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Tag: Fayose

  • Fayose, FFK And Other “Saints”: Please Return Nigeria’s Loot

    There is something strikingly amusing about some Nigerian leaders. They regale in oddities; celebrate the profane and seek to stamp the seal of illegalities all the times. Most recently, Nigerians have been forced to contend with too many of such characters; but two of them are really outstanding in Nigeria’s hall of perfidy.

    All dais point to the incumbent Ekiti state Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and the former Aviation minister, Chief Femi-Fani Kayode (FFK). They are two of a kind and share too many things in common; notwithstanding some equally striking dissimilarities.

    Both are supposedly of Yoruba descent; except FFK whom the Yorubas are contesting his ancestry. They claim he is man whose parents aboard a slave sheep from Sierra Leone were freed somewhere in Lagos when it berthed to load more slaves in Badagry for Europe. His parents were feted with the traditional Yoruba hospitality, rehabilitated; refused to go back to their fatherland of torment and eventually settled in the Southwest and begot FFK.

    Fayose also differs from FFK. The Governor claims he is a Pastor and seer of the future. So, he knows exactly when Nigeria would kiss the doom finally or starve his Ekiti people to blame President of Nigeria. But FFK lacks such powers, at least, on this score, he does not pretend to possess it.

    The duo also have touty character. They have the same inclination of acting like rogues; they speak before thinking and keep currying public support for odious actions even when the public resist them. They are soulless and inhuman. They have lost the nerve and the touch of human kindness. What is fair to them, must be fair to all and conversely, what is unfair to them means Nigeria must be brought to its knees.

    They have a penchant for sycophancy and loquaciousness; but in their context, they don’t even recruit others to do it at their behest. They execute the job personally, through direct labour. So, Fayose praises himself as the best governor and “miracle” that would ever rule Ekiti state. FFK says, former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration solved all the problems of Nigeria. He was Jonathan campaign spokesman in 2015 and still pained that his boss lost it all.

    When President Buhari secured the first release of 21 Chibok Schoolgirls Boko Haram insurgents abducted in 2014 during the reign of ex-President Jonathan, the Ekiti State’s Governor Fayose said it’s “a diversionary tactic orchestrated by President Muhammadu Buhari administration.” He repeated the same thing when another batch of 82 Chibok girls secured their freedom through negotiation last week. It is the most accurate example of a man who reasons with his fingers, instead of the brain.

    But the families of the release Chibok girls are happy and Nigerians are celebrating their release. A thoughtful man would have advised his alter ego, former President Jonathan to also employ this “diversionary tactic,” to pleasantly shock Nigerians by securing freedom for the Chibok girls. But then, he had not yet counted his fingers, up to the fifth one, so he advised nothing.

    And the biggest of their shared traits! They both have a competitive passion for sleaze money. Ekiti state workers are dying under the yoke of months of unpaid salaries. Fayose has allegedly embezzled billions of naira in bail-out funds sent to the state to offset outstanding salary bills of workers and pensioners. He does not give a damn, like his former boss Jonathan.

    And under FFK as Aviation minister, plane crashes in Nigeria, resulting in mass deaths were more rampant than road motor accidents. It was because he allegedly embezzled funds voted to improve facilities at the nation’s airports.

    While Boko Haram terrorists were daily killing and abducting Nigerians in the Northeast and the government of the day secured over $2.1 billion to procure arms to equip the Nigerian military to effectively battle insurgents, the duo allegedly embezzled a chunk of the money for electoral purposes. The action caused avoidable mass deaths and among the dead, were their kinsmen; it caused destructions and social dislocations of a terrifying magnitude.

    These are the actions of serving or former leaders of Nigeria amply typified by Fayose and FFK, who love Nigerian people so greatly and their country, Nigeria more than anyone else. Sadly, while FFK is facing trial in court for his alleged crimes against the masses and the Nigerian state; Fayose is hoed -up in the protective shield of Ekiti State Government House, with the garments of immunity, where he has reduced everybody in his state to the status of a dog.

