By Ayodele Abere
The people who were employed into local government service during the tenure of High Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinbo as the Executive Chairman of Oye Local Government, Ekiti State from 2004-2007, have paid him a congratulatory visit on his installation as Obalodo of Oye Kingdom.
Speaking on behalf of others in Obalodo’s palace, the group led by Solomon Agbemoyin, Tope Ojo, popularly known as Tokio and Gbenga Oluwasola, said the new Obalodo has over the years been known for display of love, passion, honesty and dedication to the socio-economic and political development of Oye-Ekiti.
In their testimony, they said Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinbo did not limit employment opportunity to oye sons and daughters alone during his tenure, but across the entire Oye Local Government, and he extended same to the people of other local governments of the State.
According to the leader of the group, Solomon Agbemoyin said, “as at today, there is no local government in the state that you will not see more than five officers who would testify that his or her appointment came through High Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinb when he was the chairman of oye Local government.
Those who spoke during the visit said, majority of them are now Senior Officers who are now between grade level 10 and 14 in the state service. They further explained that many of them who are professionals teachers have crossed to schools for teaching and that they have made tremendous progress in the state service.
The visitors who came in appreciative mood all sang songs of joy and happiness saying that Chief Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, the Obalodo of Oye Kingdom made them and their family members what they are today including others who couldn’t come around.
The group also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for appointing Chief Oguntoyinbo as the board Chairman of State Environmental Protection Agency, as they promised their unalloyed support for the High Chief.
In his remarks, Oguntoyinbo said he’s extremely delighted and highly honoured to see them showing appreciation for what he did for them many years ago saying they should continue to do good which has always been his slogan Oguntoyinbo said ” he still holds his slogan. He promised to do more if God gives him the opportunity.
The group later presented a befitting portrait to theirbenefactor as a sign of love and commendation. His wife, Olori Ajibola Oguntoyinbo, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the entire team for the visit and the gift. She advised them to love one another and to be passionate about their community.