Makinde Sacks Women Affairs Commissioner in Oyo, Announces Replacement

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has dismissed the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, and announced the immediate appointment of Alhaja Joke Sanni as her replacement.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

According to the statement, Makinde thanked Balogun for her services and contributions to the development of Oyo State during her time in office.

The governor also wished the former commissioner success in her future endeavours.

“Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the replacement of the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, with Alhaja Joke Sanni. The governor appreciates Mrs Balogun for her contributions to the growth and development of Oyo State and wishes her success in her future endeavours,” the statement read.

The appointment marks the return of Sanni to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, a position she previously occupied between 2019 and 2023 during Makinde’s first term in office.

Following the governor’s re-election in 2023, Sanni was reassigned to the Ministry of Special Duties as part of a cabinet reshuffle before she was later redeployed to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperative.

Her latest redeployment now returns her to oversee women affairs and social inclusion in the state.

The statement confirmed that the appointment takes immediate effect.

Although the government did not provide reasons for Balogun’s removal, the latest development forms part of the ongoing adjustments within the Makinde administration aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery across ministries.

Sanni is expected to resume duties immediately and continue the implementation of programmes focused on women’s empowerment, social protection, gender equality and the welfare of vulnerable groups across Oyo State.

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion plays a key role in promoting policies and initiatives designed to improve the lives of women, children, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged members of society.

Makinde has, on several occasions, emphasised the importance of effective governance and periodically reshuffles his cabinet to align government priorities with the needs of the state.

The latest appointment is expected to sustain the administration’s efforts in advancing social inclusion and gender-focused development programmes in Oyo State.