Connect with us

News

Obasanjo, Okowa, task Olu of Warri on unity

Published

on

Tshola Emiko Crowned Olu of Warri
Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111
Share

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, to unite the entire Itsekiri nation and begin the process of healing the kingdom.

Obasanjo gave the admonition on Sunday at the Coronation Thanksgiving Service of the Olu, held at the Warri Palace chapel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Ogiame Atuwatse III was crowned as the 21st Olu of Warri on Saturday at Ode-Itsekiri, ancestral home of the Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

Obasanjo prayed for a peaceful and long reign of the Olu and advised him to always stay very close to God in all his dealings.

He urged the king to diligently perform the task God had entrusted to him, noting that the position was given to him by God.

The former president, while acknowledging that the title “His Majesty” carried a lot of responsibilities, urged the Olu not shun the experience and advice of elders.

“Two things must guide you: one, do not shun the experience and advice of elders, it is useful. Experience is wisdom, make use of the experience of people around you. Secondly, be very close to God.

“I do not want to see the four Olu, I have witnessed three being crowned in my lifetime.

“Congratulations. May your reign be long, peaceful, bring unity and prosperity to Itsekiri. May your reign contribute to the development, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.

“I am one of the happiest people for your installation. God has specially favoured me to see one, two, three Olu of Warri and I do not want to see four,” Obasanjo prayed.

Obasanjo promised not to be far from the king, saying “and if there is any reason to summon me, use your majestic power to do so,” he said.

Also, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta urged the Olu to extend the olive branch to any aggrieved Itsekiri.

“I am aware a lot of healing process is ongoing. It is time for healing; ensure the entirety of the kingdom comes together.

“Whether stubborn or not, extend the olive branch to them. You have a lot of work to do in Nigeria.

“We cannot afford any distraction at home, so that the larger nation will have your presence in the nation-building.

“Your reign will truly bring peace and development. God has prepared you for this time. God’s presence be with you,” Okowa said.

The Guest Speaker at the Thanksgiving Service, Apostle Tomi Arayomi, said God had ordained the Atuwatse III, noting that it was a divine arrangement for him to rule at this time.

“God is willing to partner with people who were willing to partner with the spirit of God to develop nations,” Arayomi said.

The Holy Communion was presided over by former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Dignitaries from all walks of life, home and abroad, including former Delta Governors James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan, Sen. James Manager, members of Delta House of Assembly, among others attended the thanksgiving service. (NAN)

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Adubiaro Expresses Gratitude to Oyebanji Over Reappointment as Ekiti SSG

Published

on

Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro
Share

 

Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro has expressed profound gratitude to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for reappointing her as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), describing the renewed mandate as an honour and a call to greater service.

Adubiaro, in a statement issued following the announcement of her reappointment, appreciated the governor for the confidence reposed in her capacity, dedication and commitment to the development of the state.

She pledged continued loyalty, diligence and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Oyebanji administration, assuring that she would work towards the successful implementation of its policies, programmes and development agenda.

The SSG said her renewed appointment offered another opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building a peaceful, prosperous and progressive Ekiti State.

She also expressed appreciation to the First Lady of Ekiti State, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her encouragement, support and contributions to the growth and development of the state.

Adubiaro extended her gratitude to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, and Olori Abosede Adejugbe for their goodwill, prayers and support, noting the important role of traditional institutions in promoting peace, unity, cultural heritage and sustainable development.

She equally appreciated the Grand Imam of Ekiti State and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in Southwestern Nigeria, including Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere, as well as the Muslim community in the state, for their prayers, spiritual guidance and encouragement.

The SSG also acknowledged the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their solidarity and support, reaffirming her commitment to the ideals of the party and collaboration with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to advance the administration’s development agenda.

She did not leave out her family members, friends, associates and well-wishers, whom she thanked for their congratulatory messages, prayers and expressions of goodwill following the announcement of her reappointment.

Adubiaro further pledged to discharge her responsibilities with professionalism, accountability, transparency, teamwork, humility and integrity, stressing that she remained conscious of the high expectations associated with public service.

She assured the people of Ekiti State of her determination to work closely with relevant stakeholders to translate the governor’s vision into tangible benefits for residents.

The SSG also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom, strength and good health for Governor Oyebanji, while seeking peace, unity and prosperity for the state’s traditional institutions, religious leaders, political stakeholders, public servants and residents.

She reiterated her resolve to justify the confidence reposed in her through dedicated service and an unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ekiti State.

 

Continue Reading

News

Oyebanji Makes First Appointments in Second Term, Retains SSG, Chief of Staff, CPS

Published

on

Ekiti State Governor,Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji
Share

 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has made his first set of appointments following his inauguration for a second term in office, retaining three key members of his administration.

The governor approved the reappointment of Professor Habibat Adubiaro as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff, and Mr Olayinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor.

The appointments were announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, shortly after Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, were inaugurated for another term in office in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olayinka Oyebode, the appointments take immediate effect.

The decision to retain the three principal officials ensures continuity in key administrative, executive and communication positions as the governor begins his second term.

As Secretary to the State Government, Professor Adubiaro occupies a strategic position in the coordination of government policies, administrative processes and inter-agency relations.

Similarly, Adebayo, as Chief of Staff, is responsible for supporting the governor’s office and coordinating executive activities, while Oyebode oversees official communications and media relations for the state government.

The reappointments constitute the first official appointments announced by Oyebanji since his inauguration for a second term, signalling the continuation of the existing leadership structure in these critical offices.

The statement did not indicate whether further appointments would be announced in the coming days.

The announcement was signed by Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State.

 

Continue Reading

News

Bamidele Hails Oyebanji’s First Term, Says Peaceful Politics Drove Ekiti Development

Published

on

Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
Share

Senate Leader and Chairman of the Ekiti State Governorship Campaign Council, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has described the first term of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji as remarkably peaceful, attributing the achievement to the governor’s humility, sense of duty and inclusive leadership style.

Bamidele said Oyebanji’s ability to foster cordial relationships among political stakeholders across the state had created an enabling environment for development and progress in Ekiti State.

The Senate Leader stated this in his welcome address at the second-term inauguration of Governor Oyebanji and his deputy, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, in Ado-Ekiti.

He commended the governor for sustaining a peaceful political atmosphere, noting that cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders had contributed significantly to the state’s developmental strides.

Reflecting on Ekiti State’s political and developmental journey from the administration of its first civilian governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, through subsequent administrations, including that of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, Bamidele said Oyebanji had continued to strengthen the culture of political stability and peaceful coexistence.

He noted that the governor’s leadership approach had helped sustain a harmonious political environment, allowing the state to focus on governance and development rather than political divisions.

Bamidele further described Oyebanji’s re-election as a historic milestone, noting that the governor had broken a longstanding political barrier by becoming the first governor in Ekiti State to secure consecutive second-term mandates.

He expressed confidence that the governor’s second term would provide further opportunities to consolidate the achievements of his first administration and advance the development of the state.

 

Continue Reading