Ekiti retirees appeal to Oyebanji over pension backlog

By Boye Oyeyemi

Retirees of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, have appealed to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to intervene in the payment of their outstanding pensions and other financial obligations owed them.

The pensioners, under the BOUESTI Pensioners Association, said the situation had become increasingly difficult, with their August 2026 pension still unpaid and half of their July entitlement outstanding.

The association conveyed its concerns in a letter signed by its Chairman, Dr. Kola Ajaja, and Public Relations Officer, Alao Odeyemi, and submitted to the governor on Monday.

According to the retirees, the prolonged delays had made it difficult for them to meet basic needs, particularly medical expenses and other essential obligations. They added that some members had suffered serious health and financial consequences as a result of the situation.

Beyond the unpaid pensions, the group said the university also owed retirees other financial obligations, including gratuities and payments arising from recent adjustments to workers’ earnings and pensions.

The pensioners specifically appealed for the release of the outstanding half of their July pension and the payment of their August pension. They also called for the settlement of arrears arising from the minimum wage review, the 20-28% pension increase and the 2019 consequential adjustment.

They further urged the governor to facilitate the payment of their outstanding gratuities, saying the settlement of the debts would provide much-needed relief and enable them to meet their basic needs.

Rather than stage protests, the retirees said they had chosen to appeal directly to Oyebanji because they believed that, as the university’s visitor, he had the authority to intervene and help resolve their grievances.