From Dispatch Room
An Ekiti State indigene, Ajayi Adewale Victor, has issued a public petition and legal statement over what he described as the unlawful disengagement and non-payment of salaries to staff appointed under the Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission recruitment exercise of 2018.
Ajayi, who identified himself as an indigene of Ilejemeje, Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State, said he was among those lawfully appointed under the TESCOM exercise in 2018 and that affected appointees resumed duty in good faith and discharged their responsibilities until May 2019 without receiving any salary.
He argued that the development raises serious constitutional and labour concerns, insisting that workers who were duly appointed and had already resumed official duties could not lawfully have their appointments simply “cancelled” without due process.
According to him, the situation worsened after the assumption of office of former Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi in October 2018, following which the appointments were reportedly withdrawn.
Ajayi maintained that under Nigerian labour jurisprudence, there is a clear distinction between appointment and employment, stressing that once a person has been duly employed and has commenced work, such employment can only be brought to an end through lawful disengagement or termination procedures, and not by arbitrary cancellation.
He further alleged that the failure to pay salaries for services already rendered amounts to a violation of workers’ rights and labour protections, including principles recognised under Nigerian law and international labour standards.
The petitioner also recalled that before the end of Fayemi’s administration in 2022, assurances were allegedly made to review the matter and compensate affected persons for the hardship and damages caused by the government’s actions and inactions, but said those promises were not fulfilled.
He added that after the change in administration, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who previously served as Secretary to the State Government, also held engagements with affected parties and reportedly gave assurances that outstanding salaries would be addressed and normalcy restored.
Ajayi, however, said those commitments have yet to be fulfilled.
He is now calling on Governor Oyebanji to act in the interest of justice, continuity in governance, and respect for the rule of law by paying all outstanding salaries owed to the affected TESCOM appointees, providing compensation for damages arising from the alleged unlawful disengagement, and taking practical steps to restore the dignity and professional standing of those affected.
Ajayi disclosed that legal action over the matter was instituted on September 28, 2022, shortly before the expiration of the previous administration, adding that the case is still progressing through the courts.
He said that while awaiting the judgment of the Court of Appeal, he remains committed to pursuing justice in the matter as a concerned citizen devoted to accountability, good governance, and fairness in Ekiti State.
Describing the issue as more than a personal grievance, Ajayi said the petition represents a broader call for accountability, justice, and adherence to the rule of law in the state.
He warned that justice delayed must not become justice denied.
— Newspot Nigeria
