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Tag: Ekiti STATE

  • Ekiti Govt. shut down four hospitals over alleged quackery

    Ekiti State Government on Thursday shut down four hospitals in the state over alleged non-compliance with ethics of medical practice.

    The affected hospitals were Adedamola, Omole hospitals and other two hospitals in Ado Ekiti, the state capital. Ilawe Ekiti were accused of being run by uncertified medical doctors.

    Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, lamented how patients could be treated under unhygienic health facilities.

    Yahaya-Kolade said the exercise would be carried on a continuous basis with the aim of  stamping out quackery in the state.

    This, she, said would prevent residents of the state from avoidable deaths and unnecessary health issues.

    The Commissioner represented by the Director, Hospital Services and Training, Dr Rufus Adetoye, spoke during the unscheduled visit of the Medical Anti-quackery Committee set up by the Ekiti State Government to some hospitals in Ado Ekiti and Ilawe Ekiti.

    She disclosed that the Dr Kayode Fayemi administration had zero-tolerance for quackery in medical practice, saying the state government set up the committee to stamp out quackery in the state and to eradicate quackery in our dear state and the way innocent people are being killed must stop.

    Yahaya-Kolade said: “Unqualified doctors were met at some hospitals visited and this warranted sealing up the facilities.”

    “We are using this medium to enlighten the public that you are endangering your life if you visit or patronize any of the sealed hospitals which are not manned by qualified doctors. You should rather visit government hospitals for quality health care,” she added.

     

     

  • Ekiti monarchs sue Fayemi over appointment of chairman

    SOME aggrieved monarchs have instituted a suit against Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi over the appointment of the Alawe of Alawe-Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi, as the chairman of the state traditional council of Obas.

    The suit, filed before an Ado-Ekiti High Court, is asking the court to nullify the appointment of Oba Adebanjo.

    It described as a flagrant disregard of the Ekiti State Chieftaincy Law, the action taken by Fayemi to appoint someone outside the stipulated 16 monarchs called “Alademerindinlogin” to occupy the prestigious seat.

    The governor had on July 31, appointed  Oba Alabi as the council chairman to serve for a period of two years, following the expiration of Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju’s tenure.

    Joined in the suit registration are Fayemi as 1st defendant, Attorney General Wale Fapohunda (2nd defendant) and Oba Adebanji Alabi (3rd defendant).

    An originating summon filed by Dr. B.A.M. Ajibade ((SAN) on August 7 and deposed to by Ajero of Ajero, Oba Joseph Adewole, on behalf of other 15 Obas, sought an interlocutory injunction restraining  Fayemi from swearing-in Alawe as the council chairman.

    Read Also: Fayemi seeks new formula for revenue allocation

    The claimants sought the following declarations:

    • ”Whether the 1st defendant is empowered under the Council of Traditional Rulers Law, Cap 15, Laws of Ekiti State 2012, to appoint the chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers on a bi-annual rotational basis from among only class of Obas constituted Alademerindinlogun/Pelupelu Obas of Ekiti State; and
    • ”That the claimants are the only valid authentic Obas or traditional rulers under the classification of Alademerindinlogun qualified to be so appointed as chairman.”

    The plaintiffs also sought a declaration that the 3rd respondent can’t be appointed as chairman of the council in consonance with the Ekiti State Traditional Council Law.

    By composition, the Council of Ekiti State Traditional Council has permanent and rotational members.

    The statutes stipulate that “The permanent and rotational members shall be appointed by the governor from among the recognised traditional rulers in Ekiti State; and

    “There shall be a chairman for the council who shall be appointed by the governor on bi-annual rotation among the Pelupelu Obas in the state.”

    In a letter earlier written to the governor on August 2 and signed by 15 Pelupelu Obas with the exception of Oore of Otun, Oba Adedapo Popoola, who travelled abroad, the monarchs told Fayemi to reverse the action.

     

     

  • Court sentences two to death by hanging in Ekiti

    AN Ado-Ekiti High Court has sentenced two men, Adewa Sunday, 34, and Adedayo Amos, 33, to death by hanging for robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

    Delivering judgment, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, held that the prosecution had proved its case of robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

    He said the evidence tendered proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Prosecuting counsel Gbemiga Adaramola said the convicts robbed Mrs. Abosede Oyeyemi Malomo at Ilogbo-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government on June 4, 2015.