    Unfortunately, the likes of Fayose and FFK are in thousands in Nigeria. They have occupied Nigeria like the commercial activists and NGOs all over the country. They manipulate themselves into positions of leadership and instead of repenting; they explore new frontiers on how to consolidate the dubious hold on the people and Nigeria. It is exactly what Fayose is doing to Ekiti people. He has frightened all institutions and muzzled every voice of dissention in his state. He attacks security agents proudly and prevents them from performing their lawful duties. He talks, acts and sleeps plotting anarchy on Nigeria.

    Yet, in all these oddities, which pass for the first identity of Fayose, when his friend and artificialized kinsman, FFK hosted him in Abuja early 2017, the former Aviation minister described Fayose as “… a man who has the heart of a warrior and a lion. It was an honor and a privilege to spend the afternoon with him in our home today. I love this man with all my heart and he is doing great things for both Ekiti state and Nigeria.”

    It is now easy to discern why the two of them are tied together like the proverbial birds of the same feathers, frolicking together in infamy.

    But Nigerians ask just one favour from these two gentlemen touts. Everyone knows corruption is not peculiar to Nigeria. It happens all over and in all nations of the world. But the entrenched, endemic and mindless looting of Nigeria has caused the multifaceted problems which have assailed Nigeria today. If truly they are patriotic as they preach, they should have pity on the masses like President Muhammadu Buhari.

    In other climes, patriotic citizens of any country, like the likes of Fayose and FFK are claiming belatedly, who are caught pilfering with national resources’, instantly return the loot quietly and seek for forgiveness from the country men and women they have wronged. They do not climb rooftops or shout halleluiah and overstretch the wheels of the judiciary in arguing about some insane innocence.

    This is more honourable and patriotic. Nigeria needs this money in the custody of these alleged looters to turn around the crippling poverty all over the nation and put smiles on the faces of families. Some Nigerians, who indulged in this odious act by induction, mistake, influence or whatever means and have been figured out, have returned this loot. And they were asked to “Go and sin no more.”

    Why is “patriotic” Fayose, FFK and the likes everywhere unwilling to abide by this simple creed, by doing the needful? Is this the love for one’s country they preach everywhere and see only the failures in others? This is a plea to them; “Please, return Nigeria’s looted money.” This country needs the money.

    It is immoral for anyone to steal from public pot and refuse to return the theft funds when caught, especially as the likes of Fayose and FFK are doing. It is not an issue of grandstanding. The case of Fayose is worse because as a Pastor, he should know God forbids stealing or conversion of another man’s property. He also knows and mounts the podium in worship centers, preaching to others the infinite mercies of God to forgive. So, why the phobia?

    Dear Fayose, FFK and others, you must know that in God’s eyes, no one is too dirty or sinful to repent. And penitence is not even tied to time. At any moment you decide to observe the rites of penitence, God forgives you. And atoning for your sins especially against God’s children endears you closer to Him.

    Please let Nigerians know how much you pilfered,( to use a mild word) in the Dasukigate arms procurement fund scandal or largess and what you are willing to refund and the negotiations’ would continue from there.

    It shall be to your eternal joy of reconciliation with Nigerian masses to make haste while the sun shines, as patriotic Nigerians by acting positively to this special plea. Other looters of Nigeria can also explore this option in order to free themselves and decongest the judicial system as well as other agencies consigned to fighting corruption. This is the plea and passionate cry of the Nigerian masses.
    Ola is a public affairs commentator and contributed this piece from Oshodi, Lagos.

  • The enigma called Fayose

    The enigma called Fayose

    SIR: The personality and character of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State means different things to different people at different times. To his people, he is their omniscient leader that glorified himself with stomach infrastructure. To the APC-led government, he represents the grand patron of the wailers. To his party, he is the mouthpiece of the opposition. To the respected man of God, Pastor E A. Adeboye, he is the ‘defender of his people’, while to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he is just a noise maker.

