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Tag: Ekiti

  • Jubilation in Ekiti over Fayemi’s Appeal Court victory

    The Court of Appeal victory of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has sparked celebrations and solidarity rallies by various interest groups on Friday.

    Interest groups celebrating Fayemi’s judicial victory include members of Organised Private Sector, Okada Riders’ Association, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), among others.

    They had marched around the major streets of Ado Ekiti before taking their procession to the Government House amidst drumming, singing and dancing thanking God for the governor’s victory.

    The appellate court in Abuja had on Thursday night upheld the victory of Fayemi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 14, 2018 governorship election dismissing the appeal of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola as lacking in merit.

    The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi while addressing the crowd assured that the victory of Fayemi at the Appeal Court in Abuja would spur him to double its efforts at delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the State.

    The Deputy Governor who was represented by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Mr Tokunbo Adeparusi, maintained that there were various empowerment programmes for various groups and associations in the State.

    Egbeyemi assured that the APC government would continue to implement policies that will better the lives of the citizenry who gave their mandate.

    He said the court victory would serve as a motivation to use the mandate given at the last governorship poll to do more for the people.

    Egbeyemi revealed that the retirees in the State now enjoy a new lease of life as they are paid same time civil servants received their salaries.

    According to him; “Everyone would benefit from these government, those that did not get appointment will be empowered.

    You are all witness to the changes in the life of our retirees in the State, they now received their pensions same day salaries of workers are paid.

    “There is empowerment in different dimension for various groups in the State.”

    Speaking on behalf of the various group, the Chairman of Okada Riders Association, Mr Kunle Asaolu said the victory of Fayemi at the Appeal Court yesterday was a victory for all Ekitis.

    Asaolu explained that the judgement affirmed the choice of the people during the last gubernatorial election in the State.

    He expressed confidence in the ability of Fayemi to improve the status of the State and move it to an enviable position.

    Also in his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant on Mobilisation to the Governor of Ekiti State, Prince Tunji Ogunlola said the crowd was made up of various interest groups in the State who had come to identify with Fayemi’s victory at the Appeal Court Thursday night.

    Ogunlola revealed that the group had been on the street of Ado Ekiti celebrating before heading to the government house.

    The governor’s aide appealed to the crowd to maintain peace and shun any action that could provoke violence in the course of their jubilation.

  • Court sentences man to 12 years in prison for kidnapping women in Ekiti

    An Ado-Ekiti High Court on Friday sentenced an unemployed man, Olumide Ogunrinde to 12 years in prison for kidnapping.

    Justice Cornelius Akintayo sentenced the convict after the court had listened to to the arguments and submission of both prosecution and defence counsel.

    The court however, dismissed the convict of murder and armed robbery.

    Ogunrinde is charged with 11 counts of conspiracy, murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Read Also: Court dismisses suit challenging Adamawa gov’ship election

    According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred between May 3, 2015 and May 15, 2015 at Epere Ekiti, Ido Ekiti, Ipere Ekiti, Ado Ekiti, Eyio Ekiti etc.

    The victims who testified in court, alleged that they were kidnapped on Ido-Ilogbo Ekiti road and taken to an unknown place.

    To prove his case, the Prosecutor, Mr Idowu Adelusi called five witnesses while the defence called for witnesses.

  • Updated: Appeal Court affirms Gov. Kayode Fayemi’s election

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the victory of Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election held in Ekiti State.

    A three-man panel of the court, in unanimous judgment on Thursday evening, dismissed the appeal by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election. Kolapo Olusola, for lacking in merit.

    The court upheld the January 28, 2019 judgment of the Ekiti State Election Tribunal, which sat in Abuja owing to problem of insecurity in Ekiti State.

    The tribunal had, in its judgment, upheld Fayemi’s victory and dismissed the petition by PDP and Olusola on the grounds that they failed to prove their allegations, among which was that the election was marred by irregularities.

    Read Also: Osun gov, Oyetola asks Appeal Court to reverse tribunal’s decision

    Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment, resolved the seven issues, identified for determination, in favour of the respondents – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Fayemi.

    Justice Adah, at the commencement of proceedings, at around 7.05pm, noted that the day was fast spent and elected to read a summary of the lead judgment.

    After announcing that the seven issues were resolved against the appellants, Justice Adah proceeded to uphold the earlier judgment of the tribunal.

    He subsequently dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

    Other members of the panel: Justices Tinuade Akomolafe Wilson and Emmanuel Agim agreed with the lead judgment.

    The proceedings lasted less than 30 minutes.;

     

     

  • Tinubu, leading light of progressive politics-Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has described National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a leading light of progressive politics, a fact which his critics usually acknowledge.

