Office of the Deputy Governor

1. Ensuring that the policies and programme of the State Government are adequately implemented and attained;
2. To assist the Governor in the re-engineering of Government business processes that will ensure and sustain effective and efficient service delivery to the people;
3. To ensure that the policies and programmes of the Government are attained through effective and efficient service delivery to the people;
4. The Deputy Governor oversees the following MDAs:

• State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA);
• State Boundary Commission;
• Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and its affiliated Departments and Agencies,
• Any other job as it may be assigned.

Affiliated Agencies:

• 1. State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA);
  2. State Boundary Commission;
  3. Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.

1. Rendering Social Services on behalf of the State Government
2. Organizing the “State Spelling Bee Competition” Programme in conjunction with the Ministry of Education for both primary and secondary school within the state.

EKSG Mourns Death of Onikogosi, Says Demise Sad, Painful

The Ekiti State Governmment, has mourned the departure of the
Onikogosi of Ikogosi -Ekiti, Oba Elijah Abiodun Olorunnisola,
describing his demise as saddening and painful.

The government described the reign of the departed monarch as peaceful
and progressive, urging his council members to sustain the tempo and
fasttratck the process for a hitch-free ascension onto the vacant
royal seat.

The monarch, from Otutubiosun royal dynasty, died last week Friday
,at the age of 97, after reigning for 33 years.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, hails from Ikogosi -Ekiti,
Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state, and the community
renowned and respected as a world class resort centre where the cold
and warm springs confluenced.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief ( Mrs) Monisade Afuye,
delivered the condolence message during a  visit to Onikogosi’s
palace, in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the State, on Tuesday.

Addressing the monarch’s widow, Olori Funmilayo Olorunnisola, who
received the entourage, Mrs Afuye, sympathised with Governor Oyebanji
and members of the Onikogosi-in-council on the demise of the
traditional ruler, she described as a champion of peace and
development during his lifetime.

The Deputy Governor, in a statement by his Media Assistant, Victor
Ogunje, stated that Governor Oyebanji ought to have visited the palace
since the official announcement of the monarch’s death, but couldn’t
do so because he is currently outside Ekiti on official engagements.

The Deputy Governor, who commended the late monarch’s meritorious
services to Ikogosi, said;”On behalf of the Ekiti State Government,
I sympathize with you on the demise of our respected monarch, Oba
Elijah Olorunnisola, a known lover of peace in the State Traditional
Council.

“Though, we don’t normally mourn Kabiyesis in Yoruba culture, but
there is no way we won’t feel his departure, because Oba Olorunnisola
had penchant for love, peace and progress. We know that he will be
sorely missed.

“We are appealing to you to please take the current situation with
calmness. We should just see it that Kabiyesi has joined his ancestors
to rest after serving you meritoriously. There is nothing we can do
about it. We pray that God will uphold the family he left behind.

“Rather than mourning Kabiyesi, you should pray that the land should
progress and develop better than he left it. Kabiyesi was even lucky
to have lived long and reigned for over three decades. These rare
privileges are worth celebrating.

“We should also pray for a peaceful ascension onto the vacant stool.
God will fill the vacuum he left behind for you and those of you he
left behind should continue where he stopped”.

Responding on behalf of the family, the monarch’s widow, Olori
Funmilayo Olorunnisola, praised the state government for showing
empathy and concern for the family and town at these trying times.

Regular Callers’ Association Confers Honour on Ekiti Deputy Gov

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Afuye, has been garlanded
as the Matron of the  Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of
Regular Callers.

The membership of the prestigious group encompasses notable regular
callers on programmes being aired by radio stations domiciled  in
Ekiti and beyond.

Mrs Afuye, received the award, on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit
of the members, led by its Chairman, Chief Sunday Daramola, fondly
called Honourable Olome on radio to the Deputy Governor’s office in
Ado Ekiti.

In her acceptance speech, the Deputy Governor, saluted the group for
counting her worthy of being decorated with the title and for
contributing to the growth and development of the state.

She stated that some of the comments and concerns  being raised by
callers in diverse programmes on radio  stations, had helped in
promoting the government, and as well  put it on its toes to undertake
what is  right  and just for the benefit of the masses.

Mrs Afuye, said the association’s contributions were helping in
shaping the minds of the populace and enhance their full grasp of the
government’s programmes and policies .

