The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ekiti

  • Ekiti sets to implement S’Court verdict on council relocation

    The Ekiti State Government has begun moves to implement the decision of the Apex Court on Council relocation.

    The Supreme Court had in a judgment delivered by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour on 14th December, 2018 ordered the relocation of Ilejemeje council headquarters from Iye to Eda Oniyo ending a 19-year battle which began at the State High Court.

    The apex court held that the establishment of the headquarters of the Local Government in Eda Oniyo was backed by statute and could not be relocated elsewhere without the promulgation of a new law.

    The seven-man Committee constituted by the Ekiti State Government to examine the Supreme Court decision on Ilejemeje Local Government headquarters paid a fact-finding visit to Iye and Eda Oniyo on Monday.

    The panel chaired by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, who interfaced with the people of the two communities, urged them to give peace a chance in the wake of the apex court’s verdict.

    According to a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Odunayo Ogunmola, Egbeyemi said the panel visited the two communities to see what was on ground having received documents from both parties.

    Egbeyemi explained the visit was part of the assignment of the panel which would turn in its report to Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    The deputy governor stressed that government was interested in ensuring that peace reigns in all communities in the state appealing to indigenes of Iye and Eda Oniyo not to engage in any act that could disrupt the peace enjoyed in the State.

    READ ALSO: Ekiti employs marshals to enforce grazing law

    The deputy governor led other members of the panel to visit the present local government secretariat and the palace of the Oniye, where he met with Oba Jonathan Adeleye-Oni and community leaders including Afenifere leader, Senator Ayo Fasanmi.

    He also visited Eda Oniyo where a building that has been designated as the temporary local government secretariat and the permanent site of the council secretariat were inspected.

    The deputy governor and his team made up of panel members and officials of Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs were received by the Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola.

    He said: “The Supreme Court judgment is already with us and we have seen copies sent to us. We are not judges but we are members of a committee to report back to the governor.

    “There is nothing we can say here but we will do justice and uphold the truth. Let us maintain peace because this government is for peace and development.”

    The Oniye, Oba Adeleye-Oni, described the Supreme Court verdict as a rude shock saying “Iye Ekiti has always been functioning as capital of Ilejemeje since time immemorial and even before and during the colonial era.”

    The Eleda, Oba Awolola, who said the people of his town were anxiously waiting for implementation of the Supreme Court judgment, regretted that his community had been cheated for so long.

  • Pastor, eight others jailed for open defecation

    A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Aramoko Ekiti has sentenced a pastor and eight others to six- month imprisonment for failure to provide toilet facilities in their houses.

    The convicts were also jailed for other sanitation offences like practicing open defecation and refusing to provide waste bins within their vicinities.

    They were brought to court from communities like Aramoko, Erio, Ido Ile, all in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state.

    Out of the 18 people arraigned before the Magistrate court by Local Government Environmental Health Officers, nine pleaded guilty to the offences and were convicted.

    The convicted are: Pastor Olaleye Isaac, Chief Ologun Ala, Mr. Titus Ibironke, Chief Jacob Taiwo, Mr. Sunday Adesoba, Mrs. Olu Obateru, Mr. Adetoyinbo, Mr. Agboola and Mr. Atoro.

    The presiding Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, sentenced the accused persons to six months imprisonment with options of fines ranging from N5,000 to N15,000.

    Read Also: Court remands Togolese cook charged with murdering Credit Switch boss

    While lamenting the environmental nuisance caused by open defecation, he held that the sentence would serve as a deterrence to others.

    The Magistrate also issued a bench warrant for the arrest of nine other persons who failed to appear in court for similar offences.

    He further directed the Police to present them for prosecution on April 25, 2019.

    Addressing journalists after the conviction, Chief Prosecutor, Ekiti West Local Government, Mr. Ebenezer Fashipe lamented that citizens valued their wealth more than their health.

    Fashipe assured that the local government will continue to prosecute households without toilets until open defecation is eradicated in the area.

  • Fayemi swears in 14 commissioners, advisers

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has sworn in 14 new Commissioners and five advisers, warning they will be sacked if found displaying ineptitude and engaging in corrupt practices.