    Fayemi, in a personal tribute on the 67th birthday of the former Lagos governor, stated his legacies in the realm of politics and human development remain a reference point.

    He said Tinubu stands tall among the progeny of progressive politics.

    The governor, who recalled his working relationship with the former NADECO chieftain, said Tinubu remains a dependable, reliable and passionate leader, whose record of grooming successful disciples is unmatchable.

    A statement by Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode to the governor said Asiwaju Tinubu remains one of the country’s most resourceful politicians.

    He added that his exemplary leadership style have brought unparralled development and growth to the nation.

    “I celebrate you today as always because you have been a reliable, dependable and passionate leader.

    ‘’The hallmark of a great leader is not measured in castles and materials, but in his ability to groom and lead successful disciples.

    “Like a colossus in the jungle of life, your ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled.

    “Your life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life.

    ‘’Even your political detractors secretly admire your courage, vibrancy, intelligence, ebullience, kind-heartedness, warmth and sagacity.

    READ ALSO: Afenifere hails Fayemi over role in general elections

    “I will forever cherish the memory of our struggles for the enthronement and sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

    ‘’Your infectious smile, as we have witnessed together on a number of occasions, is disarming.

    ‘’You have, over the years, succeeded in constantly reinventing yourself as a leading light of progressive politics.

    “You mean different things to different people. To some, you are a patriotic politician, while to others you are a political strategist who loves challenging the powers-that-be as a result of your passion and desire to see that your people are not deprived of their rights at any time.”

    He added: “You might not be the darling of all, but you have carved a niche for yourself in the political history of Nigeria.

    “May providence reward your labour of love with long life in good health, unspeakable joy and everlasting bliss.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish you the best of what your new year can offer. Above all, I wish you many more useful and productive years.”

  • Breaking: Appeal Court delivers judgment in Ekiti gov dispute tonight

    Parties to the dispute over the last governorship election in Ekiti State have besieged the Court of Appeal in Abuja in anticipation of the outcome of the judgment in the case, scheduled for tonight.

    The Ekiti State Election Tribunal, which later sat in Abuja owing problem of insecurity in Ekiti, delivered judgment on January 28, affirming the victory of Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election.

    Read Also: Four injured, motorcycles burnt in Ekiti tanker accident

    The petitioners – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election, Kolapo Olusola – against whom the judgment went, appealed.

    The appeal was heard on Monday and judgment reserved.

    The Nation learnt that parties were informed on Wednesday that the judgment will be delivered by 6pm today.

    Supporters of both camps and their lawyers are currently waiting at the Court of Appeal, Abuja for delivery of the judgment.

  • Four injured, motorcycles burnt in Ekiti tanker accident

    No fewer than four persons sustained various degrees of injuries on Thursday when a petroleum tanker exploded at Ido Ekiti, in Ido/Osi Local government area of the state.

    The accident happened along Ido-Ifaki highway at about 9.30am as result of brake failure.

    Several houses located near the scene of the accident and motorcycles parked around the place were consumed in the inferno caused by the spilled fuel from the truck.

    The intensity of the fire caused panic in the town as those living within the spot were said to have started evacuating their property from being burnt.

    The truck blocked the road and emitted thick smoke that caused tension in the area for hours.

    The blockade of the road caused traffic jam while those traveling from Ifaki Ekiti to Ido were said to be taking a detour to prevent being caught in the web of fire outbreak that raged on before it was put out by men of the State fire services.

    Those wounded have been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti for medical treatment.

    One of them was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit due to the severity of the injury sustained.

    Speaking with The Nation, an eye witness disclosed the driver of the truck lost control when the brake failed and swerved off the road as he approached a sharp bend.

    “The driver lost control and when it got to the road bend, it swerved off and somersaulted.

    “Immediately this happened, the fuel spilled and caught fire which made those within the vicinity to scamper for safety.

    “When it was obvious that people could no longer have the capacity to put the fire off, they made emergency call to fire service which came with superior equipment to quench the inferno,” he said.

    When contacted, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Mr Mohammed Olowo, said four persons have been rescued and taken to the hospital.

    “The prompt action we took helped in reducing the severity of this fire. Though, people were wounded but no death was recorded.

    “We worked with men of the fire services and we have been able to restore normalcy in terms of rescuing the victims and in ensuring free flow of vehicles along that route,” he stated.

  • Ekiti seeks monarchs’ support to end sexual violence

    Ekiti State Government has solicited for traditional rulers’ cooperation to curtail cases of rape and child defilement.

    The government said it has instituted plans to make the state uninhabitable for those engaging in rape through enactment of legal framework.

    Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Olawale Fapohunda, during an interactive session with the state’s traditional rulers yesterday at the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, said the state is experiencing high incidence of rape and child defilement, which, he said, were against Ekiti people’s core values.

    He declared that the Dr. Kayode Fayemi administration has zero-tolerance for sex offences and all forms of violence against women and children.

    The commissioner said other measures would be put in place to curb the crime in addition to prosecution.

    Read also: Rainstorm leaves many homeless in Ekiti

    “Violence against women and children is a major problem that we are experiencing now in Ekiti State. We are vigorously working on the issue of wife battering, because our legislation in that regard is not adequate.

    “But the issue that saddened us most is the issue of rape and child defilement. It is becoming an embarrassment to the state. It challenges our values and the worse part of it is that it seems as if we are all used to it. It is the fact that we have all come to a stage in Ekiti State where we are not shocked that an old man is having canal knowledge of a two-year-old child.

    “We know that legislation alone cannot do this. We are vigorously prosecuting sex offenders. I, as Attorney General, will personally lead the prosecution against any sex offender because Fayemi government has zero-tolerance to sex violence in the state,” Fapohunda said.

    The commissioner solicited the support of the monarchs in curbing the menace of land grabbing, saying it is sufficient to turn investors away from the state.

    He explained that most land conflicts were being caused by people, who did not have any title on the said land, but just want to forcefully grab the land.

    Responding on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, the Oloye of Oye -Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju and the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, thanked the government for the move to curb rape and child defilement as well as land grabbing.

  • INEC presents certificates of return to 26 Ekiti lawmakers- elect

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has presented certificate of return to the 26 elected members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

    INEC Acting Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Muslim Omoleke presented the certificates at a ceremony in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.

    Omoleke, urged the elected lawmakers to promote equity and justice when eventually inaugurated as members of the state House of Assembly.

    “The legislature is a critical arm of government, because it makes laws to regulate the business of governance and don’t do anything that will be repugnant to democracy, equity and justice.

     “Do not enact laws that will be antithetical to the 1999/Constitution, because it remains the grand norm. Make sure you make laws that will promote peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

    “We are not also unmindful of the doctrine of separation of powers. But you must cooperate with the executive to make the state greater than it is,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Asuquo Amba, security chiefs, traditional rulers among others.

    Chief Paul Omotoso, the state’s chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) urged the lawmakers-elect not to neglect their constituents, who gave them the mandate to serve.

    Omotoso was represented by the State Secretary of the party, Mr Sola Elesin.

    “Ekiti people are known for honesty, and you must bring this to bear. People expect much from you and you must live up to the expectations of those who voted for you,” he said.

    NAN reports that all the 26 lawmakers were elected under the platform of the APC.

  • Rainstorm leaves many homeless in Ekiti

    Ekiti Residents have been counting their losses following a heavy rainstorm. The rain has deserted many residents who have been struggling to find friends and families to accommodate them, reports RASAQ IBRAHIM

    Several houses and properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed following a heavy rainstorm in communities in Ekiti State.

    The torrential rain, which began around 9pm Tuesday last week and lasted for about two hours wrecked uncontrollable havoc.

    The communities affected include Ado-Ekiti, the State capital, Afao, Igbemo, Iludun, Isan-Ekiti and Are-Ekiti among others.

    Roofing sheets, ceiling, electric poles and kiosk were torn apart.

    Many of the communities are into total blackout as the electric poles supplying electricity to the affected areas were badly destroyed.

    No fewer than 500 houses were specifically blown off with 1000 victims affected with no report of causality.

    Among the properties destroyed was the palace of Alare of Are-Ekiti, the Gifted Academy in Afao, business outlets among others.

    Some of the affected residents are being accommodated by friends and family members.

    Speaking with The Nation, the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluade Adebiyi, lamented that his palace and many other buildings were seriously affected by the heavy rainstorm.

    “As you can see, part of the palace roof has been blown off, but that is not my immediate problem now. My concern now is how to take care of my people that have become homeless by this natural disaster,” he said.

    Oba Adebiyi, who said he has contacted relevant state and federal authorities to come to the aid of the community, saying the degree of damage done was beyond their individual capabilities.

    “Immediately after the rainstorm, I sent some of my chiefs to inform the state government, I also contacted the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) and I am with their quick response.”

    Oba Adebiyi, who explained that the victims are yet to get relief materials, expressed the hope that both the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, and its Federal counterpart that jointly visited the community will do something very soon.

    He, however, appealed to the public spirited indigenes of the State both home and abroad to come to their rescue at this critical time.

