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HRM Oba Dr Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi: it’s a new day in Erinmope-Ekiti

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4 years ago

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Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi

HRM Oba Dr Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi: it’s a new day in Erinmope-Ekiti

By Yinka Oyebode

Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi

 

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice…. (Proverbs 29 v 2)
“Eniyan lo n muni mo’niyan”, that Yoruba song commonly sung during engagement ceremonies is apt in my relationship with HRM Oba Dr Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi, who I met in person for the very first time during the build up to the June 22, 2018 Governorship election in Ekiti State. My principal, His Excellency, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, then, the Honourable Minister of Mines and Steel Development, had given me names of two individuals he wanted me to liaise with, and explore the possibility of working with ahead of the governorship contest. I met the two gentlemen- Dr Sunday Aniyi and Mr Gboyega Ajayi at different locations in Ado-Ekiti and struck a working relationship with them.

Prior to that meeting however, I have had a prior contact with Dr Aniyi sometimes in 2017 after he bagged his doctorate degree from the University of Ibadan. Dr Fayemi, renowned for his ability to discover and nurture talents, had sent me to deliver his congratulatory message to him, which I conveyed via the telephone. While attempting to describe Dr Aniyi to me, Dr Fayemi had alluded to his (Dr Aniyi’s) writings, especially his social media posts, which he said were usually issue-based and done in very dignified language.

 

 

 

 

 

When we eventually met at the agreed location in Ado- Ekiti, weeks before the Governorship primaries sometimes around April 2018, one thing that immediately struck me about Kabiyesi was his simplicity, forthrightness and the richness of his thoughts. Aside agreeing to work with the media team, he equally advised that I reach out to a few younger chaps, who then were apparently opposed to Dr Fayemi’s aspiration and were waging war against him on the social media. He gave his reason: “Some of these chaps do not really hate your oga, they just want to be recognised and I am sure you can win them to your side, if you do as much as talk to them”, he had advised.

Considering the sincerity of his counsel, even though, reaching out to those guys was not part of my brief, I decided to give it a shot and as predicted by Dr Aniyi, I got favourable response from them. A Few weeks after that first encounter, Kabiyesi, Gboyega and I together with a few others were holed up in my make shift ‘media centre’ for a whole day, in what turned out my first working relationship with him. Like a gold fish, his calmness, proficiency, meticulousness and professionalism can hardly be hidden, same for the pristine values he wears like a badge of honour. It is quite evident, he draws, howbeit, unassumingly from the well of wisdom each time he shares his views on any topic. Kabiyesi is ever so philosophical, analytical and forthright in his discussions. He possess a rare ability to present his case with a touch of brilliance, logic, candour and wit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These attributes were served in large dosage when he was appointed Senior Special Assistant (Special Projects) and later Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to the Governor by Dr Kayode Fayemi shortly after assuming office in his second term. As PPS, Dr Aniyi also had a role carved for him as a member of the Governor’s media and communication team.

It was through working together with other colleagues in the media and communication team that I had a full understanding and appreciation of Kabiyesi Aniyi’s work ethics as well as the driving force behind his amiable personality. Within a short space of time, he distinguished himself as a thoroughbred professional, a diligent worker, highly cerebral and creative mind, a team player and strategic thinker. His contributions to the weekly strategic sessions were top notch, just as his public conduct were pristine. Like one of his favourite novelists, Chinua Achebe, wrote: “proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten”, Dr Aniyi’s language is rich in figurative expressions, allegories and historical allusions. He ‘eats’ words intelligently, cautiously and persuasively, yet, he does not suffer fool gladly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kabiyesi’s positive disposition to life and the seriousness he attaches to his role as PPS made it easy for me to relate with him as a friend, brother and colleague. Aside his outstanding contributions to the activities of the Media and Communications team as a writer, editor, content creator and innovator, Dr Aniyi was also drafted by the Governor to develop a system of institutionalising Ekiti Values which was a principal focus of the JKF2 administration. Oba Aniyi therefore had the privilege of coordinating the development of Ekiti Values Education into a subject of study. He and his team produced the curriculum and midwifed the production of textbooks as well as the commencement of the subject in Ekiti schools.

