Residents of Omuo-Ekiti and its surrounding areas have taken to the streets in protest against the alleged relocation of the Federal College of Education to Ilawe Ekiti, another community.
Verified Gist reports that the demonstrators, including youths and women, gathered at the headquarters of Ekiti East Local Government as early as 9 am, demanding justice in the face of this perceived injustice.
The controversy stems from the passage of a bill sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi, the representative of Ekiti South senatorial district, seeking the establishment of the Federal College of Education in Omuo-Ekiti.
The bill received approval from both chambers of the 9th National Assembly. However, the proposed relocation of the institution has left the community feeling betrayed.
The protesters expressed their discontent through powerful placards bearing inscriptions such as “On Omuo FCE we stand! No more! No less,” “This injustice must be redressed,” and “Return Our FCE back to us.”
Joining the cause, the paramount ruler of Omuo-Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbehin, ordered the closure of markets, shops, and other businesses in solidarity with the protest. The monarch insisted that the town must display its disapproval of the alleged injustice by keeping its doors shut. Oba Omonigbehin emphasised his active participation in the public hearings by the Senate during the establishment of the school in the 8th and 9th sessions.
He expressed bewilderment at how someone who did not request the institution would be granted such a favour. Calling upon President Tinubu, he urged him to correct the injustice and return the institution to Omuo-Ekiti.
Chief Segun Akanle, another prominent leader in the community, appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State to intervene and restore the Federal College of Education to its rightful location in Omuo-Ekiti. Akanle described the community as law-abiding and highlighted their decade-long efforts to establish the institution. He pointed out that the bill had already been passed by both the 8th and 9th National Assembly and was awaiting presidential assent.
Akanle further criticised the lack of federal or state presence in the 12 communities of Ekiti East. He questioned the government’s decision to establish two federal institutions in Ilawe while neglecting other parts of the constituency, deeming it unacceptable. Placing their trust in Tinubu, the community members hoped he would rectify the situation and return the Federal College of Education to its rightful home in Omuo-Ekiti.
This newspaper learnt that the fallout from this issue has impacted travellers, as roads leading to Abuja and connecting major cities such as Lagos, Ado Ekiti, and neighbouring Ondo State have been barricaded.
It is also learnt that prominent traditional rulers in Ekiti East Local Government also condemned the alleged attempt to relocate the school to Ilawe.
