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Court Sacks Ekiti Oba Over Improper Selection Process

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The High Court of Justice, Ikole Ekiti Division , has removed the Owa of Odo Ayedun Ekiti, Oba Ilesanmi Ajibade over gross abuse of tradition in his selection process.

The Court upheld the position canvassed by the Claimant, Prince Adekunle Adeniyi that he remains the most appropriate person for the coveted seat, having participated in the selection process conducted by six kingmakers in the town.

Adeniyi in the suit number HCL/12/09 filed at the Registry of the Court on July 10, 2013 , sought a declaration nullifying the selection of Oba Ajibade(15th respondent) and an order directing the Governor of the State (10th respondent ) to approve the nomination of the claimant.

Other reliefs sought include: a declaration that the appointments of the warrant chiefs(11th to 14th defendants) was illegal and an order setting aside the nomination of the15th respondent( Oba Ajibade) .

Joined in the suit as respondents were: Pastor Isaac Aluko(1st), Chief Aribisala(2nd), Chief Olu Areola (3rd), Chief Kayode Osho(4th), Chief Amos Jegede (5th) and Miss Oyenike Ojo (6th).

Others include: The Secretary, Ikole Local Government(7th), Special Adviser, Chieftaincy Matters(8th), Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice(9th), Governor of Ekiti State(10th) Mr Joseph Oluyi(11th), Mr Aderemi Akinola(12th), Mr Adeniyi Oluyi(13th), Mr Mike
Farunmona(14th) and Oba Ilesanmi Ajibade( 15th respondent)

The claimant called two witnesses during the trial and tendered three Exhibits, which include a programme of coronation and official presentation of staff of office ,a letter from Odo Ayedun kingmakers to the claimant for him to fill the vacant stool, a letter from the claimant to the office Director of Civil Litigation , Ministry of Justice and another letter from the claimant to the late Elekole of Ikole Ekiti, Oba Adeleye Adetunla, who is the supreme head in the
area.

The claimant also claimed that setting aside his nomination for the coveted seat by the kingmakers and set up another selection process where the 15th respondent was ‘wrongful nominated’ was illegal , null and void.

Delivering his judgement on June 28, 2016 , a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti ,on Monday, Justice Abiodun Adesodun agreed with the position canvassed by the claimant that the selection of the 15th respondent was illegally done.

“It is my humble opinion that conducting the selection process on the 29/1/10 during the pendency of this case by the defendants was in contempt of this court. They cannot now approach the court for redress without purging themselves of the contempt.

“The whole exercise , that is the appointment of warrant chiefs , the second nomination exercise of 29th January , 2010 and the appointment of the15th defendant, from the circumstances of this case and the evidence on record is nothing short of an exercise in futility.

“Come to think of it, the 15th defendant was purportedly appointed or elected Owa elect on 29th January, 2010 and his appointment was approved 3rd February 2010 five days after the election contrary to section 13(2) of the Chief Law which stipulated mandatory 21 days, why the hurry in this case?”, the judge queried.

Justice Adesodun added that the claimant has been able to establish his case based on the pleadings and the totality of evidence before the court as to entitle to him reliefs sought.

“It is hereby declared that the selection of the claimant to fill the vacant stool of Owa of Odo Ayedun is valid and legal. It is equally declared that the notice of intention to set aside the nomination of the claimant to the vacant stool of Owa of Odo Ayedun is illegal, null and void.

“I also grant an order directing the 10th defendant to approve the nomination of the claimant as the Owa of Odo Ayedun, I also declared that the nomination of the 11th -14th defendants as warrant chiefs is null and void.

“I also grant a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, servants, privies or any other person from appointing warrant chiefs or taking any further step to disturb the nomination of the Claimant as Owa of Odo Ayedun.

“On the whole, the claimant’s action succeeds,” Justice Adesodun declared.

The Judge told the parties to bear their own cost.

BIG STORY

BON Awards Hosts Memorable Book Reading Of Do As You’re Told Baji

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On November 24th, 2024, the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards organized a captivating book reading of Do As You’re Told, Baji, authored by the renowned writer Lola Shoneyin. The event, held at 11 a.m. in Kwara State, celebrated the power of storytelling and the importance of fostering a culture of reading among families.

Among the distinguished attendees were the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, alongside notable figures such as Wole Ojo, Cynthia Clarke, Chioma Okafor, Segun Arinze, and Kemi Adekomi, who added prestige and insight to the event.

In her remarks, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq highlighted the vital role of parents in fostering a love for reading among children. “Parents should cultivate the habit of reading with their children,” she said. “It’s not just about education—it’s about creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds.”

The reading of Do As You’re Told, Baji showcased Lola Shoneyin’s vibrant and relatable storytelling, leaving participants inspired to embrace literature as a means of cultural and personal enrichment. The event also featured engaging discussions about the book’s themes, celebrating the depth and diversity of Nigerian literature.

This initiative reinforces the BON Awards’ dedication to promoting the arts, literacy, and the celebration of Nigerian creative talents.

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BIG STORY

Nigeria Has Saved $20bn From Subsidy Removal, Naira Float Policies — Finance Minister Edun

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Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, says Nigeria has saved $20 billion from “petrol” subsidy removal and market-based pricing of the foreign exchange rate.

Edun spoke at a ceremony recently held to mark the first 100 days in office of Esther Walso-Jack, head of civil service of the federation, in Abuja.

“An amount of five per cent of GDP is what those two subsidies were costing when there was a subsidy on “PMS”; when there was petroleum product generally for a long time and when there was a subsidy of foreign exchange. Between them, they were costing five percent of GDP,” he said.

“If you say GDP was on average, let’s say $400 billion. We all know what five percent of that is – $20 billion of funds that could be going into infrastructure, health, social services, education.”

Edun said these flows now return into the government’s coffers for further deployment to the aforementioned sectors.

“The real change that has happened with the measures of Mr. President is that nobody can wake up and their target for the day or for the week or the month or the year is to get access to cheap funding, cheap funding exchange from central bank, which they can now flip,” Edun said.

“And overnight, they become wealthy from no value added for doing virtually nothing, except you know the right people. Similarly, they can no longer try and be part of a new peak market and very inefficient “petrol” subsidy regime as a way of making money overnight.”

On May 29, President Bola Tinubu said the “petrol” subsidy regime was over.

Three months later, TheCable reported that Tinubu was considering a “temporary subsidy” on “petrol” as crude oil prices and foreign exchange rates soared.

After several denials of the return of “petrol” subsidy by the authorities, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, on August 19, said the federal government owes it N7.8 trillion for under-recovery.

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BIG STORY

Dangote Refinery Reduces Ex-Depot Price Of Petrol To N970 For Oil Marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as “petrol”, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.

This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.

The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of “petrol” bought from the Lekki-based plant.

Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.

“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.”

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

On November 11, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) reached an agreement with the refinery to lift “petrol” and “diesel” directly.

Abubakar Garima, national president of IPMAN, said the partnership would ensure a steady, affordable supply of “PMS” products nationwide.

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