Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has removed the Chairman of the Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency, Akogun Abayomi Olumide, popularly known as Lustay, from office with immediate effect.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, the dismissal was premised on what the government described as “gross misconduct and dereliction of duty.”
The decision underscores Governor Oyebanji’s stance on accountability and discipline within the public service, as his administration continues to emphasize transparency and adherence to due process in the management of state affairs.
The statement further directed the embattled Chairman to hand over all government properties in his possession to the Agency without delay.
Although details of the alleged misconduct were not disclosed in the statement, government sources hinted that the development was in line with Oyebanji’s resolve to reposition state institutions for efficiency and to ensure that public agencies are manned by individuals with the highest level of integrity.
Olumide, who has been a visible figure in Ekiti’s microcredit and entrepreneurship development drive, had been tasked with overseeing policies aimed at empowering small-scale businesses and stimulating grassroots economic growth. His removal is expected to trigger a new phase in the leadership of the agency as stakeholders await the announcement of a successor.
Political observers say the action may also serve as a warning to other appointees of the administration that laxity, negligence, or any form of impropriety will not be tolerated.
The Microcredit and Enterprise Development Agency plays a vital role in the government’s efforts to combat poverty and enhance self-reliance through loans, training, and enterprise support for Ekiti residents. Governor Oyebanji is expected to appoint a new helmsman in the coming days to sustain the momentum of the agency’s mandate.
