The Oyo State Government, today inaugurated the committee set up for the coronation ceremony of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, obtained by OYO NEWS, the inaugural meeting was presided over by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo.

Among the committee members, are four members of the Oyo State cabinet, including the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, Hon. Ademola Ojo and Prince Dotun Oyelade.

Other members are three House of Assembly members from Oyo Constituency, including Hon. Gbenga Oyekola from Atiba State Constituency, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto from Oyo East/Oyo West Constituency and Hon. Oladeji Oparinde from Afijio Constituency.

Seven family members of the new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, religious leaders and other stakeholders were also in the committee.

According to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, arrangements have started in earnest to ensure a successful coronation in strict compliance with the tradition of Oyo people.

The Commissioner for Information recalled that in the past five years, the Seyi Makinde administration has coronated 10 Kings and 40 Baales.

The Commissioner said that Governor Seyi Makinde expects everyone involved in the coronation to be diligent and show maximum support for the success of the event.

The Oyo State Government has converted One Thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety one (1,591) Local Government Ad-hoc workers across the state into permanent staffs.

It would be recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde, approved the conversion of ad-hoc staff in the service of the 33 Local Government Councils in the State to permanent staff in October last year, to bridge the gap in the workforce at the local government level.

In fulfilment of the Governor’s promise, OYO NEWS reports that the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo on Friday said the letters of appointment are ready for collection.

The Commissioner noted that the due process for the employment was followed effectively and perfected.

He advised successful applicants to collect their appointment letters at the Local Government Service Commission from Monday, 3rd February to Thursday, 6th February 2025, between the time of 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily.

Hon.Ojo however said, collection of appointment letters by proxy is strictly prohibited.

He congratulated the successful candidates and wished them success in their new roles.

Below is the schedule for the distribution of letters:

Monday, 3rd February 2025

Cadres:

Administrative Officer.

Agricultural Officer.

Data Processing Officer

Engineering, Building, and Quantity Surveyor.

Estate Valuation Officer.

Environmental Health Officer.

Information Officer.

Land Surveyor.

Tuesday, 4th February 2025

Cadre:

Clerical Officer.

Wednesday, 5th February 2025

Cadres:

Messenger.

Cleaner.

Thursday, 6th February 2025.

Cadres:

Driver / Mechanic.

Articulated Vehicle Drivers.

Watchmen.

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has presented the instruments of office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade.

The event took place on Monday at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan.

Speaking at the event, the Governor said the Alaafin’s stool is important not just to Oyo town but to the Yoruba race as a whole.

The Governor maintained that he decided not to meddle in the appointment of the new Alaafin because of his administration’s belief in openness and transparency.

He said: “The Alaafin stool is very important not just to Oyo Town or Oyo State but the entire Yoruba race. So, under my watch, I made it very clear that the stool would not be for sale. It is not a stool for us to toil with.

“I met Prince Owoade for the first time in my life yesterday. I never spoke to him in my entire life until yesterday. I did not know his profile or the profile of any of the princes vying for the stool and it was deliberate, because I did not want my opinion to influence the process.

“Let me say this clearly; when we came in 2019, we had challenges with the traditional institution in Ibadanland and it has been resolved to everybody’s satisfaction.

“When it was time for us to approve the selection of Okere, some people came to me and said ‘This is our friend’. They said one person is APC and I said it does not mean anything to me whether you are PDP or APC. Why should my decision be based on political consideration? So, I approved the selection of the Saki kingmakers.

“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilizing the traditional institution in Oyo, the Government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added.

“I always tell people not to kill themselves over politicians, because we see ourselves in the night. We go to each other’s houses. Politics, electioneering is a game. It’s only when you have been elected, then governance becomes a serious business because you will take decisions that will affect millions of people. So, we will not play politics with governance.

“The Alaafin stool became vacant in 2022. We were moving towards election and people said, you have to approve the appointment of Alaafin, otherwise, Oyo people would not vote for you. I said the people should not vote for me but that I would do what was right and Oyo voted for me massively. Oyo will continue to support me.

“Let me also say briefly that those that are still hell-bent on destabilising the traditional institution in Oyo, the government is not letting down. We will prosecute them. The money they collected; they will still be prosecuted except they go to Kabiyesi. If he forgives them, I will also forgive them.”

While congratulating the new monarch, Governor Makinde prayed that his reign would bring peace and progress to Oyo Town, Oyo State and the Yoruba race.

“The coronation would be in four weeks. From today, we have an Alaafin. I congratulate the Alaafin of Oyoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade. I pray that your reign shall bring unity to Yoruba race wherever they may be around the world.

“I pray it would also bring progress and development to Oyoland, Oyo State as well as Yoruba race in general,” Governor Makinde added.

In his response, Alaafin Owoade promised to work for the progress of Oyo Town, Oyo State and Nigeria as well as the development of the people.