    Undoubtedly, Nigerians need an opposition voice that will serve as a check  on the current APC administration, but unfortunately, Fayose is not in a position to carry out such duty. The governor lacks moral right to condemn the current administration since he was part and parcel of the malfeasances of the last administration; certainly, he who must come to equity must come with a clean hand. In fact, his election into the exalted seat of governor was enmeshed in controversy. We are reminded of the role played by Musliu Obanikoro, the then Minister of Defence just as other actors in the purported election have made some indicting confession to the EFCC. He (Fayose) will most likely not miss an appointment with the anti-graft agencies after the end of his tenure. Fayose is famous for making ridiculous and unsubstantiated allegations or glorifying prejudice that does not even elicit response from the APC-led government.

    Nigerians need a viable opposition party that can influence the decision of the ruling party, a voice that can challenge the audacity of the government, and that which Nigerians can easily identify with but certainly, Fayose and his cohort do not fit into such category.

     

    • Abolaji Adeniran,

     Ilorin, Kwara State.

  • Fayose demands Lamido’s release

    Fayose demands Lamido’s release

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, on Tuesday called for the unconditional release of former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.

    Lamido was arrested by the police and remanded in prison for alleged incitement.

    Condemning Lamido’s arrest, Fayose described it as another attempt to muzzle the opposition and cow Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members nursing 2019 presidential ambition.

    In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose described Lamido’s detention as “childish and ridiculous.”

    He said: “It appears that the cabal in the APC- led government that is holding Nigerians to ransom want their candidate to contest the 2019 election unopposed.

    “Obviously, that is the reason for the arrest and detention of former Governor of Niger State, Dr. Babangida Aliyu and Alhaji Lamido who have shown interest in the presidency.

    “If a former governor is arrested and incarcerated for what they called incitement, what should the police have done to those Fulani herdsmen that have killed thousands of Nigerians across the country?

    “With the arrest of Alhaji Lamido, the detention of former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam since February this year and the arrest and detention of Dr. Babangida Aliyu, it is becoming clearer that these APC people will only contest election against themselves in 2019.

    “It will even be unnecessary to continue to fund the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since they don’t want anyone to contest the 2019 presidential election against their party.

    “The APC cabal can as well proscribe INEC and declare their party the perpetual ruler of Nigeria instead of wasting money on conduct of elections.”

    Describing Lamido’s arrest as the height of power drunkenness, Fayose said “the police claim that Lamido was arrested for allegedly inciting his supporters to go violent if the results of the local government elections fixed for July 1, 2017 is to say the least irresponsible and ludicrous.

    “How can you arrest someone in April because of an election slated for July and keep the person in detention for the past 24 hours?

    “Is it not even laughable that the APC government in Jigawa State is so afraid of allowing the people the freedom to participate in an election to be conducted by the state government itself such that it opted for the arrest and detention of a former governor of the State more than two months to the elections?”

    While calling for a stop to what he called “the APC government’s regime of political intimidation and harassment,” Fayose said Nigerians will resist any attempt to foist a one party system on the country.

     