She charged them to continue to support the government of Biodun
Oyebanji for it to realise the focus of making Ekiti a microcosm of
development in Nigeria and Southwest.

The Deputy Governor added that the government will continue to partner
them, by carrying them along in all its dealings, assuring that all
their demands geared towards smooth running of the association will be
tabled before the Governor for consideration.

Responding, the Chairman of the Association, Chief  Sunday
Daramola(aka OLOME), applauded Governor Oyebanji for giving the body
10 bags of rice and a sum of N500,00 during the Christmas and new year
festivities.

Chief Daramola, assured that  the association will continue to promote
the government in a positive manner to stabilise governance and make
it responsive in the discharge of its onerous duties.

He described the award conferment as a recognition of the numerous
and landmark contributions made by the Deputy Governor to the
development of Ekiti State.

Oyebanji Won’t Muzzle, Molest Media Practitioners in Ekiti, Deputy Gov Assures

….gets award of excellence from Cruse Fm Station

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has
assured media practitioners in the state that the Biodun Oyebanji’s
administration would give them unfettered opportunity to practice
their profession without being muzzled or harassed .

Mrs Afuye described media as the mirror of any democratic society,
which should be given the leeway to operate for good governance to be
realisable in the system, saying Oyebanji perceives the media as good
allies, rather than enemies.

The Deputy Governor, said this in Ado Ekiti, while being presented
with an Award of Excellence by the management of the New Cruse , 92.7
FM , Ikere Ekiti, on Tuesday.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, applauded
the radio station for positively projecting the image of government,
saying the media outfit has not reneged on its promise to embrace
journalism ethical values through unbiased reportage.

She saluted the courage of the owner and a respectable legal Icon,
Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN), for believing in Ekiti, saying the spirit
of patriotism spurred him to establish the medium in Ekiti to propel
development at the grassroots.

The Deputy Governor said; “In Ikere today, Chief Olanipekun has proved
that he is a front-line leader, who has been contributing well to the
development of that town and Ekiti through scholarship awards,
empowerment for the poor and in the area of Industrial development,
part of which is the New Cruise FM.

“Let me assure you that the government of Ekiti State will continue to
partner and support you to grow in leaps and bounds to be able to make
meaningful contributions to the growth of our dear state” .

Mrs Afuye stressed that the establishment of the broadcasting station
has changed the face of Media practice in Ekiti and added flavour to
the growth of the profession in the country, by being apolitical and
professional.

Speaking earlier on the reason behind the award conferment, the
General Manager, Cruse FM, Mr. Joshua Adegbite, said it was to
appreciate the Deputy Governor for being a loyal co-pilot to Governor
Oyebanji and for her meaningful contributions to the development of
the state in all spheres.

The GM stated that the activities of the current administration speaks
volume in all sectors and worth being celebrated by all stakeholders,
including the media.

Adegbite, however, appealed to the government of Ekiti State to tackle
the perennial power problem in Ikere Ekiti and Ekiti in general to
boost businesses and the social life of the residents.

He said; “We are not just here to flatter you or massage your ego,
this administration has done creditably well. This station was
established by a legal Icon and Asiwaju of Ikere-Ekiti,Chief Wole
Olanipekun(SAN) to serve as the intellectual hub for entertainment ,
education and information.

“In the past three years, we have done our job professionally; we are
apolitical. But we have seen the achievements of this administration
in the last six months and felt impressed. In Nigeria, we have not
been fortunate to have good leaders, but Governor Oyebanji seems to
have been born for the job.

“Before he was sworn in, he had started hitting the ground running.
So, we have no reason not to partner this kind of a performing
governor. We will continue to engage the government positively and
constructively”.

Speaking further, Adegbite added; “We are presenting this award to her
excellency to appreciate her contributions to the growth of humanity,
especially the womenfolk and for her closeness to the grassroots and
positive impacts in the lives of her people”.

EKSG Warns Against Bloodshed as Communities Fight Over Govt’s Land

…feuding land owners urged to write for compensations

The Ekiti State Government, has warned some land owners in Ado and
Iyin Ekiti against bloodshed over their persistent fight over a land
that had been acquired by government to build the Ekiti State
University(EKSU) , Ado Ekiti.

