Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has initiated a notable reshuffle of his executive team, ushering in a new Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and confirming a commissioner-designate, in moves aimed at strengthening governance and aligning the cabinet more closely with his administration’s priorities.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the changes are part of a broader recalibration of the state’s leadership structure. The announcement was made in Ibadan, the state capital, underscoring Governor Makinde’s intent to optimize his team as he advances key policy and development goals.
In a significant departure, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, the outgoing SSG, was relieved of her duties with immediate effect. While the statement did not specify reasons for her removal, the governor’s decision reflects a broader effort to refine the pace and focus of his administration’s activities going into the year.
Governor Makinde has appointed Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde as the new Secretary to the State Government. Babatunde, an accomplished economist with deep roots in Oyo’s public sector, previously served as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and as Chief Economic Adviser to the governor during his first term. This background suggests that economic expertise and planning will play an even more central role in how the state coordinates its executive functions.
The governor also announced several other strategic portfolio adjustments. Barrister Temilolu Ashamu, formerly of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has been reassigned to lead the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This reassignment may indicate a heightened focus on integrating environmental and economic considerations in state budgeting and policy formulation.
In addition to these shifts, Ademola Aderinto, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Works, has been named as a commissioner-designate. His appointment now awaits formal screening and confirmation by the Oyo State House of Assembly, a key step in ensuring legislative support for executive appointments as required by the state’s constitution.
The reshuffle also brought new advisory roles: Abiodun Adedoja was appointed as Special Adviser on Energy Security, while Kolawole Elijah Akanmu was named Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning. These roles are positioned to support the state’s efforts to address energy challenges and reinforce fiscal oversight across government functions.
These changes come as Oyo State recently signed its ₦892 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, signaling a continued commitment to disciplined budgeting and enhanced internal revenue efforts to reduce reliance on federal allocations. The reshuffle could therefore be seen as part of a broader strategy to drive economic stability and improve service delivery across sectors.
Governor Makinde’s decision to bring in seasoned hands and adjust key portfolios underscores his administration’s focus on economic planning, budgetary discipline, and energy management, areas that are critical to sustainable development within the state. For stakeholders including civil servants, investors, and residents, these changes signal a renewed emphasis on efficient governance and the execution of priority projects.
While the full impact of the reshuffle will depend on how quickly the new appointees can integrate into their roles and deliver results, the leadership changes clearly reflect an administration seeking to adapt to evolving governance and economic challenges in 2026 and beyond.
This cabinet reshuffle aligns with Oyo State’s broader economic agenda, coming on the heels of the recently approved ₦892 billion 2026 budget that prioritizes fiscal discipline and internal revenue growth. Strategic appointments in economic planning and energy security aim to strengthen the state’s capacity for budgeting, investment readiness, and sustainable development.