    He said they attacked the victim with guns, cutlasses and other weapons, thereby injuring her.

    Read Also: Ekiti govt urged to tackle insecurity

    The victim was said to be reading at night when they broke into her apartment and robbery her at gunpoint.

    During the operation, one of the convicts was said to have mistakenly called the name of his colleague, which served as a lead for the police to carry out their investigations.

    Hearing began on March 27, 2017 and two count charges bordering on robbery and illegal possession of firearms were slammed on the convicts.

    During hearing, the prosecuting counsel called two witnesses and also tendered a cut to size pistol, iPad and the victim’s statement on oath as exhibits.

    Counsel to the defendants, Adeyinka Opaleke, didn’t call any witness.

     

  • Insecurity: Bishops give Fed Govt wake-up call

    Catholic bishops joined on Tuesday the popular call for the Federal Government to tackle the insecurity that has taken many lives and property.

    The clerics believe the government is not doing enough to stop kidnapping, killings and other crimes afflicting the country.

    According to them, it is sad that the government has not designed ways to tame those perpetrating heinous crimes.

    To the clerics, what they described as the government’s laxity, is not solving the hydra-headed problems but creating panic among Nigerians.

    The bishops issued a communique signed by the Archbishop of Ibadan and the President of the Nigeria Catholic Conference, Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Gabriel Abegunrin.

    They met on Tuesday at the Pope John Paul II Pastoral Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, where, besides insecurity, other matters, such as the suggestion that churches be licensed, were discussed.

    The clerics called on governments in West Africa to invest more in youth development to reduce illegal immigration, prostitution, kidnapping and other social problems.

    The communique reads: “When this insecurity started, it was one corner of the country, but now it has gone round the geopolitical zones, what is government doing? If there is no security, there is no reason for government to exist.

    Read Also: Catholic bishops preach piety, good neighbourliness at Easter

    “It is unfortunate that Nigerians wake up each day to lament woeful news of killings, lynching, kidnapping and brigandage. Many people, including priests, have fallen victims to this tragically insecure environment.

    “The lack of clear pattern of punishing crimes and lip service commitment to the protection of lives and property on the part of the Federal Government and security agencies have made many Nigerians to be living in fear day to day.

    “There seems to be no end in sight, especially with allegations of killings by herdsmen being left unattended to. Time is running out for Nigeria if the security is not improved. We call on governments, traditional and other civiI authorities, to please save our country.”

    On alleged self-abduction and jailing of priests for rape, the bishops described the developments as   manifestations of societal rot  and loss of family values, saying all the citizens must share the blame.

    They said: “It is sad that we are losing our core family values. We must take care of our children and imbibe the culture of being our brother’s keepers like we had before, because what is happening today has to do with our background.

    “We know the economic situation calls for us to overwork ourselves, but parents must look for time to take care of their children. This is the only way we can rid our society of evils and have a brighter future.”

    The bishops commended governments on their improved commitments to the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions.

    On government’s directive through the Ministry of Interior to license places of worship for celebration of marriages and issuing of marriage certificates, the bishops said such a proposal needed to be approached with caution and should be given a second thought, especially as it concerns imposition of annual levies on these institutions.

    The communique reads: “Contemporary circumstances in Nigeria demand that government must approach religious matters with utmost caution so as not to be considered partisan and partial on national issues.”

    The bishops warned the Federal Government against taking steps that could tinker with the freedom of the press, saying media should not be gagged under any guise.

    “Only courageous pressmen can now come out boldly to talk. But must all work hard and remove whatever that is working against the freedom of the press. The government must give the press that full freedom for them to be able to speak truth to power.”

     

  • Fayemi’s wife provides lifeline for 110-year-old woman

    EKITI State Governor’s wife Erelu Bisi Fayemi has taken over the responsibility of sheltering, feeding and clothing a 110-year -old woman, Madam Jolaade Osho in Okeruku, area of lkere- Ekiti in Local Government Area.

    The aged woman was found in a ramshackle building during the verification exercise for the Food Outreach Programme for the elderly, known as “Ounje Arugbo”.

