Ekiti approves appointment of two traditional rulers

The Ekiti State Government has approved the appointment of two traditional rulers, including Prince Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale as the Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State and Prince David Olusegun Ateji as the new Obanla of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area.

This was just as the government approved the Teachers’ Harmonised Retirement Age Act 2022 to address the manpower needs in the State’s school system and retain experienced educators for improved learning outcomes.

These were part of the decisions taken at the meeting of the State Executive Council held on Thursday at the Government House, Ado Ekiti.

According to a statement by the commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the stool of Owa of Ayegbaju-Ekiti became vacant following the passing of Oba Solomon Adeloye on 15th February, 2024.

He said that the throne of the Obanla of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti became vacant following the demise of the late Oba Gabriel Oso Adeniyi from the Akoko Ruling House on 23rd September, 2024.

“In filling the vacancy, all laid-down procedures were carefully followed in line with the Registered Chieftaincy Declaration and the Chiefs Law (2012) of Ekiti State. The process was conducted with due regard for tradition and the rule of law, culminating in the emergence and subsequent approval of Prince Adewole Oluwatosin Adewale.”

On the stool of Obanla, Olatunbosun said, “The approval followed the presentation of a Memorandum to Council detailing the due process leading to the nomination and selection of the Obanla-elect in strict compliance with the relevant laws and the subsisting Chieftaincy Declaration governing the stool.”

Speaking on the 65 years new teachers retirement age, the commissioner said that it is in line with the Federal Government Circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Education (Circular No: FME/HRM/S.234/II dated 23rd June, 2022), adding that, the Ekiti State Government has adopted a harmonized retirement age of sixty-five (65) years and a maximum of forty (40) years of pensionable service, whichever comes first, for teachers in the public service of Ekiti State.

“The existing retirement age of sixty (60) years and thirty-five (35) years of pensionable service, as outlined in the Public Service Rules (Revised Edition, 2021), has been revised to retain skilled educators and align teaching personnel with their counterparts in tertiary institutions.”

According to him, recognising the unique circumstances of different states, Ekiti State has established modalities to guide the implementation of the new retirement age and length of service with key provisions.

“The retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service is optional for teachers; Interested teachers must submit a written application for extension six months before reaching 60 years of age or 35 years of service, whichever is earlier.

“An assessment committee comprising the Ministry of Education, Teaching Service Commission (TSC), SUBEB, Board for Technical and Vocational Education (BTVE), relevant Government Health Institutions, and labour unions will conduct eligibility screening.”