Afe Babalola Commends Oyebanji, Condemns Adebayo, Fayose, Fayemi's Lack Of Vision

- Aare Afe Babalola Elder statesman, Aare Afe Babalola has criticised previous governors of Ekiti State for allegedly abandoning the vision and blueprint laid down by the founding fathers of the state. The Chancellor and founder of the Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for his strides noted that the vision behind the creation of Ekiti was to make it the best state in Nigeria. Babalola, made the remarks yesterday at the commissioning of ABUAD Multi-System Hospital, Annex Odo-Ado, at Igirigiri road in Ado Ekiti. He said, “It pains me that you didn’t become governor of Ekiti much earlier than now. We know what we did to bring Ekiti State into existence. Our vision was for Ekiti to be the best state in Nigeria, that will be setting the pace as my university is setting the pace now. “Unfortunately those who became governor before you didn’t have the love of Ekiti. Go and tell them that I said so. That is why we are facing so much hardship in the state. When I was a local government councilor in the sixties, I didn’t receive a salary. “That was when there was development in Ekiti Local Government. We thought that those who are coming to govern Ekiti will follow our footstep and our blueprints but they refuse to follow it. However, this governor is doing a yeoman’s job.

Oyebanji Receives Forum Of APC Chairmen, Vows To Immortalize Omotosho

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, while receiving representatives of the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressive Congress (APC)) in Ado-Ekiti has said that his government would immortalize the late Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State, Paul Omotosho. This according to him is in recognition of his numerous contributions to the development of the state. The APC Chairmen were in his office to present the Forum’s letter of condolence. The Governor said the gesture is designed to preserve Omotoso’s legacies of service, humility and loyalty. Emphasizing the late chairman’s unwavering dedication to the party and his selfless service to the state and humanity, Oyebanji said the deceased was a dedicated leader, unifier and highly committed party leader. He also assured that his administration will provide adequate support for the family of the deceased to ensure that the vacuum left is not noticed. “This is a very tough moment for us, and like you said, Barrister Omotosho was a very straight forward person; he was loyal and humble. We promise you before God and man that whatever we can do as a government to ensure the family does not suffer, we will do. We will ensure, even though we cannot replace him, that whatever we can do to lessen the burden and the pain of his departure we shall do, God helping us. we will not stop there, we are going to immortalize him and we will give him a befitting burial”, the Governor said. Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Forum, Hon Cornelius Ojelabi, said the purpose of their visit was to commiserate with the Governor, the Party, and the good people of Ekiti State over the death of the late APC chairman in the state. Ojelabi, who presented the Forum’s letter of condolence to the Governor, described the late chairman as a principled leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the party and the nation at large. He maintained that the Omotosho was a solution provider and a beacon of hope for all who knew and admired him. Present during the visit were the Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Special Adviser Political and Inter-Party Matter, Chief Jide Awe; Acting Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of APC, Mr Ola Elesin; chairmen from of state chapters of the party from the six geo-political zones, among others.

Fayemi Greets Muslims At Ramadan

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated Muslims in the State and in Nigeria on the commencement of the Ramadan fasting period. Governor Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, described Ramadan as “the glory of all months in the Islamic calendar”, adding that Ramadan fast is one of the five pillars of Islam that Muslims must strictly adhere to in line with the injunction of the Almighty Allah. The Governor noted that Ramadan offers an opportunity to draw closer to Allah and deepen relationship with him. He therefore urged Muslims to use the period to pray for peace to reign in all the troubled spots in the country and in nations of the world. He also urged them to use the Ramadan season to pray for peace and prosperity in Ekiti State, especially the forth coming governorship election in the state. He said through prayer and cooperation of the people, the state would witness a peaceful election and smooth transition of power to the eventual winner. Dr Fayemi prayed that the holy month will usher in abundant grace and blessings for the faithful. “We all must be grateful to Allah for being alive to witness another Ramadan season. I urge my Muslim brothers and sisters to use the opportunity of the Ramadan period to pray and seek the face of Allah for peace, progress and prosperity of our dear country. “We should always seek divine intervention for our nation and the Ramadan season provides such a unique opportunity to collectively seek the face of Allah through prayer. May Allah accept our prayers and may the holy month usher in abundant blessings for the faithful and restore peace and prosperity to our dear country”, he said.

FAYEMI CONGRATULATES TINUBU AT 70

Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has congratulated former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 70th birthday. Dr. Fayemi said God has been very kind to Asiwaju Tinubu for attaining the landmark age in good health and sound mind. The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described Asiwaju Tinubu as a celebrated democtat, pragmatic leader, and visionary statesman who has an insatiable appetite for championing good causes in pursuit of a better Nigeria. The Governor noted that Asiwaju Tinubu played a pivotal role in the fight against military dictatorship, de-annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and has continued to play significant roles in sustaining the current democratic experience in the country. Describing Asiwaju Tinubu as a dogged fighter in the causes he believes in, Dr Fayemi said the former Lagos Governor had, through his actions and engagements, inspired many to stand up and be counted in the areas of political participation and excellent service delivery. The Governor who also described Asiwaju Tinubu as a pathfinder for a modern Lagos State said his legacies in the nation's Centre of Excellence have been acknowledged as template for good governance in Nigeria. Dr. Fayemi prayed God to grant Asiwaju Tinubu long life and good health for more selfless service to the nation and humanity at large. "For Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, its been 70 years of immeasurable grace and remarkable service to humanity. He deserves all the celebration and accolades as he joins the exclusive club of Septuagenarians in good health and sound mind. " On behalf of my wife Bisi, the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish the 'Jagaban' a happy birthday and pray that the Almighty God grant him many more years in good health to continue to contribute to nation building.

