Governor Oyebanji Dissolves Cabinet, Retains Three

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has dissolved the State Executive Council, retaining three key officials as he prepares for his second term in office.

The governor announced the decision after a valedictory session with members of his cabinet at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.

The officials retained are the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo; and Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode. They will remain in their respective positions.

The meeting marked the end of the current cabinet’s tenure as Oyebanji prepares for his inauguration for a second four-year term on Friday, October 16.

Addressing the outgoing commissioners, the governor described them as a formidable team and thanked them for their contributions to the implementation of his administration’s policies and programmes.

He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve Ekiti State and commended the cabinet members for their support throughout his first term.

Oyebanji also assured the outgoing officials that he would maintain contact with them despite the dissolution of the council.

The development follows an earlier termination of appointments involving political appointees, including special assistants, senior special assistants and technical assistants.

However, the government clarified that the latest changes do not affect statutory bodies such as the State Independent Electoral Commission, the Civil Service Commission, the House of Assembly Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission.

The governing councils of state-owned tertiary institutions will also remain in place.

The dissolution is expected to pave the way for the appointment of a new cabinet as Oyebanji begins his second term.

The composition of the incoming State Executive Council is likely to attract attention as residents await the governor’s priorities for the next phase of his administration.