Ogun cabinet: Abiodun’s silence unnerves ex-appointees

In a matter of days, Governor Dapo Abiodun is expected to submit his list of commissioner nominees to the Ogun State House of Assembly, at which point he will presumably form his second government.

The governor must submit the list to the legislature for approval by July 27 in order to formally swear in the new commissioners.

The law now requires the President and governors to do this within 60 days of their inauguration, whereas in 2019 the governor waited almost seven months to have the luxury of time needed to scrutinize the nominations.

On his last day in office, May 28, Abiodun disbanded his cabinet in front of commissioners, advisers, and others, informing them they may be reappointed.

The governor’s announcement suggested that several of his previous cabinet appointees might be replaced.

The governor is currently working on the list of his new cabinet members, but this is being kept strictly under wraps so that no hints as to who might be included can be given.

Infostride News has learned from reputable sources that several of the formerly appointed officials are now on their feet and fighting for reinstatement to their prior positions or redeployment to other ministries. Gov. Abiodun’s apparent lack of enthusiasm for many of his constituents comes as a shock.

On June 14, Abiodun designated seven commissioners as Special Advisers, giving a glimpse into his preferred composition of the committee.

Oladapo Okubadejo, formerly the Commissioner for Finance, was named Chief Economic Adviser by Abiodun. Olaolu Olabimtan, formerly the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, has been promoted to the position of Special Adviser on Budget and Planning, while Jagunmolu Jamiu Akande Omoniyi, formerly the Minister of Housing, has been promoted to the position of Special Adviser in the Ministry of Housing.

Adebowale Akinsanya, formerly the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, has been elevated to the position of Special Adviser. In addition, special adviser positions were created for Olusina Ogungbade and Tomi Coker in the ministries of justice and health, respectively. Abayomi Arigbabu, a professor, was later appointed as an education adviser.

According to reports, the seven were appointed until their formal reappointment as Commissioners could be finalized.

Some of the former Commissioners are reacting strongly to Abiodun’s decision by engaging in extensive lobbying in an attempt to earn back his favor, but he is currently unavailable for such a “chit-chat.”

According to our correspondent, the ex-Commissioners are now providing eye services by showing up at events where they assume the governor will be. When President Bola Tinubu came to Ake, some of the locals were observed begging and pushing each other to get a good spot in the audience.

According to our correspondent’s reporting, Abiodun has decided to reorganize some ministries in order to make them more effective and efficient during his second term in office.

Abiodun has not yet hired a chief press secretary or a media/communications adviser or consultant.

Our correspondent learned that even within the same media team, politicians are trying to outmaneuver one another in order to take over open positions.

Abiodun is reportedly not satisfied by the accomplishments stated to have been made by former Commissioner Adeola Odedina at the Ministry of Agriculture. This is due to the fact that the governor of Ogun State has not witnessed sufficient levels of food production to significantly reduce food prices.

Gov. Abiodun also has an interest in the education ministry. The state’s Department of Education (which is responsible for all levels of education in the state, from kindergarten through college) has not accomplished what the governor wants in the last four years.

Our correspondent has learned from reliable sources that the Ministry of Youth and Sports would have a new commissioner in the upcoming government.

The previous commissioner, Dare Kehinde, had angered the governor in 2020 when he called former governor Olusegun Osoba a failure without a successor.

Abiodun is now seeking a Sports Commissioner as planning for the 2024 National Sports Festival gets underway.

In the last four years, the governor has reportedly been unimpressed by the work of the ministries of forestry, rural development, local government/chieftaincy affairs, urban/physical planning, commerce/industry, transportation, women’s affairs, special duties/intergovernmental affairs, environment, and women’s affairs/social development.

Candidates for public office are ramping up their lobbying efforts, but the governor, who ultimately makes decisions, has remained silent and his body language is unclear.

The secret would, however, be revealed in a few days.