  • Between Fayose and Kanu

    Between Fayose and Kanu

    Ekiti maverick, Ayodele Fayose and IPOB’s Nnamdi Kanu, are a peculiar pair.
    The one is twice a blight on his Ekiti generation.  The other, a heady presage to avoidable catastrophe: again, for the second time, in a generation.
    They made quite a sensational pair at an Abuja court on April 25 with Fayose, all infantile jabber, declaring himself and his Ekiti Kete, self-annexed Biafrans.
    But beyond the drama of optics, they made a more telling metaphor — sweet disasters baiting their people.  Nevertheless, the people appear too roused to resist their own doom.
    In Fayose’s first coming (2003-2006) — Fayose o, Yes oooooooooooooooo! — he exited in a blaze of odium.
    But that wasn’t his ultimate humiliation.  At his fall, he was accused of all sort of heinous crimes — poultry racketeering, a killer squad to bump off political enemies, real or phantom, and gubernatorial fascism Ekiti never knew; and again unlikely to know.
    This second coming (2014 till date), he is a worrying study in noisy emptiness — yakking before thinking, and sundry empty street drama, to press his democratic folksiness.
    Vintage Fayose street shows?  The governor as executive fire-fighter; as merry glutton, wolfing at the buka next door; as ladder-clambering member of a work gang, monitoring work on a bridge — in fact, as unabashed hustler for attention, with a spider’s web line between the sane and the insane!
    So, when Fayose happened on his Biafra jabber, he provoked additional comedy to Ola Rotimi’s comic play, Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again.  Tweak that a bit, with Fayose’s melodrama? Maybe, Their Osoko Has Gone Mad Again!
    So long for Fayose’s unending ribaldry! Nnamdi Kanu’s is made of a more tragic hue.
    Now, wherever the Igbo want to be, in or outside Nigeria, is entirely their business.  But if they go about that with hateful demagoguery, then it becomes everybody’s business. That is Ripples’ only problem with Kanu and his Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
    Besides, there is something eerie about Biafra’s one-sided narrative, powered by a saint-versus-sinner passion.
    It was, in the build-up to the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).  It was in its post-mortem, by Prof. Chinua Achebe, in his swan song, There Was A Country.  It is in Kanu’s current turbo-charged IPOB gambit.
    That appears the most sensational attempt at rigging history, even when some of the participant-observers still live, if aging.
    Since Nnamdi Azikiwe’s West African Pilot started amplifying Igbo achievements and toning down others’, hype appears to come with the Eastern territory.
    To be sure, hype is no crime.  Every people always project something to burnish collective pride.  But it becomes dysfunctional, when instinctive and compulsive.
    Take the land hunger that has sent many Igbo scuttling outside homeland for economic nourishment; and see how it fits into the Biafra agenda.
    Land hunger is nothing new — or bad.  In antiquity, fierce land hunger in Crete and surrounding islands, triggered the founding of Greek colonies, a cluster of voluntary diasporas, angling for economic survival.
    These settlements would mature into city states, which not only birthed pristine democracy, but also gifted the West its grand thinking — art and literature, philosophy, science, technology and IT.
    Just imagine the evolution of Greece — and Western critical thinking — without these pristine settlements!
    But tweak that a bit: can you imagine Igbo evolution in Nigeria, without these far-flung internal economic diasporas?  Yet, not a few, even among the most asset-vulnerable, would recklessly endanger all of that, in a moment of unthinking hype!
    The Biafra gambit — now, more than then — appears to fit pat into that explosive mindset, without much thought about the Igbo land hunger question.
    If the Biafra fiasco (1967-1970) didn’t curb land hunger, by making the East retain its best within its homeland, what guarantees a future Biafra gambit — success or failure — would?
    Despite the sharp contrast between Emeka Ojukwu’s Oxford elitism and Nnamdi Kanu’s explosive street populism, Biafra now, like Biafra then, runs on breathless emotions. In such campaigns, sobering facts are killed and buried.
    There is a sweet claim — that the Civil War was a northern ploy to subjugate the East; and that the West, under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, merrily played Judas.
    But Nigeria, at independence, opened with a North-East conspiracy to subjugate the West (see Hansard of the parliamentary debate of 29 November 1960, as quoted in Awolowo’s book, The Travail of Democracy and the rule of Law).
    At that session, Northern People’s Congress (NPC), with National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroon (NCNC) partisans pushed for a federal take-over of the West, under the ruling Action Group (AG). That would crystallize in the 1962 emergency.
    Besides, how do you justify the 1963 creation of Midwestern Region from the West, without a corresponding carving, for minority elements, in the North and the East?  Because the two formed a coalition federal government?
    So, when did two ganging up against one become a crime — since the East became a victim?
    In recounting the horrors of old Biafra, perhaps to justify a new one, emotive words like massacre, genocide, et al are freely deployed.  But seriously, can there be “genocide” in a shooting war, where you either kill or be killed?
    And guess the pre-war sabre-rattlers? Ojukwu accused Awolowo of “platitudes” in a May 1967 Enugu rally to avert war.  He further bragged: “I am no longer speaking as an underdog, I am speaking from the position of power.”. It turned out a costly bluff that consumed thousands of lives.
    Compare Ojukwu’s sabre-rattling back in 1967 with Kanu’s impassioned hate today, against the non-Igbo in what he dubbed the “Nigerian zoo”, and you would perhaps realize how little a once-bitten people have changed over a 50 year-period!
    But why go into these notorious though harsh historical facts?  Simple: the demagoguery of Fayose and Kanu creates catastrophes from small problems. Yet, it claims to gun for a solution!
    Ekiti would feel Fayose’s rascality, maybe in another 25 years, when his blind flight to Stone Age would have matured.
    Kanu’s sweet demagoguery may well inspire a future fresh and sweet South East mono-tales. But then, it’s a democracy, and choice is free!
    Still, between Fayose and Kanu is an emotional plane. It leads nowhere but avoidable perdition.

