Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has explained that the removal of the former Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, was a routine administrative decision and not connected to any wrongdoing, as he swore in Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde as the new SSG.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Monday, January 12, in Ibadan, where Governor Makinde assured residents that his administration remains committed to good governance and sustainable development and is determined to finish its tenure on a strong note.
Speaking shortly after the oath of office was administered, the governor said Professor Babatunde, a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, is well acquainted with the workings of government, having worked closely with him for several years.
Makinde stated that the appointment of Babatunde was based strictly on competence and experience, not on religious, ethnic, or geo-political considerations. He charged the new SSG to deploy his experience to ensure the smooth running of government and strengthen coordination within the administration.
According to the governor, Babatunde was among the few individuals who believed in his political vision before he became governor in 2019. He added that the new SSG demonstrated commitment and capacity even without pursuing personal political interests.
Makinde also praised Babatunde for leading the team that developed the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development between 2019 and 2023, describing the effort as critical to the state’s development planning.
Addressing public speculation surrounding the removal of the immediate past SSG, Professor Adeyemo, the governor emphasized that her exit was not punitive. He said she performed her duties diligently and did nothing to warrant disciplinary action.
He likened the change to a seasonal cycle, explaining that different phases of governance require different strengths. According to him, while some officials are better suited for laying foundations, others are needed to consolidate and harvest results.
Governor Makinde urged the new SSG to promote unity among government officials and cautioned members of the administration against internal conflicts and distractions that could derail service delivery.
He also reiterated his resolve to ensure continuity in governance beyond his tenure, noting that his administration would present its development direction to the people of Oyo State for consideration.
Makinde said the government would assemble a strong and experienced team capable of sustaining progress even after his exit, stressing that the latest appointment was part of the broader plan to finish strong.
In his remarks after the ceremony, Professor Babatunde pledged to ensure effective and efficient service delivery through improved coordination of government activities.
He assured residents of Oyo State that the administration would adopt a more structured and coordinated approach to policy implementation, with a focus on delivering tangible benefits that positively impact citizens.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, and former Deputy Governor, Engineer Hamid Gbadamosi.
Also present were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi, and the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, alongside other monarchs.
Top government officials, party leaders, and senior aides to the governor were also in attendance, marking the ceremony as a significant moment in the state’s political and administrative landscape.