    Fayemi said the present administration’s penchant for transparency and accountability will not be compromised.

    The swearing in came after the names of the commissioners-designate were approved by the House of Assembly.

    The governor stated what the state needed at this time when it is financially challenged was committed and visionary people, who are ready to sacrifice to make Ekiti great.

    The governor stated that the task to rebuilding Ekiti that would be of gains to all and sundry should be paramount to the appointees and not personal aggrandisement.

    He advised them to be prudent in the management of limited resources considering lean resources available to the state.

    Fayemi added the inauguration marked the commencement of a full- fledged state executive council since he assumed office in 2018.

    He said his government will be receptive to constructive criticism from members and that no one would be victimised for exercising such rights.

    “You all knew the state of our state before I was inaugurated and you could attest to the fact that we have raised the bar and change the landscape for better now within these few months.

    “Commissioners and advisers are creation of the constitution. Those appointed today emerged through wide consultation. I want to tell you that you were chosen because people believed in you.

    “You must try and represent your people well. In coming up with this list, we ensured that each council gets one commissioner each.

    “Make sure you make yourselves accessible. This is a government of restoration and you must key into our 4 -cardinal objective of this government in your respective ministries.

    READ ALSO: Ekiti: Dr Kayode Fayemi bows out in a blaze of glory

    “Penalties are there if you don’t live up to expectations. This is an opportunity to write your names in gold for being part of the restoration team.

    “Don’t share the exaggerative view that government is an avenue to amass wealth.

    “For those who know how to grumble, we won’t hesitate to ask for your resignation if you are not contended with the meagre resources accruing to you,” he said.

    The new commissioners are: Dr Adio Afolayan(Local Government and Chieftaincy  Affairs); Dr (Mrs.) Moji Yaya Kolade(Health and Human Services); Chief (Mrs.) Moji Fafure (Women Affairs); Mr Emmanuel Foluso Daramola(Education, Science and Technology); Mr. Folorunso Olabode(Agriculture and Rural Development); Engr. Bamidele Faparusi (Infrastructure and Public Utilities) and Mr Gbenga Agbeyo(Environment).

    Others include ; Mr Olusoga Davies(Trade and Investment); Mr Sola Adebayo(Works and Transport); Mr Michael Awopetu(Youths and Sports); Mr Muyiwa Olumilua (Information and Orientation); Mr Femi Ajayi(Budget and Planning); Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu(Regions Development and Special Duties) and Mr Febisola Adewale(Lands and Housing).

    Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Dr Yaya-Kolade promised that they would justify the confidence reposed in them by performing their statutory duties without compromising the interest of the people.

     

  • Attention Fayemi: Nomination of commissioners in Ekiti

    Reverentially, I wish to commend your renewed commitment to making Ekiti State better in this your second coming. Having been following and flowing along with your government since 16th October 2018 till date, I could attest to the enhanced level of interactions and interface with the people across the length and breadth of Ekiti. As a researcher, I can say there is no gainsaying the fact that your leadership approach is more inclusive this time around.

    However, there is the need to point out this vital issue; the heart of the matter. As one of your iconoclastic followers, I discovered that despite the huge support, Ido Ekiti electorate/followers gave you and the APC in the elections of 2018 and 2019, the town has been seemingly short changed! This is the general feeling among the people of the ancient town presently. Mr Governor, as a follower and valued stakeholder in the project of Ido Ekiti, I am taking up the gauntlet to speak TRUTH to power as one exemplary courageous follower. Many may not be able to speak out on a core and critical issue as this! For me, a matter not expressed can turn to depression.

    The question on the lips of many: Why should we, in Ido Ekiti, be always playing the second fiddle despite being the local government headquarter of Ido Osi? Moreover, the ancient town has a First Class Oba, the Olojudo (I was in his palace on the 17th of October, 2018 when you came to say thank you to the people after you were sworn in as the Governor). In addition, Ido Ekiti is the Senatorial District headquarters of Ekiti North Constituency.