  • Hunger in Ekiti Civil service: I will pay if… – Governor

    Hunger in Ekiti Civil service: I will pay if… – Governor

    There was a drama at this year’s May Day celebration in Ekiti State on Monday when workers demanded payment of their salaries.

    The state workers are owed six months arrears while local government employees have not been paid for seven months.

    The workers shouted “salary! salary!! salary!!!” as Fayose was rounding off his address.

    Some of them shouted: “Osoko, we are hungry.”

    But Fayose replied: “I can only pay your salaries when I get cash backing from Abuja. At times, we get cash backing three weeks after we held FAAC meetings.”

    The governor’s explanation dampened the morale of many of the workers who had expected a favourable answer from him.

    This year’s Workers Day which took place inside the main bowl of Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti recorded poor attendance as many workers stayed away from the event.

    The leadership of the state chapters of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) decorated Fayose as “Comrade Governor.”

    Fayose declared that the representative of the Minister of Labour should not be allowed to address Ekiti workers in 2018 Workers’ Day.

    He predicated his position on the alleged failure of the Federal Government to redirect the country’s economy to jack up allocations to the state.

    The governor said only the Head of Service, Gbenga Faseluka and state labour leaders would be allowed to address the rally, saying the federal government lacks the moral right to address the state workers for failing to fulfil its obligations.

    The state NLC Chairman, Ade Adesanmi, urged Fayose to pay their outstanding salaries, saying “the non-payment has come to a point where we have to open up, in fact, we are hungry.”

    The NLC chief urged the governor to expedite action on workers’ promotion and ensure payment of pension and gratuities.

     

  • Fayose’s aide Olayinka buries mum tomorrow

    Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, will bury his mum, Madam Racheal Ibijola Olayinka-Tenibiaje tomorrow in Okemesi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government of Ekiti State. Madam Olayinka-Tenibiaje died on February 2.

    Olayinka, in a statement yesterday, said funeral ceremonies will begin today with the body leaving Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, at 10am.

    Lying-in-state will hold at the Tenibiaje Family House in Ile-Odofin, Okemesi-Ekiti, at 12noon while wake will hold by 5pm, to be followed by artiste night at 8pm.

    Funeral will be tomorrow at 10am followed by entertainment of guests at Fabunmi Memorial Grammar School, Okemesi-Ekiti.

    Olayinka described his mum as “easy going and caring. She was a mother in millions, who never joked with the welfare of her children. She gave us love and care, even at extremely difficult times. Even in death, we will continue to adore her.”

  • Fayose under fire for identifying with Biafra

    Fayose under fire for identifying with Biafra

    Barely 24 four hours after his appearance at an Abuja Federal High Court, where he showed solidarity with Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Leader Nnamdi Kanu, Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has been criticised for identifying with Igbo secession agitators.

    The state chapter of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) criticised him for “bringing governance to a ridiculous level and assaulting the sensibilities of the Yoruba nation”.

    Another group, Progressives Youth League (PYL), criticised the governor “for abandoning serious business of governance in his home state to run a comedy show in faraway Abuja in a matter that does not concern him”.

    They faulted his statement that “Ekiti now belongs to Biafra”.

    The groups warned the governor not to use his position to fan the embers of discord, disunity and crisis in the federation.

    In a statement by its State Coordinator, Bunmi Akanbi Awotiku, ARG said it was not oblivious of the constitutional immunity and fundamental human rights Fayose enjoyed, but condemned the abuse of those rights.

    ARG said: “Despite receipts of monthly statutory federal allocation, budget support funds, bailout funds running into billions of naira, Ekiti workers are under the yoke of non-receipt of their monthly salaries and allowances.

