By Solaide Oyelowo
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, made a significant political move on Wednesday, announcing the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council. This sweeping decision comes as the state gears up for a crucial period under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, especially following his re-election victory in November 2024.
According to a statement released by Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the dissolution will affect all cabinet members except two key figures—the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, and the Commissioner for Finance, Omowunmi Isaac. These two ministers were spared from the dissolution due to the crucial nature of their respective positions in the administration, which focus on legal affairs and state financial management.
The statement further instructed that all affected members hand over government properties under their care to the accounting officers in their ministries. This marks a notable shift in the state’s political dynamics, one that could reshape the direction of the current administration, as Aiyedatiwa looks toward the future.
Aiyedatiwa, who assumed office on December 27, 2023, after the sudden death of his predecessor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, is preparing to begin his second term in February 2034. The dissolved cabinet primarily consisted of appointees who had been swiftly brought in to ensure continuity following Akeredolu’s passing. Their tenure, although brief, had been a focal point of public and political scrutiny in Ondo State.
In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed his sincere appreciation to the outgoing members, thanking them for their service and contributions to the development of Ondo State under challenging circumstances. He wished them success in their future endeavors.
This cabinet reshuffling signals not only a fresh chapter for Aiyedatiwa’s governance but also hints at the Governor’s preparedness to make structural changes that may reflect his new political strategies. These political shifts come amidst rising expectations from the electorate and the growing anticipation surrounding the administration’s priorities for its second term.
The announcement also raises questions about the influence of political loyalty in Aiyedatiwa’s decision-making process, particularly given the key role Ajulo and Isaac play in maintaining legal and fiscal stability in the state. Moving forward, Aiyedatiwa is expected to appoint new faces to replace the dissolved officials, which will likely reshape the political and administrative landscape of Ondo State.
As the state government enters a period of transition, there is mounting speculation about the upcoming appointments, with some observers expecting a focus on bolstering efficiency, increasing transparency, and improving public service delivery. The new cabinet will likely play a crucial role in implementing the Governor’s vision as he begins to fulfill the promises made during his re-election campaign.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s decision is a signal to both his supporters and critics that he is committed to reforming the state’s governance, which will undoubtedly shape Ondo’s political future as it transitions into the next phase under his continued leadership. The political world in Ondo is watching with bated breath as the Governor’s next steps will reveal his deeper political and administrative strategies for this second term.