The government specifically told the warring Aposo and Aladegbohungbe
families of Iyin and Ado Ekiti respectively that the land under
dispute, had been acquired to build the university in 1981, and that
they had lost ownership of the 3,700 hectares of land under this
circumstance.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the
warning, on Tuesday, while interacting with the families, who had been
locked in ownership battle since 2017 on the parcel of land.

The intervention stemmed from a letter that emanated from Aposo family
of Iyin Ekiti and Oluyin-in-Council, raising eyebrow over encroachment
onto their land by some land owners from Ado Ekiti.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, advised
that rather than fighting a lost battle, the feuding parties should
write to government for compensations.

She insisted that the land now belongs to the state in overriding
public interest and this status she stated has not changed .

“The cadastral mapping of the area by the office of the Surveyor
General and the Ekiti State Boundary Commission shows that the land
was acquired by government as part of lands used to build the Ekiti
State University.

“With this,when government acquired any land in public interest, no
individual , group or family can claim ownership again. They can only
write to government for compensations if they have not been paid.

“To those of you who have not been paid, you can collate your names
and write to the Bureau of Lands for financial compensations than to
be fighting over a land you have no control over again”, the Deputy
Governor advised.

Shedding more light on the
issue, the Surveyor General of Ekiti State, Mr. Adebayo Faleto, said
three communities of Ado, Iworoko and Iyin Ekiti donated lands in the
area to government to build the educational facility in 1981.

Faleto said the section that was sparking crisis between the two
families fell within the area that was acquired then, saying only the
Bureau of Lands could substantiate whether compensations were paid to
the affected land owners or not.

The representatives of the two families, who are already in court on
the matter, promised to cooperate with government for speedy and
smooth resolution of the raging land tussle.

Ekiti Deputy Gov, Afuye, Hails Late Egbeyemi’s Mastery of Politics, Governance

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has said
the former occupant of her position, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi , had a deep
mastery of politics and governance during his public service  career
spanning over four decades.

Mrs Afuye said this vividly manifested in the impressive performance
exhibited by the late Deputy Governor in the landmark successes
recorded  by the administration of immediate past Governor, Dr. Kayode
Fayemi.

The Deputy Governor, said this in Ado Ekiti ,on Wednesday, at a
special Bar Session held within the premises of the Ekiti State High
Court  in honour of the late Chief Bisi Egbeyemi by the Nigerian Bar
Association, Ekiti chapters.

Egbeyemi, who was the Fayemi’s Deputy between 2018 and 2022 , died on
March 18, 2023 at the age of 79, barely six months he bowed out of
office.

Addressing the lawyers who graced the occasion, Mrs Afuye, who
betrayed emotion at the occasion, described Egbeyemi as a mentor and
role model to many lawyers and politicians in Ekiti, saying his
contributions would remain evergreen in the annals of history.

She said many innovations introduced into governance by Egbeyemi
helped in settling so many puzzling land and chieftaincy  disputes in
the state and ensured stability and development in many towns.

Mrs Afuye stated that  Egbeyemi lived a successful and fulfilled life
through a din’t of hard-work, dedication and devotion, and rose to
stardom as a Lawyer, politician, businessman and community leader of
note .

The Deputy Governor said; “The news of Baba’s death was shocking and
unexpected coming at a time I was looking up to benefiting from his
wealth of experience. Baba contributed to the development of this
state and its people. Indeed , we have lost a wonderful and great
leader.

“As the Deputy Governor who superintended over chieftaincy matters
during his tenure, he appointed and installed the Elepe of Epe, Oba
Adesoye Williams,  Obalaaye of Ejiyan, Oba Adekunle Adepoju,
Onijesamodu of Ijesamodu, Oba Samuel Daramola and Onijaro of Ijaro,
Oba Oluwagboyega Ogunbiyi.

“The former Deputy Governor settled over 20 chieftaincy disputes
across various communities in Ekiti State . Equally, Chief Bisi
Egbeyemi successfully resolved several intra state boundary crises as
well as two inter-state land disputes.

“He would be remembered as a committed politician and an  astute
grassroots mobilizer with inspiring powers of political organisation.
In fact, Baba will be sorely missed.

“May God grant the family and the good people of Ekiti State the
fortitude to bear the irreparable  loss”.