While Dr Aniyi’s many virtues are strikingly visible, I must confess that his royal background was quite unknown to me and many of our colleagues. His name does not even suggest it, at best it indicates his Christian background. So, I was pleasantly surprised when the issue of obaship came up, apparently in oblivion of the age-long saying “ a njorin a o mori olowo”. I must have assumed that Dr Aniyi’s impeccable character and the excellent touch he brings to every assignment were a reflection of his well- groomed childhood which has resulted in excellent adulthood. Now, with the benefit of hindsight, it won’t be out of place to say that Dr Aniyi’s demonstrated excellent spirit and native intelligence were gifted him by Olodumare to make his royalty remarkable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, what the media and communications team of Governor Kayode Fayemi and indeed the field of communications as well as the academia lost, has become the gains of the good people of Erinmope Ekiti, who in their collective wisdom opted to put the crown on the fitting head of HRM Oba (Dr) Sunday Aikuirawo Aniyi, Amoyinmade Atayese 1, the Obaleo of Erinmope Ekiti.

For Kabiyesi Aniyi, his past has adequately prepared him for the present and the future. He started his elementary education at St. John’s Anglican School, Erinmope-Ekiti between 1982-88. He thereafter proceeded to Erinmope High School, Erinmope-Ekiti between 1989-95. He studied English at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko and graduated with a second class upper division in 2004. He bagged his Masters of Art degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 2009 and a doctorate in Communication Studies, (specializing in Media & International Communication) from the University of Ibadan in 2017. He has worked meritoriously as a journalist, teacher, consultant, lecturer and a public servant before ascending the throne of his fore bearers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the entire sons and daughters of Erinmope-Ekiti converge on the ancient town to celebrate the coronation activities of this God-fearing and imaginative leader, “ the philosopher king” today, I can only pray and wish my brother, friend, colleague and, now, my king a most peaceful and prosperous reign. May the people have good reasons to rejoice exceedingly during your reign, kabiyesi. E je ju ara iwaju lo!

• Oyebode is Chief Press secretary to the Governor of Ekiti State

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Video: Ondo Community Rejects Imposition of Sepeluwa As Oba in Oroto 

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May 14, 2026

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‎Video: Ondo Community Rejects Imposition of Sepeluwa As Oba in Oroto 

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‎Concerned citizens and indigenes of Oroto Community, Ugbo Kingdom, Ilaje Local Government of Ondo State have rejected the imposition of Sepeluwa as the title of Oba in Oroto.

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‎The community in a statement by Oluwafemi Awenebi,said Oroto belongs to all the people of the community, and decisions concerning leadership and traditional institutions must reflect fairness, equity, and justice for everyone.

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‎It said: “We, the residents and indigenes of Oroto, are the rightful owners and occupants of this community. The entire community stands united in rejecting any attempt to force Sepeluwa on the people against their collective will as their domain is obenla.

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‎”We call on the Olubo family to stop using the instrument of the state to oppress and silence the voices of Oroto people, Egharegbemi is the Eldest, Leadership should be based on consultation, inclusiveness, and respect for the wishes of the people. For peace and unity to prevail, everybody must be carried along in matters affecting the community.

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‎”Oroto is for all of us, and the collective interest of the people must always come first. The governor should not impose a Sepuluwa on us, protest letters have been written to the governor and the chieftaincy and local government commissioner yet they want to still go ahead to present a staff of office.

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‎”We, the concerned people and indigenes of Oroto Community in Ugbo Kingdom, write this public correspondence with deep pain, concern, and dissatisfaction over the ongoing attempts to impose the title of “SEPELUWA” within our land and traditional structure without due consultation, lawful process, or historical legitimacy.

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‎”It has come to our attention that plans are underway by the Government to install a person under the title of “SEPELUWA” in Oroto Community.

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‎”This development has generated widespread tension, outrage, and serious concern among the peace-loving people of Oroto and the entire Ugbo Kingdom.

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‎”For months, our people have written several letters through the Ministry of Chieftaincy Affairs and Obas, as well as through the Office of the Executive Chairman of Ilaje Local Government, seeking clarification, dialogue, and peaceful resolution on this sensitive issue.

