Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday swore in Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Ayobami Fasina as the new Head of Service and inaugurated Dr. Lateef Idowu Oyeleke and Hon. (Barr.) Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo as commissioners.
The ceremony, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan, saw the governor charge the newly appointed officials to work diligently and collaboratively in the interest of the state and its people.
Makinde said the appointments were based on merit, competence and proven performance, stressing that his administration remains committed to rewarding excellence and professionalism rather than sentiments.
He urged the appointees to remain loyal to the government and discharge their responsibilities effectively to support the continued growth and development of Oyo State.
Following their inauguration, Oyeleke was assigned the Ministry of Special Duties, while Ojo was deployed to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. The former Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Joke Sanni, was redeployed to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry.
Speaking on the appointment of Fasina as the 19th Head of Service of the state, Makinde noted that she is the seventh woman to occupy the position, describing the development as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to the 35 per cent affirmative action policy on women’s inclusion in governance.
The governor explained that although Fasina’s appointment was strictly merit-based, it also marked a significant milestone for the Ibarapa Zone, which had no Permanent Secretary when his administration assumed office in 2019 but has now produced the state’s Head of Service.
He reiterated his administration’s determination to strengthen the civil and public service while pursuing broader developmental goals across the state.
On security, Makinde reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to make use of the state’s toll-free emergency number, 615, to report suspicious activities.
The governor also assured families of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area that the government was working tirelessly to secure their safe release.
The event was attended by prominent government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and labour leaders, including former Oyo State Governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; and Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi.
Others present included the immediate past Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, commissioners, permanent secretaries, local government chairmen and members of the Oyo State Elders’ Council.