In their separate remarks, the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of
Assembly, Rt Hon. Olubunmi Adelugba, Ekiti State Chief Judge, Justice
Oyewole  Adeyeye, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice,
Barr Dayo Apata, former Attorney General and Justice Commissioner,
Obafemi Adewale(SAN) and the  Chairmen of Ado, Ikole and Ikere
branches of NBA, paid glowing tributes to the legal icon.

They averted that  his footprints  would remain indelible in the sand
of time, especially in the meteoric growth of legal profession in the
state.

In his lecture woven around the contributions of the former Deputy
Governor to the restructuring of the chiefs law in Ekiti State,
Justice Adeniyi Familoni, praised Chief Egbeyemi for injecting many
innovations into the state’s chieftaincy matters, thereby removing
some hurdles being encountered in the ascension to the vacant thrones.

Oyebanji Will Back Initiatives Devised to Ease Installation of Obas in
Ekiti, Says Deputy Gov

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has
assured all the ruling houses across the state that the government of
Biodun Oyebanji will support any initiative devised by communities to
make installation of traditional rulers bereft of crisis.

The Deputy Governor, gave the assurance, on Monday, while interacting
with the members of the royal families from Egbe Ekiti, Ayekire Local
Government Area over amendment being sought to the names of their
Ruling Houses.

The families had unanimously agreed to have the names being currently
used by the two ruling houses: Fadumiye and Olokesusi changed to
Atiilo and Ibeagbemi Ruling Houses.

Mrs Afuye, who presided over the meeting, in a statement by her
Special  Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, stressed that  the
government will support actions taken by any community to stabilise
the ruling houses for speedy installation of new Oba.

The Deputy Governor commended the community for being unanimous in the
amendment being sought from government, saying this will help in
averting future crisis in the town.

She said: “However, we will still do due diligence on this matter by
reaching out to other critical stakeholders. This will guide us about
the  recommendations we will make  to the State Executive Council that
will grant the approval.

“This is because we don’t want anyone to rise up in future and say
they were not carried along in the amendment process. Though, we have
seen some evidence that showed that you were unanimous in your
decision.

“To us as a government, the action taken was in order . What you are
seeking is what we will do. If this is what you think will bring peace
and stability to your town, we will support you”.

In his submission, the Owa Egbe, Oba Ayodele Ige, said the decision
was jointly taken by the ruling houses to avert future crisis.

Oba Ige, represented by Sasere of Egbe- Ekiti, Chief Omoniyi  Ige ,
justified the action with a claim that Ibeagbemi and  Atiilo were the
progenitors of Fadumiye and Olokesusi presently being used to
represent the two ruling houses.

The monarch said: “This issue was not about anybody fighting over
chietaincy in Egbe Ekiti, but we want to go back to our roots. We want
to respect our roots.

“Our father, Atiilo, who was a king at a time, was the father to
Fadumiye and Ibeagbemi was the father to Olokesusi. How can we
abandoned the fathers and our roots and be respecting their sons?

“We appeal to government to change the names to recognise these two
heroes. These were the names that joined us together as princes and
princesses in the royal houses”.

Defending the action further, two kingmakers from the community,
Chiefs Alex Abegunde and Sunday Rotiba, stated that all the high
chiefs backed the amendment being sought by the royal families.

Chief Akosile Was a Dependable Leader, Statesman – Ekiti Deputy Gov

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has
described the late politician and elderstatesman, Chief George
Akosile, as a dependable leader, who promoted the virtues of honesty,
spartan lifestyle and integrity during his lifetime.

Mrs Afuye said the late ex-permanent Secretary and prominent
politician, was a leader and mentor people could trust and pattern
their life after as a disciplined and contended personality .

The Deputy Governor, said this on Monday, during a condolence  visit
to  the residence of the departed Chieftain of the All Progressives
Congress in Igbara Odo Ekiti, Ekiti Southwest Local Government Area of
Ekiti State..

Chief Akosile, former Chairman of the defunct Alliance for Democracy
and Retired Permanent Secretary in the Old Ondo State, died on Friday,
at the ripe age of  88.

Mrs Afuye, who was received by the deceased’s eldest son , Olukayode,
said in a statement by her Media Aide, Victor Ogunje, that Ekiti
people will fondly  remember the  arduous and heroic roles played by
Chief Akosile in the creation of Ekiti state in 1996.