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‎”We have made repeated appeals, consultations, peaceful protests, and historical presentations to relevant authorities, yet our concerns have received little or no meaningful response.

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‎”We therefore find it necessary to state clearly and publicly that the people of Oroto reject the imposition of the so-called SEPELUWA title in our community.

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‎”Our position is based on historical facts, ancestral tradition, and the established customary structure of the Ugbo Kingdom. To the best of our historical knowledge and ancestral records, there has never existed a recognized traditional title known as “SEPELUWA” within the traditional institution of the Ugbo Kingdom.

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‎”Furthermore, we strongly maintain that no authority outside the recognized traditional stool of the Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom possesses the customary right to install traditional leaders or create chieftaincy structures within Ugbo Kingdom.

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‎”Any attempt to bypass established customs and impose unfamiliar titles upon our people amounts to an abuse of traditional processes and a disregard for the historical identity of our kingdom.

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‎”The people of Oroto are law-abiding citizens who believe in peace, justice, and democratic engagement. However, peace can only thrive where there is fairness, consultation, and respect for the rule of law.

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‎”A government that truly serves the people must listen to the voices of the people and not force decisions upon them against their collective will and historical heritage.

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‎”The people of Oroto will continue to defend their ancestral rights, cultural identity, and historical truth through lawful and legitimate means. We refuse to remain silent while our traditions, history, and collective heritage are disregarded.”

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Amore Seeks Justice for Ilobi/Erinja Ward, Decries Political Marginalisation in Yewa South

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1 hour ago

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May 14, 2026

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Amore Seeks Justice for Ilobi/Erinja Ward, Decries Political Marginalisation in Yewa South

 

In his bid to justify why he wishes to contest for a seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly to represent the good people of Yewa South State Constituency, an aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Olusegun Olugbemileke Amore, has appealed to elders and stakeholders of the party in Yewa South Local Government to critically examine what he described as the prolonged marginalisation of Ilobi/Erinja Ward in the Ifekowajo District of the council area.

According to Hon. Amore, the ward has allegedly been denied political elective positions since the advent of the Second Republic in 1979 till date.

Speaking with journalists in Ilaro, headquarters of Ogun West Senatorial District, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Hon. Amore explained the pattern of political elective positions and beneficiaries within the Ifekowajo District over the years.

He listed previous beneficiaries as follows: Oke-Odan Ward produced Late Chief D.O. Bankole who served in the House of Representatives; Ajilete Ward produced Hon. Dada who represented the area in the Ogun State House of Assembly; Owode Ward 1 produced Hon. (Chief) M.A. Ajibola who also served in the Ogun State House of Assembly; Owode Ward 1 equally produced Hon. (Chief) Fatayi Olayode; while Owode Ward 2 produced Hon. (Mrs.) Folakemi Akintayo, all of whom served in the Ogun State House of Assembly.

He further noted that Owode Ward 1 also produced Rt. Hon. Abiodun Akinlade who represented the constituency in the House of Representatives, while Oke-Odan Ward equally produced Hon. Tolu Bankole who served in the Ogun State House of Assembly.

He lamented, however, that Ilobi/Erinja Ward has never been given the opportunity to produce either a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly or a representative at the National Assembly level.

Hon. Amore stated that the situation has continued to generate feelings of exclusion and dissatisfaction among residents and political stakeholders from Ilobi/Erinja Ward over what many perceived as an imbalance in the political arrangement within the Ifekowajo District of Yewa South Local Government.

He therefore made a passionate appeal to elders, leaders, and members of the APC in Yewa South and Ogun State to consider a readjustment in the rotational arrangement within the party in the interest of fairness, justice, and inclusiveness.

“Methinks for equity and fairness, the elders, leaders, and members of APC in Yewa South and Ogun State should look into the anomalies in the rotational arrangement within the party, with a view to giving the good people of Ilobi/Erinja Ward a sense of belonging in the scheme of things.

“I am not fighting anybody, but merely calling the attention of our fathers and mothers in the APC to this silent marginalisation going on in the area without anyone talking about it”, Hon. Amore posited.

The vibrant Information Technology expert turned politician expressed confidence that those saddled with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the party in the Ifekowajo District would, with sincerity and the fear of God, take necessary steps to address the imbalance he raised.