    “The pensioners are not faring better. This is a governor displaying executive rascality all over Ekiti State and beyond. He has brought governance to a ridiculous level. He can be excused for his style of leadership and manner of delivery, but there are well designed standards for the office, which he occupies but which he brings to ridicule.

    “His recent solidarity visit to Nnamdi Kanu, who has insulted and holds the Yoruba nation with disrespect, is an executive rascality taken too far. Notwithstanding the political motive, his solidarity is an insult and affront to the true Omo Oduduwa at home and in the Diaspora.

    “Ekiti State ARG implores Fayose to carry out his assignment with the fear of God and respect the needs and yearnings of Ekiti people. We take exception to his determination to rubbish our valued heritage.

    “We hereby implore him to face governance in our dear state, bring smiles to the faces of government workers in the state and local governments, make pensioners happy and enjoy the fruits of their labour. This political rascality and razzmatazz must stop.”

    PYL Coordinator Adeoye Aribasoye said the governor’s action showed he was idle and did not understand the seriousness of governance.

    He said a lot of issues requiring Fayose’s attention had been abandoned for a “needless trip to Abuja at the expense of tax payers”.

    The PYL coordinator urged Fayose to resign from office, “if he is no longer interested in governing the people of the state”.

    Aribasoye said: “Fayose’s action of going to the court in Abuja to show support for Kanu has nothing to do with the welfare of the people of Ekiti. It appears the man is not ready to provide governance for the people of Ekiti. We are calling on him to resign honourably.

    “There are many problems, back home, which need his attention: workers are owed arrears of salaries, institutions are owed subventions, there are infrastructural deficit and people are groaning under a harsh economic climate.

    “All these need urgent solutions and not junketing to Abuja for a needless showmanship, shadow boxing and grandstanding.”

  • Ambode, Fayose, Jonathan shocked

    Ambode, Fayose, Jonathan shocked

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan have expressed shock and sadness on the death of former Osun State Governor Isiaka Adeleke.
    Adeleke, the first civilian Governor of Osun State and a serving Senator representing Osun West senatorial district passed on Sunday morning at the age of 62.
    Ambode, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said Adeleke’s death was a huge loss to the entire Southwest region and the Yoruba nation across the world.
    “I was deeply shocked to learn of his death this morning. Only last month, he was in Lagos to join us celebrate our party leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He made his mark first as the first civilian Governor of Osun State and then as a senator. He was one of the most prominent lawmakers, who did not shy away from issues that affected Nigerians in general.
    “He was very passionate about Nigeria’s progress and contributed immensely to the expansion of progressive politics, especially in the Southwest. Senator Adeleke was a loving man, a peacemaker, a grassroots politician and a detribalised Nigerian, who was well loved by his people,” Ambode said.
    The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, urging his family to draw strength from the fact that he made meaningful impact during his lifetime.
    Ambode commiserated with the people of Osun State, especially the people of Osun West Senatorial Zone and Governor Rauf Aregbesola on the sad loss.
    Fayose, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, described Adeleke’s death as shocking and a painful exit of a political icon.
    Fayose said “the political history of Osun State will never be complete without the name of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, occupying a conspicuous space as one who braced the political trail of the state by being the first elected governor at the age of 36.
    “Despite being governor at a youthful age of 36, he contributed immensely to the state’s development and maintained his political relevance since the early nineties till his death.”
    The governor, who said he was sad and pained by the death, added: “Senator Adeleke will be sorely missed by the entire people of Osun State in particular and Nigeria in general.”
    He urged the family, the entire people of Ede as well as the people of Osun State to take solace in the fact that Senator Adeleke made indelible marks on the political and developmental sands of Osun State.
    “We will continue to pray, trusting that Allah in His infinite mercies will grant his soul Al-Jannah Firdaus,” he said.
    Jonathan extended his condolences to the family of late Senator Isiaka Adeleke as well as the government and people of Osun State.
    The ex-president’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze.
    He described the late Adeleke as a national icon and great philanthropist, who was warm and lively.
    He said: “I received the news of the death of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke with a sense of great personal loss. It is hard to imagine that the very lively and warm ‘Serubawon’ has died.
    “Though I am saddened by his death, I give God the glory for his life of contribution to Osun State, where he was the first civilian governor and to Nigeria, where he was an icon and to humanity in general because he was a great philanthropist.
    “He will be greatly missed and the void his death has caused will be hard, if not impossible to fill. May his soul rest in peace and may he achieve Aljanna Firdaus.
    “I pray that God grant his family and supporters the fortitude to bear his loss. Adieu great Asiwaju of Ede,” he stated.