She saluted Chief Akosile’s finesse, strong leadership reflex and
knack to operate under a tensed atmosphere and succeed, which she said
contributed principally to his superlative accomplishments as a
Permanent Secretary and AD Chairman.

In the political turf, Mrs Afuye, praised the deceased for sacrificing
all to ensure that the progressive party made Ekiti a fortress in the
Southwest, with the resounding victory recorded by  former Governor
Niyi Adebayo in 1999, when Chief Akosile was the State AD Chairman.

The Deputy Governor added that history and posterity would continue to
be kind to Chief Akosile over how he stood firmly with the then Action
Congress of Nigeria during its winding journey to victory in 2010.

Mrs Afuye posited that the deceased exemplified Ekiti’s virtues of
industry, brilliancy, honesty and integrity, which he manifested in
every position he was entrusted with as a community man, civil servant
and political leader in the Old Ondo and Ekiti States.

She said: “The death of our Baba , Chief George Akosile, was a great
loss to all of us in Ekiti. He was a patriotic leader . He was not
only committed to the creation of  Ekiti State, he worked relentlessly
for its economic development and prosperity for its people.

“He was an reliable elderstatesman, a stabiliser, peace maker and a
leader with good emotion  to handle any matter, no matter how
sensitive and difficult.

“It was his worth that prompted Governor Biodun Oyebanji to offer him
appointment at the age of 88, which he cheerfully  accepted.  This was
very rare in Nigeria’s history.

“I condole with his family, Igbara-Odo people, the progressive
political scions in Ekiti and southwest, as well as the entire people
of Ekiti State on the demise of this respectable leader. May his soul
find rest in the bosom of our Lord”.

In his response, the deceased’s  eldest son, Mr. Olukayode Akosile,
appreciated the Deputy Governor’s gesture and pledged that the family
will protect the good virtues his father exhibited while alive.

EKSG Directs Parties to Respect Verdict on Ipole Land, Chieftaincy Disputes

The Ekiti State Government, yesterday resolved the lingering
chieftaincy and land disputes brewing in Ipole-Iloro, Ekiti West Local
Government Area, warning that it won’t allow anyone to rubbish its
final verdict on the matters to promote peace.

The government said its final verdict on the matters presented before
it favored the two warring parties, saying it wont tolerate any
defiant position that could trigger violence and bloodshed after the
final resolution.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, expressed
the government’s position, while mediating in the crises over Edinmo
chieftaincy and Otin farmland  in Ipole Iloro community.

The crisis emanated from the disapproval raised by the petitioner, Mr.
Femi Fayeba against Olupole of Ipole Iloro and respondent in the case,
Oba Oladele Babatola over Edinmo chieftaincy and ownership of Otin
farmland in the town.

While Fayeba claimed that  the Edinmo chieftaincy and Otin farmland
wholesomely belonged to Fayeba lineage, Oba Babatola posited that the
chieftaincy was a rotational one and that the land under contention
belongs to Saba extended family.

Handing down her verdict after listening to the two factions, who had
appeared before the panel twice, Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her
Media Assistant,Victor Ogunje, stoutly  agreed with Olupole that the
chieftaincy already conferred on a personality from another lineage
would be difficult to reverse.

However, Mrs Afuye directed that the lands at Otin farmstead belonging
to the Edinmo chiefdom should be controlled by the petitioner  to make
the situation a no victor, no vanquished  situation.

The Deputy Governor said: “I want to plead with all the factions in
this matter to respect our final position and in my own humble
opinion, this matter should be give and take, so that you can all go
home laughing .

“Going by the testimony given by your oldest kingmaker, history
already had it that Fayeba family had held the Edinmo chieftaincy
title for long and  the family also  controlled the Otin farmland for
a period of over 100 years.

“To resolve this matter, the person already conferred with the
chieftaincy should be allowed to continue since you are from the same
family, but not of the same lineage.

“However, the petitioner as the head of Fayeba family should be
allowed to control the Otin farmland in the interest of peace. He
can’t lose the two.

“We don’t want anyone to disobey our position on this matter. You know
what Governor Biodun Oyebanji stands for when it comes
to peace and security of lives and property.

“We must all join hands with our government to promote peace and good
brotherliness in all our communities; that is the only way we can
develop as a state and enjoy the dividends of democracy as a people”.