He thanked the Governor, the Oyomesi and everyone that worked for his selection and assumption of office as the 46th Alaafin of Oyo.

Earlier in his speech, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon Demola Ojo, lauded the Governor for his determination to ensure that the right processes were followed in the selection of the new Alaafin.

He also thanked those involved in the selection process.

In attendance at the event were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; a former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Oyo East/Oyo West House of Assembly, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto; Awise Awo Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola and his wife, Iyanifa Ajisebo Abimbola; some members of the Oyomesi as well as traditional rulers in Oyo Kingdom.

Top Government functionaries in attendance included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Joel Ajagbe.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Friday, said Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor of Oyo State.

According to the commissioner, a statement to this effect has been issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ademola Ojo, who said the announcement has put to rest, all the socio and legal bickerings that have ensued since the demise of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III on April 22, 2022.

Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the Government in celebrating this momentus occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo.

He prayed that his reign will bring peace, prosperity and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.

The Oyo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters has finalized arrangements for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for ad-hoc staff who successfully registered on the Local Government job portal as part of the ongoing recruitment process.

The tests are scheduled to take place on Thursday, 21st November 2024, at the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre (CBT Hall), Sasa Road, Ibadan.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Demola Ojo stated that Administrative Officers, Building/Quantity Surveying Officers, Agricultural Officers, Land Surveyors, Information Officers, Estate and Valuation Officers will sit for exams at Halls A, B, and C at 8:00 a.m on November 21, 2024.

He added that Environmental Health Officers, Data Processing Officers will sit for exams at 10:00 a.m in Halls A and C same day.

He advised all Ad-hoc staff who applied and submitted their applications correctly to look out for their invitations, which will be sent out shortly.

The Commissioner also advised applicants to be at the CBT venue with printed copies of their application confirmation and notification slips.

The Oyo State Government, organized an induction workshop for the Thirty-Three (33) Local Government Supervisory Councillors, and Special Assistants in the State.

The workshop was organized in collaboration with Larryano Global Concepts held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan.

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde who said the induction workshop is aimed at keeping the participants abreast of current modern trend in local government administration.

Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, Makinde implored them to be agents of change.

He equally urged them to strive to be the best in the course of discharging their duties, giving room for developmental strides in all sectors.

In his words “before dwelling on the significance of this gathering, I will like to extend my profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE for his immense support for the enhancement and development of human resources.

“I am particularly delighted that Oyo State has witnessed tremendous progress under the able leadership of His Excellency which is a testimony to the Sterling qualities of our Governor. Oyo State has been in the front burner of progress, peace and tranquility.

“The induction workshop organized for the newly appointed Supervisors and Special Assistants across the State. Which serves as a veritable platform for these crop of public office holders in aligning themselves with their roles and responsibilities.

“More importantly, I wish to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, FNSE, Dsc, GSSRS, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, for his unalloyed support towards the achievement of this enlightenment and enrichment programme aimed at improving human resources, with a view to ensuring that the participants are more proficient in executing their roles and function effectively.

“It is worthwhile to thank God, who in His infinite mercy accorded you outstanding opportunities for the various appointments to your respective offices.

“I wish to enjoin you all to see your appointments as a call to serve assiduously with undiluted integrity, credibility, as well as commitment in tandem with the present administration’s bid to sustain quality service delivery and extend dividends of democracy to the grassroots.

“At this juncture, I urge you to imbibe the spirit of oneness with your respective Chairmen, utilising their expertise and fostering collaboration with a view to building a more vigorous Local Government, which is devoid of acrimony for nurturing a better future for the benefit of the citizenry of our dear State.

“Also, I wish to admonish you to leverage on the training modules, which have been meticulously designed to boost your understanding on governance, thus serving as an avenue to consolidate your experiences in collaboration with your facilitator towards a fruitful and enormous outcomes.

“Therefore, I hereby declare this induction workshop open and wish you all a successful and impactful session.

The training was attended by all the local government area Supervisory Councillors and Special Assistants in the State.

Two term executive chairman of Egbeda Local Government, Honorable Sikiru Sanda has emerged unopposed as the Chairman of of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter.

The Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Otunba Ademola Ojo made this known exclusively to westernmirror.com.ng on Tuesday evening.

Read Full statement below;

THE OYO STATE CHAPTER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF NIGERIA (ALGON) HAS ANNOUNCED THE NAMES OF NEW EXECUTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION.

ACCORDING TO A RELEASE SIGNED BY THE STATE COMMISSIONER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CHIEFTAINCY MATTERS HON. ADEMOLA OJO, HON. SIKIRU SANDA FROM EGBEDA LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS THE STATE ALGON CHAIRMAN, WHILE HON. OLAYANJU KAZEEM FROM OLORUNSOGO LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS THE ALGON VICE- CHAIRMAN.

