankara practice, but the Senior Advocate said he took “exception” to being described in such terms.

    He said it was the first time he would be so described by any judge in all his years of legal practice.

    The exchange occurred in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Fayose of receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) contrary to the Money Laundering Act. Fayose pleaded not guilty.

    The exchange occurred after the cross-examination of the 10th prosecution witness, Maroun Mechleb, who is the Chief Executive Officer of an Akure, Ondo State-based construction firm, Samchase Nigeria Limited.

    The witness testified that he handled several contracts for Ekiti State, which he said were facilitated by Fayose’s aide, Abiodun Agbele.

    He said there was a gentleman’s agreement that he would appreciate Agbele for every contract he facilitated.

    He said he gave Agbele N132.5million on one occasion as “appreciation” for an unspecified contract he facilitated.

    In one of the counts of the charge, EFCC alleged that Fayose acquired chalets 3 and 4, 6 and 9 on Plot 100 Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos in the name of JJ Technical Services Ltd with N1,151,711,573.

    Mechleb told the court that he and his brothers, who testified earlier, also ran J.J Technical Services, but that the firm was unable to get a job from the state.

    The witness said he once lied to the EFCC about owning a property based on Agbele’s instructions in a bid to help “a friend”.

    His words: “Mr Agbele asked for a company we can use to get a job. I gave the name (J.J. Technical Services) to Abiodun Agbele to help get a job for the company.

    “Mr Agbele bought a property and put it in the company’s name. He gave me the documents of the property to sign. I cannot read English properly, but I just signed the documents,” Mechleb said.

    Jacobs asked him: “Did you know what the documents were about?”

    The witness said: “It was later that I got to know that the documents were about a property and I had to contact Mr Agbele.”

    On how he came to pay Agbele N132.5million, Mechleb said: “I had an agreement with Agbele that I would appreciate him. He gave me an account to send the money, which I have done.

    “He told me that I have one house, because I paid N132.5million to him. The truth is that the house does not belong to me but to Mr Agbele.

    “After I made the first statement at EFCC, my lawyer asked me to go back and say the truth.”

    Asked what he knew about Agbele, the witness said: “I know he was the one helping to facilitate the jobs. We agreed that when he gets the job for me, I will appreciate him.

    “We did not specify the amount, but it’s around 10 per cent.”

    Under cross-examination by defence counsel Mr Ola Olanipekun (SAN) (for Fayose) and Olalekan Ojo (SAN) (for Fayose’s co-accused Spotless Ltd), Mechleb said: “In making the first statement, I did not say the truth. I was trying to help my friend. I can lie to help a friend.

    “I later obeyed my conscience and went back to EFCC to say the truth.”

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    The witness said the contracts Agbele got for him were undocumented.

    “We were given about six or seven contracts by Ekiti State. The contracts Agbele got for me were not in writing. The description of what I was to do was given to me verbally.”

    He also said he never interacted directly with Fayose. “My interactions were with Mr Agbele, no more, no less,” he said.

    During cross-examination, Olanipekun tendered parts of Mechleb’s statements at EFCC.

    When Jacobs sought to tender the remaining part during his re-examination of the witness, Olanipekun and Ojo objected on the basis that Jacobs could not tender a statement at the re-examination stage.

    Justice Olatoregun upheld the objections, but added that Jacobs could “have another bite at the cherry” by tendering it later. She did not mark the document as rejected.

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    But the judge took offence when Jacobs made reference to a submission by Ojo during his objection.

    Justice Olatoregun said: “Mr Jacobs, you dare not! You are not competent to look into my ruling, to evaluate my ruling. You are totally incompetent, whether you are a Senior Advocate or not.”

    Jacobs said: “I was not referring to Your Lordship’s ruling.”

    Justice Olatoregun said: “You are going beyond your bounds. Do not let me trash your practice. Listen to me, if you re-evaluate my rulings in this court, you’ll get into trouble.

    “You can only go on appeal, Mr Jacobs. Your mode of advocacy, I do not understand it. It looks like what do they call it?… Jankara market practice.”

    Jacobs: “Thank you my Lord”.

    Judge: “You stand here to reevaluate my ruling; you are incompetent to do that. If you have any re-examination, you do that. If you do not have, call your next witness, or you take a date.”

    Jacobs: “I’m grateful to your Lordship. Thank you my Lord.”

    Judge: “You do not stand there with impetus and reevaluate my ruling. I have ruled, relying on two sections of the Evidence Act.

    “If you have an objection to that, you go on appeal. You have no competence, carrying your wig with arrogance, and we have a lot of young lawyers here. What are you teaching them?

    “You stand up to a judge and re-evaluate the ruling of a judge. It cannot happen in my court!

    “Re-examine your witness; if you are not re-examining him, then close your case.”

    Jacobs: “My Lord, I did not refer to Your Lordship’s ruling. I never said a word about Your Lordship’s ruling.”