    Mr Governor, please be informed that no son/daughter of Ido Ekiti has been in the cabinet of Ekiti State Government since the commencement of the present democratic dispensation in 1999! All we have been placated with is membership of the House of Assembly – as we even have now in your second coming!! Anything tangible to show for the ancient town’s unalloyed support all along for the ruling party? There is seemingly rumpus and rambling pointing to this among the people of Ido Ekiti.

    I am appealing through this medium for you in subsequent appointment, possibly at the Federal level, to please make up for this seeming lapse or omission. It is not too late.

    In conclusion, I will be elated as you read and respond even though you have not dignified a response to any of my earlier email/letter. However, on this matter, I will await your positive response as a peoples’ Governor.

    Esteemed regards, Sir.

    • Dr Ekundayo, JMO,

    Inisaloro Street, Odo Ido,

    Ido Ward 2, Ido Ekiti.

     

  • Fayemi inaugurates 14 commissioners, five advisers Tuesday

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi will on Tuesday swear-in 14 commissioners recently screened by the State House of Assembly.

    This follows their confirmation by the State House of Assembly on Thursday.

    Also to be sworn-in are the Special Advisers recently announced by the Governor.

    The would- to- be Commissioners are Dr Adio AFolayan, Dr (Mrs) Moji Yaya Kolade, Chief (Mrs.) Moji Fafure, Mr. Emmanuel Foluso Daramola, Mr Folorunso Olabode, Engr. Dele Faparusi and Mr. Gbenga Agbeyo.

    Others are Mr. Olusoga Davies, Mr. Sola Adebayo, Mr Michael Awopetu, Mr Muyiwa Olumilua, Mr Femi Ajayi, Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu and Mr Febisola Adewale.

    Read Also: Fayemi appoints five more advisers

    The Special Advisers for inauguration include: Barrister V.O Kolade (Special Adviser, Social Affairs); Alhaji Ademola Bello (Special Adviser, Inter – Party Relations and Allied Matters); Barrister Abiola Olowokere(Special Adviser, Legislative Affairs); Dr Sikiru Eniola(Special Adviser, Tertiary Education) and Dr( Mrs.) Kofoworola Aderiye (Technical Adviser , Education).

    The swearing –in ceremony will hold at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House Ground, Ado-Ekiti by 11am
     

     

  • Fayemi’s wife, judge declare war against rapists, traffickers in Ekiti

    EKITI State Governor’s wife Erelu Bisi Fayemi has declared total war against men of underworld, who engage in raping and human trafficking.

    Mrs. Fayemi lamented the increasing incidences of sexual and domestic violence against women, saying concerted effort must be geared towards fighting the war.

    She said government was disheartened that in spite of the existing legal framework prohibiting gender-based violence, Ekiti State continues to witness issues of rape, defilement and human trafficking.

    The governor’s wife stressed that non-implementation of the gender-based violence prohibition law, child rights law, equal opportunities law and other legislation put in place by his husband, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, by the immediate past government accounted for the increase of the heinous activities.

    The First Lady spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during a stakeholders’ meeting held to combat violence against women in Ekiti.

    “When Fayemi left, some of the laws put in place to safeguard the lives of women and girl-child were not implemented,” she said, adding that this constituted a serious impediment in the fight against the practice.

    “At a stakeholders’ meeting held recently, we agreed that part of the policy thrust should be that steps must be taken on how to take care of the emotional needs of victims before seeking or getting justice through the court of law.

    “Most of the victims used to be emotionally down, because we have all failed them at one time or the other; that is why we must rise up to fight this scourge,” Mrs. Fayemi said.

    She said the three key areas that needed to be examined by stakeholders include the causes of gender-based violence, how to use legal framework to resolve some of the issues revolving around this scourge and how to break the culture of silence among victims.

    Read also: Teenager raped to death in Enugu

    “The third one is how to focus on inter-agency collaboration, because this is not a problem that can be solved by a body,” the governor’s wife said.

    An Appeal Court’s judge, Justice Uzor Ndukwe- Anyanwu, expressed worries over the rate of violence against women in Ekiti.

