Local government past political office holders in Ekiti State, who served between 2004 and 2007 have threatened to stage a peaceful protest over unpaid salary arrears, severance benefits and other entitlements.
The aggrieved people, acting under the aegis of Forum of Local Government Past Political Office Holders (2004 to 2007 Set), have notified the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police about their planned protest.
In a letter captioned “Notice of Peaceful Civil Protest and Request for Police Protection”, the past council office holders stressed that the protest became necessary after numerous unsuccessful attempts to seek redress through official channels.
The former council officials, through their Coordinator, Hon. Olufemi Adebayo and Secretary, Barrister Ayodeji Ibrahim, also wrote a save our souls letter to an Ekiti-born legal luminary, calling for his urgent intervention in the matter.
The letter written to the Commissioner of Police reads: “We write on behalf of the former political office holders who served in the sixteen (16) constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas of Ekiti State between the years 2004 and 2007.
“As law-abiding citizens and former public servants—including Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors, Secretaries, Supervisors, and Advisers—we have resolved to embark on a peaceful protest to draw the attention of His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, to the lingering issue of non-payment of our gratuities and other entitlements, more than eighteen years after leaving office.
“This decision follows numerous unsuccessful attempts to seek redress through official channels. Despite our letters, appeals, and entreaties, we have received no meaningful response. Sadly, this prolonged neglect has led to severe financial hardship for many of our members, with over fifty having lost their lives—some due to preventable and manageable illnesses which could have been treated had their entitlements been paid.
“Our gratuity is a statutory right, as prescribed and approved by the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC). It is a lawful obligation that should be honoured by the state government. Unfortunately, rather than a transparent and inclusive disbursement, payments have reportedly been made selectively—benefiting only those with access to influential connections, while the rest of us continue to suffer in silence and deprivation.
“In view of this, we have collectively decided to peacefully take to the streets to demand the immediate payment of our long-overdue entitlements. Our intention is not to disrupt public peace, but to lawfully seek justice and equity.
“We hereby request the presence and protection of the Nigerian Police Force to ensure our protest remains orderly, safe, and peaceful. We are committed to abiding by all laws and regulations governing public demonstrations, and we categorically reject any form of violence, provocation, or conduct that could lead to a breakdown of law and order before, during, or after the protest.
“We appreciate your kind attention and look forward to your support in ensuring a peaceful exercise of our civic rights. Accept the assurances of our warmest regards”.
Similarly, in their save our souls letter, the forum sought an urgent fatherly intervention of the legal luminary in the matter of unpaid entitlements, claiming that it threatens the sustenance and well-being of its members.
While noting that successive administrations, including those of Engr. Segun Oni, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Mr. Ayodele Fayose only made minimal and incomplete payments, the forum lamented that incumbent administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has made no significant move to address the problem.
The former council chiefs lamented further that thirty of them had passed away as a result of unpaid entitlements, eighteen years after leaving the office.
They strongly condemned the discriminatory approach adopted by Governor Oyebanji to address the matter.
“Even more painful is the discriminatory approach where only a privileged few, based on influence and proximity to power, have been settled, while the majority of us have been entirely neglected”, the forum added.
The save our souls letter reads in part: “We write with heavy hearts but unwavering faith in your consistent compassion, seeking your fatherly intervention in a matter that threatens our sustenance and well-being.
“Eighteen years ago, we diligently served the sixteen constitutionally recognized Local Governments in Ekiti State between 2004 and 2007, in various capacities as Chairmen, Vice-chairmen, Councillors, Supervisors, and Special Advisers.
“Regrettably, since the end of our tenure, we have been left in the cold regarding our legitimate entitlements – salary arrears, severance benefits, and furniture allowances, despite our repeated pleas”.