Land Dispute: Stop Taking Arbitrary Legal Actions, EKSG Tells Ekiti Communities

The Ekiti State Government, has appealed to the communities locked in
land disputes to stop resorting to arbitrary legal actions that could
heat up the polity and cause violence.

The government advised the communities to always appear before the
Land Dispute Resolution Committee set up by the government,  to
resolve pending issues before proceeding on litigation.

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye  gave
the appeal in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, while presiding over a petition
brought by Orun community against the neighboring Ise and Emure Ekiti
over a  lingering land crisis among the towns.

The trouble-shooting action  was based on a petition dated 28th
November 2018, written by Orun community to the Ekiti State Boundary
Commission under the supervision of the Deputy Governor on the need to
intervene in the matter.

In the petition, Orun community claimed that it remains the original
owner of the land settled on by Emure and Ise and that it sounded
nauseating for the two towns to be encroaching on its lands through
their borders.

Advising the feuding communities, in a statement by her Media
Assistant Victor Ogunje; Mrs Afuye, said the committee has experts and
bureaucrats with deep knowledge about boundary delineation that can
resolve any land crisis between communities.

The Deputy Governor lamented that government has realized that
litigation emanating from land matters often brewed enmity and bad
blood, with potential danger for inter-communal clashes if not nipped
in the bud.

She stressed that allowing the committee to handle some of the cases
would mitigate the crises in some of the communities.

Mrs Afuye said: “We have listened to all of you and one thing you must
not  joke with is peace in our different communities we need peace in
all the 16 local governments, because without it we can’t have
development.

If you look at the three towns, you are closely knitted and you have
inter-married , so there is a need for you to live in harmony.

When there is commotion, nobody ever knows the end. Therefore, we must
learn how to cohabit peacefully and that is the ultimate objective of
our Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

You had been to court in the past, and another issue is rearing its
head now. I appeal to you to allow our committee to visit the
contentious areas and come up with its report.

Don’t just go to court without taking the option of appearing before
this committee, it was meant to ensure peace in our towns”.

Meanwhile, Mrs Afuye has given the committee three weeks to conclude
its work, which involve visiting the disputed areas,  interact with
the communities and come up with its findings to guide the government
properly.

Stop Disrespecting Monarchs Over Chieftaincy Matters, EKSG Warns Citizens

…… Insists monarchs’ opinions count on chieftaincy matters

The Ekiti State Government, has appealed to citizens to stop the
sordid trend of disrespecting their traditional rulers over scrambling
for chieftaincy titles, saying their opinions count and weighty on any
issue relating to customs and tradition.

The government condemned the recurrent abysmal trends of subjects
debasing their traditional rulers for intervening in any raging
chieftaincy tussles in their towns in a bid to avert crisis and
bloodshed.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the
warning in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, while mediating in the crisis
triggered by the recommendation of Alawe-in-council, led by Oba
Ajibade Alabi that Sajowa chieftaincy title in the community be
rotated among component families.

The parley was convened by the Deputy Governor, following a petition
written by Sajowa family, raising eyebrow over Alawe-in-Council’s
position that the title be rotated with Obanla lineage, another branch
of Sajowa’s genealogical line to unify the family.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor
Ogunje, advised interested citizens, especially families, to always
defer to their monarchs and rever their opinions as custodians of
tradition in resolving chieftaincy crisis before resorting to other
options.

After listening to the parties in the case, Mrs Afuye said: “I am
still going to direct you to Alawe, Oba Ajibade Alabi in this matter.
Let me say that his voice really count because he is the prescribed
authority and the custodian of the tradition in Ilawe Ekiti.

“But with histories you had rendered, I have been able to establish
that Obanla and Sajowa are from the same family. I advise that you
continue to do things in love and unity as you have always done.

“I don’t think a lesser chieftaincy position should make you hate
yourselves or allow division in this family. I have also seen that the
Alawe in Council recommended in its report that the position of Sajowa
be rotated , so that you can all have a sense of belonging in the
family.

“I want to appeal to our citizens to refrain from this habit of
disrespecting their monarchs, who are the custodians of tradition when
chieftaincy matter arises. We must always listen to them on issue of
this nature”.

However, the Deputy Governor, appealed to Oba Alabi to consider the
request made by Sajowa family that the chieftaincy title be upgraded
to assume a membership of Alawe-in-Council.