    She added that this issue has always been an issue of interest to Nigerian All Female Judges Association, particularly how to resolve the problem and make women safe wherever they go.

    “Ekiti has this as a big problem. I am worried that we have it in this proportion. It is not something cultural as people want us to believe,” she said.

    Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Wale Fapohunda said the government is ready to go against all odds to prevent the state from being tagged a thriving land for violence against women and girl-child.

    “Reported cases of sexual rape, violence rape, and child defilement have now reached a frequency that we firmly must believe there is an urgent need for joint action between government and other stakeholders to reverse the scourge.

    “We are committed to zero-tolerance for all forms of violence against women and children. Apart from legal interventions, we also take another step that photographs of convicted offenders should be placed on state’s website and announced on state broadcasting service.

    “Also in cases of defilement, we insist on compulsory psychiatric tests for all persons designated as having cases to answer in form of violence against women.”

    Also speaking, Police Commissioner, Ekiti Command, Mr. Asuquo Amba, said any person defiled must pass through medical examination for the police to have proof to prefer charges against offenders.

     

     

  • Court resolves ownership crisis of Ekiti communal land

    An Ekiti State High Court, Ido Ekiti Judicial Division, on Wednesday resolved the lingering ownership crisis surrounding Agamo, Iludun Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government Area.

    The Court said Agamo is a communal land belonging to the entire Iludun Ekiti and not individuals, groups or families.

    Justice A.A Adeleye, while delivering judgment in suit number HID/8/2017 filed by Rev David Adeosun and five others on behalf of themselves and their families against the Owa of Iludun Ekiti, Oba Kayode Akinola, and three others over the ownership of Agamo, held that title to Agamo land is vested in the whole Iludun community.

    Justice Adeleye, in the judgment, said: “I find as a fact that the claimants are not the first settlers at Agamo and therefore not owners of the land in dispute.

    READ ALSO: Eight feared dead in Niger communal land tussle

    “Agamo belongs to the Iludun indigenes as a communal land since the land has not been partitioned.

    “This is a fact pleaded, and led in evidence by the counter claimants, but not disproven by the defendants.

    “Consequently, a reigning Owa of Iludun is entrusted with the management custody, control and supervision of the Agamo farmland in conjunction with other principal or prominent indigenes of the town for the benefit of the entire community.”

    The applicants had in the suit filed on June 28, 2017 sought among others “a declaration that Agamo farmland belongs to Oke Iludun Quarter under the headship of Joseph Adeosun and Daniel Kolawole families,” seeking declaration as null and void sale of Agamo and other farmlands amounting to 100 hectares belonging to the applicants but sold by the defendants.

    The applicants had also sought “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants whether by themselves, their agents or privies from further trespassing on the plaintiffs’ land at Igbo Oge, Agamo, Eyin Eran”.

    But the defendants, the Owa of Iludun and others, in their joint statement of defence/counterclaim denied the positions contained in the applicants’ statement of claim and prayed the court to dismiss applicants’ claims.

    Consequently, the defendants sought, among others, “ a declaration that the entire parcel of land situate, lying and being at Agamo farmland, Iludun Ekiti, Ekiti State exclusively belong to the Iludun community as a communal land same having not been partitioned”.

    They also sought “declaration that none of the three principal quarters constituting Iludun Ekiti community – Oke Iludun, Oke Ilomo and Ojomoko can lay sole claim of ownership on any part of Agamo farmland, same having not been partitioned.

    “A declaration that the incumbent Owa of Iludun is entrusted with the management, custody, control and supervision of the entire Agamo farmland as the head of the community in conjunction with other principal or prominent indigenes or members of the town for the benefit of the entire community.”

  • NGO set to create 50,000 jobs for youths, others in Ekiti

    A NON-Governmental-Organisation (NGO), under the aegis of the Bridgewaters, yesterday expressed its readiness to create jobs for over 50,000 youths in Ekiti State and Ekiti indigenes in Lagos.

    The organisation said  it has perfected technological projects that guarantee job creation in a bid to reduce unemployment rate.