  • Ooni, Fayose, Fayemi, others grace Ekiti coronation anniversary

    Ooni, Fayose, Fayemi, others grace Ekiti coronation anniversary

    Ilawe-Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti Southwest local government, area came alive  yesterday as the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi led other eminent personalities to witness the 5th coronation anniversary of the Alawe, Oba AdebanjiAjibadeAlabi.

    The ceremony was also attended by Governor Ayo Fayose, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Bisi, traditional rulers, political officer holders and religious leaders.

    The event featured cultural dances and homage to the monarch by various interest groups in Ilawe.

    Oba Ajibade who was installed as the Alawe during the administration of ex-Governor Fayose in April 2012, called on all the indigenes of the town to develop their community.

    The Alawe expressed satisfaction that the town has witnessed massive infrastructural development since his ascension.

    He said the community is proud that its sons and daughters are reaching pinnacle of their professions, which is rubbing off on the development of their hometown.

    While expressing gratitude to Fayose for the ongoing dualisation of the township road,Alabi called for the construction of Ilawe-Ikere Road.

    Ogunwusi, urged the people to be united saying development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace.

    He said he was happy that the Ilawe people are bonded by love and unity.

    The Arole Oodua prayed for the people of the community also wished the entire Yoruba land and Nigeria peace, progress and development.

    The Ooni also urged Ilawe indigenes to continue to support their monarch.

    Two natives of the town, popular musician, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz and a medical doctor, Lamide Orekunrin, were honoured with awards of excellence.

  • Prison visit: Political detainees’ wives urge Fayose to release husbands

    Prison visit: Political detainees’ wives urge Fayose to release husbands

    Wives, children and associates of some political detainees held at Federal Prisons, Ado Ekiti, have called on Governor Ayo Fayose to release them having spent years in detention on alleged trumped-up charges.

    They made the plea on Wednesday during Fayose’s tour of prison facilities during which the governor also pardoned some inmates. Some All Progressives Congress (APC) members detained in prison are standing trial for their alleged complicity in the murder of Fayose’s ally and former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Omolafe Aderiye, an allegation they denied.

    Those on trial include the state leader of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Adeniyi Adedipe; two former state chairmen of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Bayo Aderiye and Rotimi Olanbiwonnu; Sola Durodola, Ajayi Kayode, Oso Farotimi and Sola Adenijo.

    Fayose could not ensure release of any of the inmates as the Chief Judge, Justice Simon Daramola advised that due process must be followed before the governor could facilitate their pardon and release. There was drama shortly after Fayose arrived as the wives of the detainees knelt down pleading that he release their breadwinners for them to reunite with their families and revive their ‘dead’ businesses.

    They claimed that their husbands knew nothing about the alleged murder. But Fayose said: “We would pardon some inmates, but we have to follow due process. We must have the facts and figures before vetoing their release.

    We have come to see the facilities in the prison and see how we can help. We have seen the facilities here and we are not happy. “The buildings here houses almost 200 people but whatever their offences they are still entitled to good condition of living. We therefore appeal to the Federal Government to upgrade the facilities available for prison inmates in the state here.

    “The walls surrounding the prison are vulnerable, that was why we experienced the last jailbreak, but that would not happen again. As a state government, we will support the prison with an additional building, a borehole, health facilities and toilet facilities.

    “We appeal to the government to live up to their responsibilities. I also appeal to the prison inmates, you must be of good conduct so they can get pardon. Also make sure that you repent truly.” Fayose was joined on the visit by the Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Chafe and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi and other senior government officials.