    One of the victims, Mr. Kayode Anisulowo whose house was affected, described the incident as massive, saying all what he had painstakingly laboured for, for many years have gone down the drain.

    “My properties have been blown off with water entering into my room. Everything is soaked and destroyed. This is a serious thing. I don’t know what to do because I am now hopeless and homeless,” he said.

    Another victim, an octogenarian and widow, Madam Jibiye Adeleye, lamented that she has been forced to relocate to her father’s house pending the time her children can repair their father’s house.

    Also speaking with a victim, Ojo Pelumi who described the incident as unexpected and unfortunate regretted that the excitement that characterised the rain was cut-short by the rainstorm.

    He said the incident was unexpected and called on the government to assist them in fixing the affected buildings.

    One of the people whose houses were destroyed by the Mr. Toyin Olaiya thanked the state government for the swift response and urged the government to provide relief materials for them so that they could have houses to accommodate them.

    A 90-year old woman whose house was also affected at Ekute area, Madam Florence Arogundade came out with the aid of her walking stick and asked the governor not to relent in prioritising the welfare of the masses.

    Madam Arogundade thanked Fayemi for the quick response and prayed for the success of his government.

    The General Manager of Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mr. Olajide Borode, however, described the incident as pathetic, saying 500 houses and 1000 very were seriously affected.

    Borode disclosed that the natural disaster spread across the State with valuable properties was shattered.

    According to him, Ado Ekiti and some other communities like Afao and Igbemo were equally affected. He added that Iludun, Isan-Ekiti, Eyio, Ijero were also hit by the heavy rainstorm.

    “We and NEMA have jointly visited some of the affected areas for on-the-spot assessment of the damages. More than 30 houses were destroyed in Isan and Iludun.

    “Roofs of 40 houses were blown off in Afao. More than 45 houses were affected in Are-Ekiti. Among the properties destroyed in Afao was the newly completed Gifted Academic.”

    “More 30 houses were also destroyed in each Iludun and Isan-Ekiti.”

    Speaking shortly after inspecting the properties which spread across major parts of Ado Ekiti, the State government delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government,. Hon Biodun Oyebanji , and the Chief of Staff to the governor,  Biodun Omoleye, described the damage as “high and alarming” as properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed by the storm.

    Oyebanji said the state government would work in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to quickly assuage the sufferings of the victims many of whose house roofs were blown off by the heavy rainstorm.

    Read also: ‘Ekiti ’II implement laws to protect women against violence’

    He urged the people to cultivate the habit of tree planting which can help in protecting the environment; noting that the trees within Ado Community High School prevented the rainstorm from wrecking havocs on the school.

    “Governor Kayode Fayemi commiserated with victims of the rainstorm, which damaged some buildings in Ado-Ekiti and some parts of the state.

    He pledged the support of the state government towards mitigating their losses.

    Fayemi directed the SEMA in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to come up with the detailed record of the affected areas and individuals for necessary support.

    The governor also appealed to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to  restore power to the areas.

  • UPDATED: RTEAN member to die for killing colleague over ‘loading’

    An Ekiti State High Court on Tuesday sentenced a member of the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Abednego Ajibola, to death for killing his colleague over scuffle on loading arrangement.

    Justice Lekan Ogunmoye found Ajibola, 40, guilty of the one-count charge of murder of fellow union member, Ojo Ogunsakin, on 10th March, 2017 at Akure Motor Park along Ikere Road, Ado Ekiti.

    The judge held that ingredients of the offence of murder has been established against the convict who, he said, committed an offence contrary to Section 316 of the Criminal Code Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State 2012.

    According to his confessional statement made to the Police, Ajibola said a disagreement ensued between him and deceased on loading arrangement on the said date.

    The convict, in his statement, said he was slapped by the deceased, which provoked him to retaliate in the heat of the melee.

    Ajibola in his testimony said he hit the deceased with a stone which led to his death as confirmed by other witnesses.

    Read Also: Court remands businessman for alleged N218m ‘property scam’

    To prove the case of murder, prosecution counsel, Mr. Gbemiga Adaramola, called six witnesses including the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Sgt. Kamaru Momoh.

    Other witnesses who testified against the convict are the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Ogunsakin and Dr. J.A. Omotayo of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), who conducted the post mortem on the body of the deceased.

    Defence counsel, Mr. Kayode Oyeyemi, called two witnesses and the accused person in defence of the convict.

    Delivering the verdict, Justice Ogunmoye ruled: “The ingredients of the offence of murder had been established against the accused person and he is convicted accordingly.

    “The accused person is hereby sentenced to death by hanging on the neck till he be dead. May the Almighty God have mercy on your soul.“