    Speaking with reporters in Ado-Ekiti, Bridgewaters Chief Executive Officer Mr. Segun Oke said the plan to automate Ekiti with broad-based digital empowerment was borne out of his desire to contribute his quota to the task of eradicating poverty.

    Oke said the NGO is seeking to partner the state government to make the projects a reality.

    He added that efforts were being made to get the endorsement of the government to kick-start the project.

    Oke, who is an ICT expert and chartered accountant, said the NGO would  equip about 10,000 youths in digital skills, artificial intelligence, robotics, programming, motion animation, cyber security and project management.

    He added that Bridgewaters would train 7,000 elderly residents in better use of gadgets and the internet. About 20,000 children will also be trained in programming robotics, motion animation and other digital skills and establishment of 1000 starts-up businesses in Ekiti in the next five years.

    Others include transforming jobseekers to job creators with 20,000 jobs as well as assisting 5,000 youths to get gainful employment in the innovation and technology ecosystem within and outside the country to spur the generation of  N15 billion revenue from these startups and  automated 100 public service/social activities within Ekiti to upscale productivity.

     

  • Fayemi sends list of commissioner-nominees to Ekiti Assembly

    Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday forwarded a list of 14 Commissioners- nominees to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

    Fayemi transmitted a letter to the Assembly, requesting for legislative approval to constitute the state executive council.

    The Speaker, Adeniran Alagbada, who read the Governor’s letter to his colleagues at plenary, said the governor’s action was in consonance with section 192 of the 1999 constitution.

    The commissioner-nominees are: Dr Adio Afolayan; Dr (Mrs.) Moji Yaya Kolade; Chief (Mrs.) Moji Fafure; Mr. Emmanuel Foluso Daramola; Mr. Folorunso Olabode; Engr. Dele Faparusi and Mr. Gbenga Agbeyo.

    Read Also: Fayemi: Oluleye’s death colossal loss to humanity

    Others are Mr. Olusoga Davies; Mr. Sola Adebayo; Mr. Michael Awopetu; Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua; Mr. Femi Ajayi; Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu and Mr. Febisola Adewale.

    The Speaker also read another letter from the governor on the reconstitution of the board of the local government service commission.

    Chief S A Abejide will serve as chairman while other members are Mrs. Abiola Adeosun, Barrister Dele Oloje, Comrade Bisi Dada and Alhaja Mariam Bimbola Ogunlade.

    The commissioners designate and local government service commission members will face the lawmakers on Thursday, April 4, 2019 for screening.

  • Ex-PPPRA’ Boss, Oluleye Dies

    Former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Dr Oluwole Oluleye on Saturday died at Abuja hospital after a brief illness.

    Oluleye contested the Ekiti governorship seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, but lost to Governor Kayode Fayemi in the primary.

    He was also at a time the executive secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Trust Fund (PTDF).

    A senator elect in Ekiti State, Hon Opeyemi Bamidele, described as a monumental loss Oluleye’s demise as a personal loss to him.

    In a statement in Ado Ekiti on Saturday, Bamidele said Oluleye’s death was a devastating loss, being from Ekiti Central senatorial district where he had just won election to the Senate.

    READ ALSO: Oluleye joins Ekiti Guber race

    Bamidele branded Oluleye as an illustrious son of Ekiti and accomplished technocrat and educationist, who rendered selfless services to Nigeria to be great while alive.

    “Dr. Oluleye’s demise was a devastating one, in view of his outstanding character as a public servant, community leader and politician.

    “His administrative astuteness and competence were recognised by the federal government and this earned him the respectable position he held at different times as Executive Secretary of PPPRA and PTDF.

    “Though, he never had the opportunity to serve at the state level, but he left an indelible footprint on the sand of time as a philanthropist and community builder.

    “I condole with the Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the traditional ruler of Efon kingdom, Oba Emmanuel Aladejare and the entire citizens of our dear state over this scandalous and irreparable loss.

    “I pray that the good lord shall fill the vacuum left by Dr. Oluleye and heal all broken hearts this death must have caused