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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has sworn in Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), declaring that his administration is determined to finish strong by sustaining good governance and driving inclusive development across the state.
Speaking shortly after administering the oath of office and the signing of the oath book, Governor Makinde described Prof. Babatunde, a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, as a long-time ally who understands the inner workings of the government and shares his vision for Oyo State.
The governor stressed that the appointment was strictly based on competence and experience, not religion or geopolitical considerations. He charged the new SSG to deploy his wealth of experience to ensure effective coordination of government activities and to strengthen unity within the administration.
Makinde noted that Prof. Babatunde was among the few individuals who believed in his political vision even before his emergence as governor in 2019, adding that the new SSG also played a key role in leading the team that developed the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development (2019–2023), despite having no political ambitions at the time.
Addressing speculations surrounding the exit of the immediate past SSG, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, the governor clarified that her removal was a routine decision and not as a result of any wrongdoing. According to him, leadership transitions are sometimes necessary to align with evolving phases of governance.
“People have been asking what the former SSG did wrong. She did nothing wrong. Governance is seasonal. At some stages, you need planters; at other stages, you need harvesters. That is simply what happened,” Makinde explained.
He urged the new SSG and other top government officials to avoid internal conflicts and distractions, emphasizing the need to remain focused on the mandate given by the people of Oyo State.
On succession and continuity, the governor said his administration would present a proposal to the people on how to sustain the current development trajectory, assuring that a capable and experienced team would be put in place to ensure the state continues to thrive beyond his tenure.
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“Though we started well, we must finish strong. This appointment is about building on our achievements and ensuring continuity,” he said.
In his remarks after the ceremony, Prof. Babatunde pledged to ensure efficient and effective service delivery through improved coordination of government policies and programmes. He assured residents of a more structured and results-driven approach to governance, focused on delivering tangible benefits to the people.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; and former Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Bolajoko Adeniji (rtd).
Also present were prominent traditional rulers, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and other royal fathers, alongside top government officials and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Photo caption:
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde (right); newly appointed Secretary to the State Government, Prof Musibau Babatunde (middle) and his wife, Muibat, during the swearing-in of Prof Babatunde as SSG, held at Executive Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo Gov’s Media Unit.
