Ondo gov appoints 32 permanent secretaries others
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has taken a significant step to strengthen the state’s civil service by approving the appointment of 32 new Permanent Secretaries and key statutory officers. The appointments, announced in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, aim to reposition the public service for improved efficiency, accountability and service delivery as the administration works to deepen governance reforms. 
The governor’s move, which takes effect from 1 February 2026, signals a fresh phase in Ondo’s administrative leadership — one that the governor says aligns with his renewed thrust toward a more responsive and effective civil service. The new appointees, drawn from a broad pool of senior public servants, bring together a mix of technical expertise, administrative experience and public sector know-how. 
Who Were Appointed
The list of those confirmed as permanent secretaries includes experienced career civil servants such as Mrs. Tayo Ogundare, Mrs. Morayo Bayo-Philip, Adeyemi Sule, Mrs. Olufunso Tunji-Omoniyi, Olanrewaju Abiodun, and Tope Lebile. Others on the list are Stephen Aworere, Omotayo Akeju, Olufemi Moyinolorun, Olakunle Ajibade, Mrs. Oluwakemi Akinyemi and Bamidele Daisi. 
Additional appointments cover other senior officers including Akinluyi Omotola, Olumide Kinga, Mrs. Ope Adetoye, Olusiji Olatunji, Mrs. Oluseyi Odusola and Mrs. Funke Adelayi. Notable among those confirmed are Dr. Akindele Ige, Olanrewaju Akarakiri, Dr. Mrs. Abike Ilawole, Tpl. Abimbola Tofowomo, and Kolawole Kayode. 
The cohort also features Dr. Peter Akingbade, Ayodeji Ogudare, Adeduro Akinbola, Ibidapo Ojo, Olusegun Orisabinone, Surv. Idowu Owolabi, Adeoye O. Atibioke, Mrs. Toyin Awotoye and Ayodeji Ayeku, rounding off the state’s most expansive permanent secretary appointment exercise in recent memory. 
Statutory Appointments Beyond Permanent Secretaries
In addition to the 32 permanent secretaries, Governor Aiyedatiwa also approved appointments into key statutory positions in the Ondo State civil service. These include Olusola Sunday Ajayi as Statistician-General and Dr. Charles Tunde Ojuolape as Auditor-General for Local Governments — both of whom will serve pending confirmation by the Ondo State House of Assembly. 
The appointments underscore efforts by the state government to align strategic leadership across government ministries and agencies. Permanent secretaries play a crucial role in shaping policy implementation, coordinating departmental activities, and ensuring that government programmes are delivered effectively to citizens. 
https://ogelenews.ng/ondo-gov-appoints-32-permanent-secretaries-others
Why It Matters for Governance
The governor’s decision to appoint 32 permanent secretaries comes amid a broader push to rejuvenate the civil service and strengthen institutional capacity. In public administration, permanent secretaries often function as the backbone of governance, ensuring continuity across political administrations and serving as the principal link between elected officials and career civil servants. 
By appointing a relatively large cohort at once, Aiyedatiwa appears to be laying the groundwork for a more robust administrative framework capable of handling expanding policy priorities, especially in areas such as economic development, youth empowerment, infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Observers believe that the appointments could also reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically constrained service delivery in the state. 
Administration Outlook and Civil Service Reform
In remarks accompanying the announcement, aides to the governor said the appointments reflect a desire to infuse new energy into the civil service while balancing experience and professionalism. The governor’s spokesperson described the exercise as part of a “continuing campaign to reposition the state’s public service for greater performance and results.” 
Under Aiyedatiwa’s watch, the state has sought to strengthen operational support for permanent secretaries, including the provision of vehicles and other resources to enhance their mobility and functional effectiveness, according to local reports. 
The confirmation of statutory officers such as the Statistician-General and Auditor-General for Local Governments is also significant. These roles are critical to evidence-based planning, financial accountability, and transparent reporting across ministries and local councils — essential components of modern governance. 
Community and Political Reaction
Reactions to the appointments have been mixed. Supporters of the governor welcomed the move as a necessary retooling of the state’s bureaucracy. They argue that strengthening the civil service is vital to achieving policy goals and delivering on campaign promises. Some civic groups said a well-aligned civil service can contribute significantly to improved public trust and more efficient government operations. 
Critics, while not disputing the need for strong leadership, have cautioned against appointments that appear as rewards rather than merit-based selections, urging the governor to ensure that competence and clean records guide future confirmations by the Assembly. Questions have also been raised about the timing and transparency of the process. 
Looking Ahead
The swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed permanent secretaries and statutory officers has not been fixed, but the state government says it will be scheduled soon. As they assume their roles, these senior officials will be expected to drive policy implementation and support the governor’s development agenda throughout 2026 and beyond. 
For many public servants in Ondo, the appointments represent both an opportunity and a responsibility: an opportunity to shape policy outcomes that affect millions of residents, and a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and accountability in service delivery.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/ondo-governor-appoints-32-permanent-secretaries-others
Ondo gov appoints 32 permanent secretaries others