    The project is coordinated by the Ekiti Development Foundation (EDF) run by the office of the First Lady.

    Mama Osho was not able to make it to the meeting point for the exercise and the team took the exercise to her doorstep.

    There, they discovered the 110 year-old woman’s lonely and pitiable living condition. The frail-looking woman was said to have lost her three children many years ago and had no one to take care of her.

    Erelu Fayemi, who was moved to tears upon hearing about the woman’s poor condition, visited her on Tuesday at her home.

    Read Also: How Fayemi can make difference, by PDP chief

    Mrs. Fayemi pledged to personally supervise her well-being henceforth.

    In addition to changing her accommodation and making arrangement for her daily feeding and upkeep, the governor’s wife also assigned two nannies to take care of the woman.

    Erelu Fayemi said: “It is very important for us to remember that we have elderly people in our communities who are vulnerable because they either do not have children or their children are far away and  had forgotten them or not able to look after them.

    “During John Kayode Fayemi (JKF)’s first tenure, we had the social security programme for old people, which meant we were able to improve their lifespan. But over the past four years, the social security scheme was jettisoned and many of them became indigent.

    “In September, we are restarting the social security scheme. I thought l should supplement it with a programme called “Ounje Arugbo”, that is providing food supplement for the elderly.

    The visibly joyous Madam Osho was lost for words as she embrace the governor’s wife.

    The Chairman, Ikere Local Government, Pastor Kayode Olubode, thanked the governor’s wife for her unrelenting effort and support for the people.

    The APC State Woman leader, Mrs. Monisade Afuye, who accompanied the First lady to Madam Osho’s home, also thanked the state government for the planned reintroduction of the social security scheme for the elderly citizens.

     

  • Hajj pilgrims protest in Ilorin over flight delay

    No fewer than 500 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Oyo  states on Monday disrupted activities at Ilorin Airport.

    The pilgrims protested against delay flight.

    The protesters were said to have started their protest at about 3a.m. and blocked Ilorin/Ogbomoso/Ibadan express road with old tyres.

    They also shut the gate leading to the airport.

    The protesters did not allow airport workers to resume duty as they prevented vehicles from coming in or going out of the airport.

    The intending pilgrims alleged that they had been in Ilorin Hajj camp for the past 15 days without provision of an aircraft to convey them to Saudi Arabia for the Holy Pilgrimage while they were subjected to poor and unhygienic condition at the camp.

    One of the protesters who identified himself as Ayobami Muftau said: “We have been in camp for 15 days, sleeping on the bare floor and buying food at an exorbitant price from our purse. We were moved to the airport on Saturday based on the promise that an aircraft would arrive to convey us to Jeddah at 11p.m. on Saturday. Up till now, we have not seen the aircraft and there was no explanation from the concerned authority. “

    Ayobami appealed to the Federal Government to come to their aid by providing aircraft that would transport them to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj rites.

    Another pilgrim from Ekiti State, Usman Isa, who said that they left Aiyede-Ekiti 10 days ago, alleged that the pilgrims were exposed to harsh weather conditions as “all of us, both male and female were made to sleep in the open hall at the hajj camp and airport”.

    However, the acting Manager of Ilorin Airport, Mr. Deji Eniola, said the problem facing the pilgrims emanated from Med-View Airline delegated to convey them to Saudi Arabia.

    He explained that the Med-View Airline was being expected in Ilorin since Saturday but did not come, adding that “there is no explanation from the management of the airline on why it has not come to airlift the pilgrims”.

    Reacting to the development, Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said: “We wish to clarify that every intending pilgrim registered with the Kwara State Government has since been airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2019 Hajj.

    “There are a total 2,026 pilgrims from the state, the last batch of whom took off on July 24, 2019, according to figures from the state pilgrims’ board.

    “To that extent, the protest this morning at the Ilorin International Airport was by some intending pilgrims from neighbouring states.

    “This has no connection whatsoever with the Kwara State Government or officials of Kwara  State Muslim Pilgrims Board as is being claimed by some persons.”

  • Three kidnapped civil servants regain freedom

    Three civil servants kidnapped by suspected herdsmen last Friday in Ekiti State, have been left off the hook.

