Akure, Nigeria – Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the State Executive Council, a decision he described as a step towards repositioning his administration. The announcement, made on Wednesday through a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, takes immediate effect.
In the statement, Governor Aiyedatiwa instructed all affected commissioners to hand over government property in their possession to the accounting officers of their respective ministries. However, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac, were exempted from the dissolution due to the critical nature of their responsibilities.
The governor expressed gratitude to the outgoing cabinet members for their contributions to the state’s development during their time in office. “Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the EXCO members for their service and contributions to the development of Ondo State under his administration and wished them well in their future endeavours,” the statement read.
Background
Governor Aiyedatiwa assumed office on December 27, 2023, following the passing of his predecessor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu. Shortly after taking office, he dissolved the previous cabinet on January 24, 2024, as part of efforts to realign his government’s focus.
The latest dissolution comes less than a year after Aiyedatiwa reconstituted the cabinet. It also follows his victory in the November 16, 2024, governorship election, where he defeated Hon. Agboola Ajayi of the PDP. He is set to be sworn in as Ondo State’s fifth democratically elected governor in February 2025.
In explaining his decision, the governor cited the need to address the aspirations of the people, minimise distractions, and improve governance. “The decision was borne out of a genuine response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people as well as the need to rejuvenate and reinvigorate this administration for maximum delivery on our mandate,” he stated.
He added, “This is the standard practice in sane climes. It is important for the government to be less encumbered by politicking and pave the way for interested individuals to pursue their aspirations while simultaneously guaranteeing continued enjoyment of good governance to our people in the Sunshine State.”
Political Context
The dissolution comes amidst reports of internal divisions within the cabinet, which had reportedly been polarised due to the feud between Aiyedatiwa and the late Governor Akeredolu before the latter’s death.
The governor’s move is seen as part of efforts to consolidate his administration and ensure smooth governance in Ondo State ahead of his swearing-in for a fresh term next month.
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