How Ekiti APC members rejected Fayemi’s ‘governorship candidate’ at national convention

A mild drama on ensued on Saturday when some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ekiti State staged a protest at the recently held national convention of the party, rejecting the primary election that produced Biodun Oyebanji as party’s governorship candidate. Oyebamiji, who was anointed by governor Kayode Fayemi emerged as the governorship candidate after other aspirants boycotted the primary election. But the aggrieved members under the aegis of Ekiti Mandate Group noted that party leaders and the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) members must note that they are aggrieved and nothing will percify them unless the preferred candidate in person of Kayode Ojo is seen on the ballot. The aggrieved members who staged a protest at the Eagle Square venue of the APC national convention were armed with placards bearing various inscriptions, calling on the party to recognise Eng. Kayode Ojo was the preferred choice to fly the party’s governorship ticket. Some of the inscriptions on the placards are: “Return our stolen mandate”; “Kayode Ojo is our choice”; “Governor Fayemi is killing APC in Ekiti state”; “we reject imposition” among others. The convener of the Ekiti Mandate Group, Abiola Timilehin, while speaking on behalf of the protesters warned that if justice is not done his group will end the reign of APC in Ekiti state. He appealed to the leaders and the incoming National Working Committee (NWC) members to prioritise the need to urgently correct the injustice perpetrated by Fayemi and his cohorts in Ekiti state before the governorship election to avoid what happened to APC in Zamfara state, Rivers state and Oyo State. Timilehin stressed that they decided to create a scene here at the national convention of the party so as to call the attention of our leaders to the calamity that’s about to befall the party in Ekiti if that kangaroo called primary election was not reversed. His words: “Recalled that the state’s governorship primary that was conducted on the 27th of February was reportedly marred by irregularities, which led most of the aspirants, including Engr. Kayode Ojo to call for its cancellation. “The aspirants had accused Governor Fayemi of manipulating the process in favour of his own anointed candidate, who was declared winner in that kangaroo arrangement called primary election".

Ekiti Politician, Hon. Dele Philips Wins Outstanding leadership Award

According to a philosopher, Baltasar Gracias, he said “A man of honor should never forget what he is because he sees what others are.” When you are good at what you do, you will always be recognized and placed high among your peers. So it was for the very enterprising and officious Dele Phillips, a man with all means in his businesses. It was another day of glory for the Real Estate player and hospitality business guru as he audaciously bagged Outstanding Businessman & Inspiring Leadership Award at the 4th Timeline Awareness Initiatives/Award held at The Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja Lagos. This year’s edition that had ‘imperative of harmonizedworking relationship between arms of government’as its theme had many distinguished personalities in attendance. Hon. Dele Phillips, according to the organizers, was recognized and awarded, based on his exemplary business sagacity and leadership qualities, which have severally and individually distinguished him amongst his peers over the years. The very focused and well-intentioned businessman is a native of Aramoko in Ekiti state. He owns the Shores Group that has in its stable the Shores Hotel and Restaurant and Lounge, both in Lekki and Victoria Island, and also the Shores Resort, at the Free Trade Zone, which is ongoing at the moment. He was presented the award at the 4th Timeline Awards/Presentation in Sheraton Hotels, Lagos. However, there's more to expect from thus amiable man as DP as he's also called by admirers have decided to turn things around come 2023 in Ekiti especially his constituency in Ekiti West. Concerned Ekiti youths have since been yearning for his involvement in the next political dispensation.

Jubilations As Prince Adegbenro Falore Installed As Olufaki

Oba Adegbenro being led to perform a traditional rite

As the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is being celebrated all over the world yesterday, 25th December, it is another celebration and convergence of prominent indigenes of Ifaki Ekiti in Ekiti State as the long awaited day of installing a new king finally held amidst pomp.

The traditional rites for the installation of Prince Adegbenro Falore started few days ago following the go ahead nod from Governor Kayode Fayemi led government to proceed with the traditional rites which ushered in Prince Adegbenro.

The keenly contested stool between Prince Adegbenro and Prince Adedayo, both from Ajigbade ruling house eventually favoured the much loved Prince Adegbenro.

In his very early 30s, Adegbenro has finally joined the league of young monarchs in Nigeria.

He attended AUD Primary School, Otun between 1986 and 1990. He proceeded to Ekiti State Government College, Usi Ekiti in 1992 and left in 1993.

Oba Adegbenro however completed his secondary education at Ofe Aran Commercial College in the year 2000.

He bagged BSC in Sociology from University of Ado Ekiti (Now Ekiti State University) in 2007 after which he left for the cumpolsory National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), between 2008 and 2009.

He was recruited into the Directorate of State Services, DSS in July 2010 and worked in Lagos State Command (2010-2011), Ondo State Command, (2011-2012), Osun State Command(2012-2018). He worked with Edo State Command until he was nominated to mount the exalted throne of Olufaki of Ifaki Ekiti.

Unrestricted and versatile Oba Adegbenro Falore during his youth service participated and played prominent roles in UNICEF/NYSC HIV/AIDS and Adolescent Reproduction Health Issues, Peer Education.

A regional member of West African Region Global Youth. A volunteer at Pro-Health International Nigeria, an Initiator/Project Initiatives For Human Reformation and Advancement (IHRAD).

More photos from the installation ceremony:

- A new dawn in Ifaki Ekiti

 

 

- Ifaki Ekti people troop out in their thousands