Makinde Cabinet Reshuffle: Governor Shakes Up Oyo State Leadership

By: Abudu Olalekan

Governor Seyi Makinde has announced a major cabinet shake-up in Oyo State. New SSG appointed, ministries moved, and new faces brought in.

Monday morning in Ibadan. The sun was barely up. Most people were thinking about the week ahead. Traffic at Challenge. Crowds at Dugbe. Then, boom. Governor Seyi Makinde decided it was time for a change. A big change. You know how it goes with politics. One day you are in. The next day, you are packing your bags. It happened just like that. No warning. No long speeches. Just action.

The news came through a formal statement. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the Governor’s media guy, sent it out to the press. It was official. The cabinet was being reshuffled. This isn’t just a small fix. It’s a full shake-up. First on the list was the Secretary to the State Government. Prof Olanike Adeyemo. She was relieved of her duty. Immediately. No long stories. Just “with immediate effect.” It makes you wonder what goes on behind those closed doors in the Government House.

Prof Musibau Babatunde is the man now. He is the new SSG. That is a heavy seat to sit in. In Oyo State politics, the SSG is the engine room. If that engine isn’t humming, nothing moves. We hope the Professor is ready for the heat. Because the heat in Ibadan politics is different. It’s not for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of patience and smarts.

Then we have Barrister Temilolu Ashamu. He was at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Not anymore. He’s moving. The Governor sent him to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. It feels like a strategic move. Maybe the Governor thinks his skills are better suited for the money side of things? Environment is important, sure. But Budget? That is where the real power lies. It’s where the numbers live. It is a big responsibility.

Let’s talk about Ademola Aderinto. He was the Senior Special Assistant on Public Works. A hardworking fellow, from what people say. Well, his hard work paid off. He is now a commissioner-designate. But he isn’t a commissioner yet. He has to go to the House of Assembly. They will screen him. They will ask him plenty questions. Hopefully, they don’t make it too hard for him. If he passes, he joins the big table. It’s a step up. A very big one for his career.

But the list didn’t stop there. Governance is about more than just the big names. It is also about the technical people who do the heavy lifting. Abiodun Adedoja was named as the Special Adviser on Energy Security. Energy is a big deal in Nigeria right now. We need light. We need security for our power plants. Adedoja has a massive job ahead. Then there is Kolawole Elijah Akanmu. He is coming in as the Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning. He will probably be working closely with Ashamu. A new team for the state’s finances.

Reportersroom gathered that this move took many by surprise. People in the state capital are talking. Is this about performance? Or is it about 2027? You can never tell with Makinde. He plays his cards close to his chest. He is a man of few words but big actions. Some people are sad to see the old faces go. Others are excited. New blood brings new ideas. At least, that is what we hope for the future of the state.

Oyo state has a lot of challenges. The roads. The schools. The economy. Resuffling a cabinet is one thing. Delivering results is another. The people of Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, and Iseyin are watching. They don’t care much for titles. They care about food on the table. They care about safety. Makinde knows this. This new team better be ready to hit the ground running. There is no time for honeymoon periods.

Politics is like a revolving door. One person exits. Another enters. Today it is Prof Adeyemo leaving. Tomorrow it could be anyone else. That is the nature of the game. For now, Prof Babatunde and the others have the floor. Let’s see what they do with it. Ibadan is waiting. Oyo is watching. And Reportersroom will be right here to tell the story as it unfolds. This is a milestone for the administration. Let’s see if the change brings the progress they promised. It’s going to be an interesting few months. Stay tuned.