Eminent Ekiti Elders Have Again Waded In The Political Crises In The State

Eminent Ekiti elders have again waded in the Rift between the Executive and the Legislature in the state with a call to both sides to allow peace to prevail in the state.

The call was made at a meeting convened by a prominent legal luminary in the state,  Aare Afe Babalola at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti.

Present at the peace meeting among other important personalities were former Minister of National Planning, Chief Ayo Ogunlade, Chief Deji Fasuan, Dr Kunle Olajide, Prof Michael Ajisafe and Prof Israel Orubuloye.

While the State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, the speaker, Rt. Hon Dele Olugbemi and the members of the State Executive Council and PDP lawmakers attended the meeting, the APC lawmakers led by Dr Adewale Omirin boycotted at the last minute, citing safety of members as excuse.

Aare Afe Babalola noted that he called the meeting after Dr Olajide called his attention on the need to mediate. He explained several efforts made and the assurance of both parties to attend before the last minute boycott of the APC lawmakers.

Reading out several messages sent and received from Dr Omirin on the assurance of the safety of the lawmakers, Aare Babalola noted that he personally offered to escort the lawmakers alongside the police in and out of Ekiti.

Chief Deji Fasuan while speaking, noted that it was the responsibilities of the elders. To bequeath a peaceful atmosphere to the in coming generation, hence the need for both parties to sheath their swords in the interest of the future of the state.

Chief Ayo Ogunlade on his part, noted that the watchword of conflict resolution was ‘give and take, calling on both sides to shift ground. He commended the governor honoring the meeting.

Dr Olajide expressed optimism that the issues will be amicably settled soon. He noted that he was surprised but not frustrated at the absence of the APC lawmakers.

The duo of Prof Ajisafe and Orubuloye joined their voices in calling for peace in the state, saying Ekiti can only develop in an atmosphere devoid of crises.

Ekiti State governor noted that he was ready to shift ground on the contentious issues, claiming that he had made moves to settle the matter, not for cowardice to allow peace reign and allow the people to enjoy dividends of good governance.

He called on the Press and those using the Press to paint the state in a bad light through. Propaganda to desist from such, saying Ekiti is greater than all.

He commended Aare Babalola and the elders for the initiative, promising that he was ready to honour any meeting called in that respect.

Right Hon Olugbemi called on the APC lawmakers to disregard the outsiders pushing them against their fatherland by toeing the path of peace, saying the unity of the state should be paramount.

The duo of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibine. And Director of SSS, Mr. Fubara. Duke noted that there were no plans arrest anyone, rather they were mandated to ensure security for all especially the APC lawmakers.

The meeting resolved among other things to ensure peace in the state, ensure the police was not partial, appealed to APC lawmakers to return to base and attend peace meetings and that the governor had accepted to shift ground on contending issues.

Ekiti State Government Press Release