Recall that in a bold and strategic move aimed at deepening quality representation, grassroots development, and people-oriented governance, Hon. Olusegun Olugbemileke Amore recently obtained and successfully passed the screening exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for the Yewa South State Constituency seat in the Ogun State House of Assembly.

The development has continued to generate excitement, hope, and widespread acceptance among party faithful, political stakeholders, youths, women groups, and residents across Yewa South, many of whom view Hon. Amore as a vibrant, visionary, and grassroots-oriented leader with the competence, capacity, and character needed to provide purposeful representation.

Hon. Amore, who is widely respected for his humility, accessibility, leadership qualities, and unwavering commitment to community development, explained that his decision to join the race was inspired by his passion to serve the people, attract meaningful development to Yewa South, and become a strong voice for the aspirations of the constituency at the state legislative level.

 

 

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Nollywood Stakeholders Rally Behind Desmond Elliot, Appeal for Political Intervention in Surulere Assembly Crisis

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1 day ago

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May 13, 2026

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‎Nollywood Stakeholders Rally Behind Desmond Elliot, Appeal for Political Intervention in Surulere Assembly Crisis
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‎By Ifeoma Ikem

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‎A coalition of Nollywood stakeholders has stepped into the unfolding political tension in Surulere Constituency 1 Lagos State, appealing for high-level intervention to secure the return bid of actor-turned-lawmaker Hon. Desmond Elliot for a fourth term in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
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‎The appeal was made during a media parley held at the Sam Shonibare Recreational Centre, Surulere, where industry figures gathered to express concern over what they described as a growing political uncertainty surrounding the constituency’s next legislative cycle.
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‎Speaking on behalf of the group, veteran writer and producer Zik Zulu Okafor called on the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to intervene in what he termed a “crisis of continuity” affecting representation in Surulere I.
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‎Okafor stressed that the meeting was not merely political rhetoric, but a strategic appeal rooted in loyalty, historical alliances, and what stakeholders described as years of sustained engagement between Elliot and key political actors in the area.
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‎He recalled that during Gbajabiamila’s earlier political struggles for a fifth-term bid in the House of Representatives, Elliot reportedly stood firmly in support of his aspiration,a gesture stakeholders now cite as part of a broader political debt of loyalty.
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‎According to him, such loyalty should not be overlooked, adding that Elliot’s continued presence in the State Assembly would reinforce stability, strengthen institutional memory, and enhance constituency development planning.
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‎Supporters argued that a fourth term would place Elliot in a stronger legislative position, allowing him greater influence in attracting infrastructural projects, shaping policy discussions, and deepening grassroots representation.
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‎They further highlighted his track record in office, citing interventions in education support schemes, healthcare outreach programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, electrification projects, and community development efforts across Surulere.
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‎Veteran filmmaker Zeb Ejiro described Elliot as a symbolic bridge between Nollywood and governance, noting that his political journey reflects the growing intersection between entertainment and public service.
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‎Ejiro added that Elliot’s presence in politics has given Nollywood a voice in policy discussions, extending the industry’s influence beyond cinema and into legislative and developmental spaces.
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‎Other stakeholders echoed similar sentiments, insisting that experience in public office remains a critical factor in effective representation and that continuity would benefit Surulere residents.
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‎The gathering also featured prominent industry figures including Fred Amata, Emeka Ossai, Ejike Asiegbu, Ralph Nwadike, Francis Onwochei, and Bimbo Manuel.
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‎Their presence, observers noted, transformed the event into more than a political endorsement, but a symbolic alignment of Nollywood’s institutional voices around a figure many consider one of their own in governance.
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‎Speakers repeatedly emphasized that Elliot’s dual identity as an entertainer and legislator has helped strengthen visibility for creative professionals within political structures, particularly in Lagos State.
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‎As discussions continue around the Surulere I constituency’s political direction, stakeholders maintain that their appeal is rooted in continuity, representation,and what they describe as the need to preserve an “experience-driven” legislative voice for the area.

 

Nollywood Stakeholders Rally Behind Desmond Elliot, Appeal for Political Intervention in Surulere Assembly Crisis ‎ ‎ ‎By Ifeoma Ikem

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