    The workers, led by one Ayoola Alabi and two other junior staff are employees of the Ekiti State Road Maintenance Agency (EKROMA).

    They were reportedly kidnapped along Ayede – Isan Ekiti road in Oye Local Government area of the state, a family source told journalists in Ado Ekiti, on Friday

    It was gathered that the abductors had earlier contacted the abductees families, demanding N10m for each of their victims.

    But a family source, who craved anonymity told journalists that they paid N1million ransom for each worker to secure their freedom.

    The source said : “Yes, they were released yesterday, after they paid N1million each.”

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ekiti Command, DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, confirmed the release.

    He, however, said the abductees were freed through the prompt and decisive actions taken by the police.

    Read Also: Training for Ekiti civil servants

    “Immediately we heard about the kidnapping, our men bombarded the forest located between Ayede and Isan up to Ijesamodu where they were taken to.

    “We combed everywhere and when they knew we were closing in on them, they quickly released those held  hostage and fled .

    “Our men were very careful to avoid crossfire with the abductors , so that the hostages won’t be killed in the process and it worked out”, he said  .

    Ikechukwu said the police were never told whether the families paid ransom to anyone.

    “I can’t confirm whether ransom was paid, because we were not told and there was no need for that with the level of strategies that we deployed,” he said.

  • Nigeria loses $14b yearly to farmers, herders clashes, says Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said Nigeria loses $14 billion yearly to the lingering farmer-herdsmen clashes.

    Dr. Fayemi spoke on Thursday while delivering a paper, titled: Farmer-Herder Conflicts in Nigeria: Implications for National Security, at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Executive Management Course in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The governor called for the enactment of appropriate states and Federal legislative frameworks and strategies to resolve farmer-herder conflicts and the attendant loss of lives and property.

    He also canvassed the need for effective and strategic communications of government policies on this and other national issues to ensure that the right messaging reaches the citizenry and save the country from avoidable crises.

    Fayemi said the extent of the challenge requires that government moves to unpack what has become a major threat to peaceful coexistence and food security in the country.

    The governor noted that the fatalities recorded from the farmer-herder clashes outnumber those of the devastating insurgency in the Northeast and led to the loss of more lives in Nigeria than in the rest of West Africa.

    Dr Fayemi, who called for the enactment of state and Federal laws to foster peaceful coexistence, despite the nation’s diversity, added that such legislations on regulating the conduct of farmers and herders must have a human face and must harness the country’s economic and socio-cultural potentials.

    Read Also: Fayemi reinstates former TUC boss

    This is also in addition to ensuring that law breakers do not escape punishment, the governor said.

    According to him, political leaders must bear in mind socio-cultural and political sensitivities while communicating policies with the citizenry.

    This, Fayemi said, would make them avoid the risk of leaving those policies to faulty interpretations and susceptible to politicisation.

    The lecture was attended by participants from the security and para-military agencies attending the Executive Intelligence Management Course at the institute.

    The governor posited that beyond Nigeria, farmers-herders conflict has also become a threat to sub-regional and continental peace and stability for its devastating effects on human fatalities, livelihoods and the economy.

    Other devastating effects, according to him, include banditry, cattle rustling, proliferation of small arms and light weapons as well as extreme violence.

    He said: “As political and policymakers, we must be humble enough to admit that the messaging around the farmer-herder crisis, in terms of being mindful of sensitivities and the use of polarising terminologies and concepts, leaves room for improvement.

    “From the evolution of the discourse on major issues, such as the anti-grazing laws, which have been passed into law in Ekiti, Benue and Taraba states, to colonies, the Ruga settlement phenomenon, the ranching options, we have not done enough to properly manage the various narratives or interpretations that emerged from this problem.”

     

  • Ekiti New Yam festival: One motorcyclist shot dead, two wounded

    The annual new yam festival popularly known as Odun Oba in Ikere Ekiti, Ikere Local Government area of Ekiti State on Thursday turned violent with a commercial motorcyclist reportedly killed.

    The feast which was flagged off was characterized with bloody clash as supporters of the two rival kings in the town, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu and Olukere, Oba Ganiyu Obasoyin engaged in a gun battle.

