- Oyebanji approved N20 million for prosecuting the seventh Junior National Sports Festival in Asaba, expressing concern over inadequate kitting of state athletes by government officials
- The governor also cautioned communities engaging in fierce squabbles over the siting of the Federal College of Education in Ekiti not to drag him into raging crisis between Omuo and Ilawe Ekiti, who have been embroiled in a battle over the matter.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Tuesday warned public servants against embarrassing the state with fraudulent activities, stressing that he recalled the General Manager of the State’s Sports Council, Mr Adekunle Adeyemi, from the sports festival in Asaba due to alleged corruption and gross negligence.
Oyebanji clarified that he approved the sum of N20 million to prosecute the ongoing seventh Junior National Sports Festival holding in Asaba, and wondered why the athletes representing the state were poorly kitted by government officials.
The governor also cautioned communities engaging in fierce squabbles over the siting of the Federal College of Education in Ekiti not to drag him into raging crisis between Omuo and Ilawe Ekiti, who have been embroiled in a battle over the matter.
Oyebanji posited that the Federal Government enjoys the exclusive rights to site the Federal College of Education in any town it deems fit, stressing that as governor, he has no power to manipulate the process in favour of any particular town.
Speaking on Tuesday in Ikere Ekiti, during the second day of the Town Hall Meeting with stakeholders in Ekiti South Senatorial District in preparation for the 2024 Budget, Oyebanji promised to critically consider all issues presented by representatives of all the local councils in a bid to make life more meaningful for the people.
At the interactive event, Prof Olufemi Babatola spoke for Ikere Council, Chief Olufemi Adigun for Ekiti East, Chief Gbenga Agbona for Ekiti Southwest, Oba Olatunji Olatunde for Ayekire, Elder Tunji Falana for Ise/Orun, Chief Akogun Abegunde for Emure, while Kayode Owolabi represented people living with disabilities.
Speaking on the sporting event in Delta State, Oyebanji said: “What happened was an embarrassment to us as a government and the people of Ekiti State. It occured just because some people wanted to make money for themselves.
” They came with a proposal of N25 million and I approved N20 million, but they didn’t procure the kits they were supposed to purchase.
“As a way of deception, they provided kits for me as the governor to make it look as if they have done the right thing, when they didn’t purchase for those kids who went to represent the state. We also learnt they didn’t get good hotel accommodation for the children.
“How can you take children to Delta and mess up the whole show? If we sack them now, some people will start pleading for them.
“I am saying this because if we want to clean up the system, the governor and his cabinet alone cannot do it. Help us to plead with those in government to have the fear of God.
“I was shocked that someone who called himself a father could behave that way. Though, the children are doing well because I had to send a Psychologist to go and speak with them.”
The governor said decisive action would be taken on all those involved in the matter.
On the raging controversy over the siting of the Federal College of Education in Ekiti, Oyebanji stated: “We have nothing to do with the Federal College of Education. It belongs to the Federal Government and Ekiti people shouldn’t be dragged into it.
“As Ilawe is laying claim to it, Omuo community is laying claim to it, so the way some people are speaking suggested that they are trying to drag me into the crisis, but I won’t be part of it.
“I know that the Federal Government has the power to site wherever it likes. But wherever it is sited, either Omuo or Ilawe, it is still Ekiti.
“Olomuo, Oba Noah Omonigbehin and Alawe, Oba Ajibade Alabi are brothers, the two communities should continue to live together in harmony. Nothing should be allowed to divide you. I know and I am confident that this matter will be resolved amicably”.
Speaking further, the governor said the requests he is garnering from the communities and local governments is to get his priorities right for prudent and accurate management of the paltry funds accruing to the state.