The Pensioners Association of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI), has appealed to Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, to urgently intervene in the non-payment of pensions and other outstanding benefits owed retired workers of the institution.

The association said the delay in the payment of pensions and other entitlements had subjected its members to severe hardship, health challenges and avoidable illnesses.

In a passionate appeal dated September 7, 2026, and addressed to Governor Oyebanji in his capacity as the Visitor to BOUESTI, the pensioners pleaded with the governor to “save their souls” by intervening in the lingering welfare crisis.

The letter, signed by the Chairman of the BOUESTI Pensioners Association, Dr Kola Ajaja, and the Public Relations Officer, Mr Alao Odeyemi, alleged that the August 2026 pension of retired workers of the university had yet to be paid.

According to the association, only 50 per cent of the July 2026 pension was paid to pensioners about a month ago, leaving the remaining balance unpaid.

The pensioners said the situation had created enormous difficulties for members, particularly those battling age-related health conditions and requiring regular medical attention.

“As at September 7, 2026, the August pension of the retirees of BOUESTI has not been paid and only 50 per cent of the July pension was paid to our members about a month ago,” the association said.“This has brought untold hardships, untimely deaths and avoidable illnesses to our people.”

Apart from the outstanding monthly pensions, the association said the university management was still indebted to pensioners in several other areas.

These include outstanding gratuities, arrears of the new minimum wage, arrears arising from the 20 to 28 per cent pension increase and the implementation of the 2019 consequential adjustment in pension.

The association, therefore, appealed to Governor Oyebanji to use his office to ensure the immediate payment of the full August 2026 pension and the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the July pension.

It also demanded the payment of arrears of the new minimum wage, the 20 to 28 per cent pension increase, implementation of the 2019 consequential pension adjustment and the settlement of outstanding gratuities owed retired workers.

The pensioners stressed that the immediate release of their pensions had become necessary to enable members to meet their medical needs, purchase drugs and cater for their general welfare.

“Your Excellency, please come to our aid and ensure that the university management pays our August pension and the 50 per cent arrears of July pension immediately so that our members can take care of their health challenges, attend to their medications and general welfare,” the letter stated.

The association warned that continued delays in the payment of the entitlements could worsen the welfare and health conditions of many of its members.

The pensioners, however, said they had deliberately chosen to appeal directly to the governor rather than embark on public protests.

According to them, their decision was based on their confidence in Governor Oyebanji’s humanitarian disposition and willingness to respond to issues affecting the welfare of citizens.

“As elders, we have chosen to send this appeal to you rather than embark on public protests because we believe that you will answer our prayers with utmost urgency,” the association said.

The appeal adds to growing concerns over the welfare of retired workers and the payment of outstanding pension obligations in public institutions across the country.