Speaking on behalf of the Alawe’s delegation, the Elemo of Oke- Emo,
Chief Gbenga Agbona, thanked the state government for acting swiftly
on the matter, clarifying that Alawe only intervened in the matter to
stem the tide of crisis in the family.

Chief Agbona added that Sajowa is a lesser Chief in the kingdom that
attracts little attention, and that the monarch couldn’t have gone out
of his ways to pervert justice in a matter involving such a lowly
rated title.

Shedding light on how the monarch made spirited efforts to prevent the
matter from festering, Chief Agbona, said the monarch only acted based
on the recommendations contained in the report of the committee set up
by the town to mediate in the Chieftaincy crisis.

Agbona promised that the monarch will handle the issue of rotation of
the title dispassionately, and also consider the request for the
elevation of Sajowa title to Alawe-in-Council as directed by the
Deputy Governor using the instrument of tradition.

Oyebanji Pursuing Robust Political Emancipation for Women- Deputy Governor

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has
declared that her principal, has described Governor Biodun Oyebanji as
being unwavering  resolute in his desire to empower and pursue
political emancipation for women in the state to bolster their
relevance in governance.

Mrs Afuye said women empowerment is a conspicuous  component in the
Human Capital Development focus of the current government, saying that
accounted for why there are six female lawmakers  in the House of
Assembly, with several holding other pivotal positions  under
Oyebanji’s government.

The Deputy Governor said this on Wednesday, while playing host to a
political group under the nomenclature Monisade Christianah Afuye
(MCA) Ladies, who paid a courtesy visit to her office in Ado Ekiti.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Personal  Assistant on Media, Victor
Ogunje, described the body as politically vibrant and played central
roles in the success  recorded by Governor Oyebanji, by way of
propagating the policies of government among the masses.

She urged the group to continually propagate the policies of
government, particularly the human capital development focus that
places high premium on broadening political opportunities for women in
strong and central  positions.

Speaking about what Oyebanji’s government has done to help the group,
Mrs Afuye, said about six members had secured employment into the
state civil service, while efforts are underway to empower others
without higher certificates, but have vocational and business skills.

“Let me say that I am not for Ikere alone, but for all Ekiti people.
Governor Oyebanji won’t make anyone a used and dumped entity, we will
lay a good example by fulfilling our promises to Ekiti citizens.

“You could all see that Mr Governor is inclusive, we have no enemy to
fight. We are going to consider those who are not in our group for
political positions. It is not going to be winner takes all, we will
all benefit as Ekiti citizens under Oyebanji’s government.

On the coming local government election, Mrs Afuye, said Governor
Oyebanji will place high premium on competence and value addition in
the choices of candidates the All Progressives Congress will field for
the 2023  election.

Mrs Afuye said the era of imposition was long gone in APC, assuring
that only those who demonstrated ability and acceptability among the
masses and who can add value to the lives of the populace will be
supported by Governor Oyebanji.

“You all know that the local government election will be holding in
Ekiti State before the end of the year. Let me inform you that
competence and acceptability are  going to be considered in the
choices of those that will be supported by Governor Oyebanji.

“This government will allow the masses and party leaders to make
inputs. We want those who can add values to the lives of the citizens
at the grassroots to emerge.”

Also speaking at the forum, a former APC Acting Chairman, Mrs Kemi
Olaleye, described Mrs Afuye as a loyal deputy, who is adding value to
the present government through initiation of empowerment programs for
the poor .

“Some deputies governors  are disloyal, but Mrs Afuye is different.
She has respect for her principal and also adding immesurable values
to this government. I want you to support her and Governor Oyebanji to
be able to achieve success”.

The leader of the group, Princess Taiwo Adegboye-Omotayo, described
the Deputy Governor as an good ambassador of Ikere people, and someone
who is committed to human capital development.

Mrs Omotayo applauded Mrs Afuye for empowering members of the group,
by facilitating their employment into the state civil service and
provided equipment for those who are artisans among them.

“We are here for a thank you visit. We knew that this government is
doing excellently well in the area of women empowerment. We want to
say that we are solidly behind you because you have done well.

“The MCA ladies will continue to support this government by
publicizing the policies of government, and those things our governor
is doing to put smiles on the faces of our people”.