HON. OYEDOKUN OYENIYI FROM OGBOMOSO SOUTH IS TO SERVE AS ALGON SECRETARY.

OTHER EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE OYO STATE ALGON ARE HON. SALAMI AKEEM FROM OYO WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHO IS TO SERVE AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION’S TENDERS BOARD, WHILE HON LAWAL LATEEF FROM IBARAPA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS THE ALGON FINANCIAL SECRETARY.

ACCORDING TO THE RELEASE, THE STATE ALGON TREASURER IS HON. FADIRAN RASAQ FROM ISEYIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WHILE HON. IBRAHIM AKINTAYO FROM IBADAN NORTH-EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL WILL SERVE AS ALGON PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.

The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State branch, on Tuesday elected Hon. Sikiru Sanda as its Chairman.

A release signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo made it known today.

The Oyo State Chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) also announced the names of other members of executives.

According to the release signed by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, Hon. Sikiru Sanda from Egbeda Local Government is the State ALGON Chairman, while Hon. Olayanju Kazeem from Olorunsogo Local Government is the ALGON Vice Chairman, Hon. Oyedokun Oyeniyi from Ogbomoso South is to serve as ALGON Secretary.

Other members of the Oyo State ALGON are Hon. Salami Akeem from Oyo West Local Government who is to serve as the Chairman of Tenders Board, while Hon. Lawal Lateef from Ibarapa North Local Government is the ALGON Financial Secretary.

According to the release, the State ALGON Treasurer is Hon. Fadiran Rasaq from Iseyin Local Government, while Hon. Ibrahim Akintayo from Ibadan North East Local Government Council will serve as ALGON Public Relations Officer.

The Oyo State Government, has  organized an induction workshop for the Thirty-Three (33) Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors in the State.

The workshop was in collaboration with KloverHarris Innovative Solutions Limited was held  in Ibadan recently

Governor, Seyi Makinde who said the induction workshop is aimed at keeping the officers abreast of current global best practices for effective services delivery.

Represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. Ademola Ojo, Makinde implored them to be agents of change.

He equally urged them to strive to be the best in the course of discharging their duties, giving room for developmental strides in all sectors.

In his words, “before dwelling on the significance of this gathering, I will like to extend my profound appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE for his immense support for the enhancement and development of human resources.

“I am particularly delighted that Oyo State has witnessed tremendous progress under the able leadership of His Excellency which is a testimony to the sterling qualities of our Governor. Oyo State has been in the front burner of progress, peace and tranquility. Part of which is the conduct of Local Government election as and when due which has brought monumental development to the grassroots.

“I have no doubt that, you are all men of impeccable character and pedigree which resulted in your election into the various posts at your respective Councils. I want you all to replicate same gesture at the various Councils, thereby channeling all available resources towards improving the quality of life of the citizens. By so doing, it will place the State on high pedestal.

“At this juncture, may I state that in the attainment of excellence, much expectation is placed on you and the offices you occupy. It is imperative to state that the State Government cannot achieve all these alone. We all need to fasten our belts in order to make available the dividends of democracy for our people.

Winston Churchill said “continuous effort nor strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking our potentials”.

“You have all been called to serve, therefore, I enjoin you all to consolidate the gains of the present administration through robust political, socio-economic policies based on time tested principles. I  wish to affirm the commitment of the State Government, under the able leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde to the total wellbeing of the entire citizenry inspite of the judgment of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Local Government autonomy.

“Let me assure you that the training consultant, Klover Harris Limited was carefully chosen, having excelled in its reputation of providing world class training for all calibres of Public Servants. Premised on that, it is believed that the training modules will impact on all our participants the best practices in line with the contemporary world. Let is make the best use of this opportunity.

The training was attended by all the Local Government area Chairmen, their Vices and Councillors from each ward.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon. Commissioner for Information and Orientation,

Oyo State.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has presented staff and instruments of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1.

The Governor made the presentation at a colorful ceremony held on Friday at the frontage of Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

Makinde, while making the presentation, said, “They said they want to sabotage, they want to sabotage, we are here today at Mapo Hall.

“I, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State by the virtue of power conferred on me, hereby present the staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

“Let us say Kabiesi!”

Some of the dignitaries in attendance at the epoch making occasion are the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu who represented President Bola Tinubu, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun,  Ondo State Governor, ably represented by his deputy Mrs Olaide Adelami, Osun State Governor represented by his deputy, Hon Gbenga Adewusi, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress APC.

Others are Aseyin of Iseyin,Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, PDP Deputy National Chiarman (South), Ambassador Taofik Arapaja, Oyo State former Deputy Governor, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarunmi, Professor Soji Adejumo, Elder Wole Oyelese, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Hon Dhikrulahi Olajide, Hon Abass Adigun, the Babaloja General of Oyo State Alhaji Yekini Abass, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, Kwara and Delta, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola among others.