Aiyedatiwa Nominates 12 New Commissioners for Ondo State Cabinet
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has officially nominated twelve individuals to serve as commissioners in his administration, marking a significant step in forming his executive cabinet more than three months after assuming office.
The names were submitted to the Ondo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.
The list, forwarded through a formal letter signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Ebenezer Adeniyan, was read during Thursday’s plenary session by the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji.
The governor invoked Section 192 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, urging the lawmakers to treat the nominations with urgency.
Among the nominees is Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, former Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, whose academic and administrative experience has made him a prominent figure in Ondo’s educational sector.
In a brief reaction, Prof. Ajibefun described the nomination as a “call to duty” and expressed his commitment to contributing meaningfully to the state’s development.
The full list includes:
1. Prof. Igbekele Amos Ajibefun
2. Engr. Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye
3. Hon. Ayodele Akande
4. Engr. Alabi Johnson
5. Alhaji Amidu Takuro
6. Otunba Adewale Akinlosotu
7. Mr. Idowu Ajanaku
8. Dr. Oluwaseun Abosede Osamaye
9. Dr. Tob Loko
10. Mr. Olaolu Akindolire
11. Hon. Sunday Olajide
12. Mr. Omoyofunmi Segun Henry
The nominations signal a move by Governor Aiyedatiwa to stabilize and fully structure his administration following the passing of former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in December 2023.
Aiyedatiwa was officially sworn in as governor on February 24, 2025, after previously serving as deputy.
Since taking office, Aiyedatiwa has gradually consolidated his leadership but has faced mounting pressure from both political allies and the public to form a new cabinet and define his governance direction.
This wave of appointments is expected to shape policy implementation and service delivery across key sectors.
The State House of Assembly is expected to begin screening the nominees in the coming days.
If confirmed, the new commissioners will assume office immediately and begin working alongside existing aides and civil service leaders to drive state development goals.
The nominations are likely to generate discussions within the political landscape of Ondo, especially in light of upcoming party activities and the 2025 local government elections.
Analysts view the governor’s choices as a blend of technocrats and political loyalists, aimed at balancing competence with strategic alliances.