    Judge: “I do not take tangential comments here. You are fond of doing that. You are an extremely rude senior advocate.

    “If you are a senior advocate, you are not older than me at the Bar and you are not older than me in age. In Yoruba land, we respect age. And in this job, we have what they call professional ethics and respect for each other.”

    Jacobs: “I have offered respect to My Lord.”

    Judge: “You have never offered it.”

    Jacobs: “For My Lord to say that I am jankara practice lawyer…”

    Judge: “Yes, I am saying it. When you finish here, you can write a petition to the NJC (National Judicial Council). I’m saying it, and I’m not going to withdraw it. I have said it. Go and do whatever you like

    “I have called you into chambers and I told you what you’re doing which is not right. You do not just ridicule yourself here, and you have not stopped.”

    Jacobs: “I’ve been in this job for a while. I have appeared before several judges, from the lower court to the Supreme Court. No judge has ever called me a jankara practitioner.”

    Judge: “I do not want to know. I do not want to know how many years…”

    Jacobs: “I never engaged in jankara practice, and I take exception to that word, jankara practice.”

    Judge: “Now, are you re-examining your witness?”

    Jacobs: “Yes, I am. But I take exception to that word, jankara practice. I take full exception to it.

    “I do my job according to my conscience; I will never pervert the course of justice; I will never call any witness to come here and lie against another person. I fear God. But for one to suppress truth, I will fight against it.”

    Two other Lebanese, Goshen Joseph and Joseph Mechleb, earlier testified that J.J. Technical Services had no jobs and never got any from Ekiti State.

    A lawyer, Mr Kennedy Osunwa, earlier testified that he was engaged to prepare a deed of assignment for a property on 100, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    He said: “Sometime in 2014/2015, a company that I had retainership with as a tenant solicitor (Still Earth Ltd) called me and said they had acquired some properties lying at 100, Tiamiyu Savage, Victoria Island, and that they had concluded arrangement to sell some because they had a buyer.

    “The particulars of the buyer were given to me to prepare a deed of assignment. I was told that one Abiodun Agbele with a company, J. J Technical, were buying the property.”

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until April 15 for continuation of trial.

  • No document to back my claims on Fayose, says ex-minister

    The Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday discharged former Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as a witness in the trial of former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    Obanikoro testified as the fifth witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Under cross examination by counsel for Spotless Limited, Fayose’s co-accused, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Obanikoro said there was no documentary evidence to back up all he said in court.

    Ojo asked him: “Did you produce any evidence to back any of your assertions before this court?”

    Obanikoro answered: “No.”

    Ojo asked the former minister about his late personal assistant Justin Erukaa, whose statement made during investigation was esrlier  admitted in evidence.

    The witness said: “Erukaa left Lagos a day before Salah about two years ago.

    “The Police called one of my special assistants saying the owner of the phone died on the spot in a motor accident. My PA immediately called me.”

    After Ojo said he had no further questions for Obanikoro, prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) called the sixth prosecuting witness (PW6), Mr Olugboyega Omotayo Falae, a banker.

    The EFCC had alleged that Fayose acquired a property on 44, Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja in the name of his elder sister, Moji Oladeji, with N200million.

    Falae, who now works with Ecobank Nigeria, said he was a staff Skye Bank (now Polaris Bank) when the transaction occurred.

    He said as head of the estate support department, he knew about how the property came to be sold.

    According to him, the bank occasionally disposes of some properties “that are in excess of its requirements.”

    He said the Osun Crescent property was one of those the bank decided to dispose of.

    Falae said once the bank’s management gave approval, a list of properties was given to agents who would source for buyers.

    Read also: Fayose loses Unit, ward to APC

    He said the bank got offers, including one from one Mrs Titiloye Orebiyi.

    “Eventually we agreed on N200million for the property. The documents of the transaction were submitted to the EFCC.

    “On April 20, 2015, we wrote an internal memo and a letter of acceptance to the Managing Director of Signature Integrated Ltd (Mrs Orebiyi) accepting their N200million offer and indicating which bank account to pay to,” he said.

    The court admitted some the transaction documents in evidence.

    Fayose is on trial for allegedly receiving and keeping N1.2billion and $5million allegedly stolen from the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) contrary to the Money Laundering Act.

    He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on an 11-count charge last October 22.

    EFCC said Fayose and Biodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, allegedly took possession of N1,219,000, 000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    EFCC said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5million from Obanikoro, without going through a financial institution, the sum having exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    Fayose pleaded not guilty.

    Trial continues today.

  • Obanikoro: it’s painful testifying against Fayose

    A former Minister of State for defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, on Monday told the Federal High Court in Lagos it was tough accepting to testify against his friend, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    He spoke while testifying in Fayose’s trial for money laundering before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

    Under cross examination by defence counsel Olalekan Ojo (SAN), Obanikoro admitted he returned N200million to the Federal Government.

    He said it was part of funds received from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) during the 2014 Ekiti election.