    Two other persons were reportedly wounded through gunshots during the violent clash.

    The two kings have been embroiled in crisis over supremacy battle and step taken to reduce the status of Olukere to a mere chief priest to deny him recognition as an Oba.

    According to an eye witness source, the incident happened around the popular Odo Oja roundabout close to Olukere’s palace around 6pm.

    It was also said to have caused panic in the town as people had to scamper for safety as a result of the severity and sporadic nature of the gunshots.

    Those traveling to Akure from Ado Ekiti and vice versa, had to take a detour and returned to their bases to prevent being caught in the web of the terrific gunduel.

    The witness recounted that “The Ogoga, Oba Adu was preparing for the annual Odun Oba and part of the rituals was for his people to dance around town on Thursday to perform some rituals.

    “As they were doing this, the traditional hunters were shooting sporadically and the bullet hit an okada man and two others who belonged to Olukere’s camp and that was the beginning of the crisis”.

    Confirming the incident, the Police public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Mr Caleb Ikechukwu, said one Okada man died as a result of gunshot during the traditional dancing process while one person was wounded.

    Read Also: Ekiti Assembly reabsorbs 80 sacked workers

    “We learnt one of the supporters of the two camps was performing traditional dance in the town and the hunters were firing shots with their dane guns when one okada man was hit by bullets and died.

    “One other man was also wounded and now receiving treatment in the hospital”.

    Ikechukwu said the crisis had been quelled while his men are already on ground to prevent further escalation of the bedlam.

    A human right activist Morakinyo Ogele appealed to the State Police command to unravel and arrest whoever might have perpetrated such heinous act and ensure they face the wrath of Justice.

     

     

     

     

  • Soldiers begin ‘operation-stop- and-search in Ekiti

    THE Army on Wednesday tightened security on some major highways in Ekiti State, to curb the rising spate of killings, kidnappings and other crimes.

    Soldiers began ‘operation-stop- and-search at some flash points and routes that have become the den of killers, robbers and kidnappers.

    The operations were visible with the presence of soldiers on the Ado-Ekiti-Itawure Road, Aramoko –Igede-Road, Ikere-Ekiti-Ise Road and Ado-Ekiti-Akure Road.

    They stopped motorists moving into the state and conducted routine check of the occupants, while motorcyclists were made to dismount and push their motorcycles for as long as 35 metres before being allowed to take off.

    The Nation learnt that this development could be a reaction to the series of security challenges confronting the state.

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo last week during a condolence visit to Pa Reuben Fasoranti over the gruesome killing of his daughter, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, by suspected bandits, canvassed for the deployment of soldiers in the highways to prevent killing of travellers by bandits, robbers and kidnappers.

    Many people have fallen victims of kidnap and robbery on these routes, as evidence shows that many people have been kidnapped, robbed and killed by men of the underworld.

    The Secretary-General of Christ’s School Alumni Association, Ado-Ekiti, Mr. Rufus Oladele, was kidnapped on the Aramoko-Efon Road and taken to unknown destination by gunmen.

    He spent four days in the kidnappers’ den before he regained freedom.

    On the same day and at the same spot, a set of twins identified as Kehinde and Taiwo Olowoafara were abducted by gunmen.

    The abductors reportedly contacted the family, demanding N6million ransom for each of their victims.

    Also recently, Felix Akinde, a member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), was kidnapped by gunmen at Ita Ogbolu on the Akure-Ado Ekiti Road.

    Read Also: Ekiti spent N3.9 billion on pensions, says Fayemi

    Akinde, who spent eight days in captivity, was later released after an undisclosed amount was paid to his abductors.

    Early this year, an Accounting Officer at Emure Local Government, Mr. Abayomi Ajayi, was killed by gunmen on the Ikere-Ise Road while returning from work. He was in the company of two colleagues- Dr. Fashina and Pastor Onaade, who were kidnapped.

    Speaking with The Nation on the deployment of soldiers, a community leader, Mr. Abdul Lateef Omoboriowo, said the presence of the military was necessary following escalating killings and kidnappings on the highways.

    Omoboriowo, who expressed confidence in soldiers, said there was no doubt that they would reduce the high rate of insecurity.