    Read Also: My role in movement of $5m to Fayose, by Obanikoro

    On testifying against Fayose, he said: “I am trying to restrain myself saying things that will further damage my relationship with him.

    “It’s very painful for me to give evidence against him, no doubt about that.”

    Obanikoro admitted he led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) team that was in Ekiti for Fayose’s victory.

  • My role in movement of $5m to Fayose, by Obanikoro

    A former Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro on Monday told the Federal High Court in Lagos the role he played in transferring $5million to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose.

    He testified in Fayose’s trial before Justice Mojisola Olatoregun.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Fayose and Abiodun Agbele, who is facing a different charge, with taking possession of N1, 219, 000, 000 on June 17, 2014 to fund the former governor’s 2014 gubernatorial campaign.

    The commission said Fayose “reasonably ought to have known” that the money “formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: criminal breach of trust/stealing.”

    EFCC said Fayose, on the same day, received cash payment of $5million from Obanikoro without going through a financial institution, the sum having exceeded the amount authorised by law.

    The alleged offence, EFCC said, contravenes Sections 1, 15 (2) (d and 16 (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 and punishable under Section 15 (3) and (4)..

    Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Obanikoro, the fifth prosecution witness, said the money was paid to Fayose’s account from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in June 2014.

    According to the former minister, in June 2014 ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election, he received a call from Fayose asking if there was any “message” from the then National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

    Obanikoro said the NSA eventually confirmed to him that he had a “message” for the accused.

    The witness said Dasuki told him the money would be received in an account opened to manage Boko Haram insurgency under his watch as Minister of State for Defence.

    “The NSA told me that Fayose will call me as to how he will receive the money.

    “A total equivalent of $5million from the NSA imprest account was given to Fayose by the order of NSA,” Obanikoro said.

    The witness said Fayose introduced Biodun Agbele to him, explaining he would be the one to receive the money for him, which was done at the Akure Airport “because it was physical cash.”

    “I had earlier wanted to transfer the dollars so that the naira equivalent can be withdrawn in Ado Ekiti, which was the reason why I initially called Diamond Bank Managing Director but he replied that the bank did not have such capacity in Ado Ekiti for that huge amount of money,” Obanikoro said.

    The former minister said his late aide was in the meeting where Fayose acknowledged receipt of total naira equivalent of $5million at Spotless Hotel owned by Fayose.

    Jacobs then showed the witness Exhibit E to confirm if it was the account to which the funds were transferred and the witness replied: “Yes”.

    Obanikoro told the court that on June 13, 2014, and June 16, 2014, funds were posted into the account, adding that the funds were from the NSA’s imprest account.

    He said that he asked Fayose how he wanted the money sent and the former governor told him that some it should be paid in naira and others in dollars.

    According to the witness, the money was eventually brought in a bullion van to the private wing of the Ikeja Airport where Agbele, sent by Fayose, was on standby.

    He testified that after confirmation from the accused, the money was taken to Ado-Ekiti, following which he went to meet Fayose.

    Obanikoro said the transactions occurred “about three days to the election”.

    On the source of the money, the witness said: “The NSA is the only person that can ascertain the source of the money; it is from the imprest account of the NSA.”

    Obanikoro said that the account from which the money was transferred from was used for security purposes.

    Four witnesses had earlier testified last November 19. A banker Danmola Otuyena told the court that about three aircraft were used to fly N1.2billion from Lagos to Ekiti State for delivery to Fayose.

    Otuyena, who headed his bank’s Cash in Transit Services Unit when the transaction occurred, said he accompanied the bullion van that took the cash to airport.

    Zonal Heads, Southwest 1 and 2 of a new generation bank Lawrance Akande and Abiodun Oshodi, and the Head of Financial Operations of another new generation bank Olaitan Fajuyitan also testified.

    Akande testified that he was informed that money would be brought from the Akure airport to be paid into the accounts of Spotless Nigeria Limited (Fayose’s company and co-accused) and De Privateer Limited.

    Read Also: Fatima Obanikoro: Never give up on your dreams

    He said Fayose’s associate Abiodun Agbele called him in June 2014 saying he had a lodgment of N1.2billion to make.

    He said he also got a call from Fayose to that effect.

    Akande said he asked Oshodi to follow the transaction, adding that they had solicited for deposits from Fayose.

    “I had no reason to regard the funds as proceeds of crime. I didn’t observe any anomalies in the operation of the accounts,” he said under cross examination.

    Oshodi testified that he organised a bullion van that took the money from Akure airport to the bank for lodgment.

    “Biodun Agbele came with a security escort, including police and soldiers, and we went to the Akure airport with the branch manager and the bullion van.

    “We moved the bullion van close to the plane and then evacuated the cash. The former minister was there also.

    “Agbele supplied the accounts where the money would be lodged – De Privateer, Spotless and the personal account of Fayose,” he said.

    Justice Olatoregun adjourned until February 4, 5 and 6 for Obanikoro’s cross-examination.