Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday inaugurated a new set of political appointees and board chairmen, charging them to justify the confidence reposed in them with measurable performance.
The ceremony, held at The Dome, International Centre for Culture and Events, Igbatoro Road, Akure, saw the swearing-in of a Commissioner, five Special Advisers and three Tutors-General, alongside the inauguration of several commissions and boards.
The Governor warned the appointees against rivalry, bureaucratic bottlenecks, mediocrity and misuse of public trust, stressing that public office is a trust for service, not a trophy for personal gratification.
*New Appointees*
Those sworn in are:
*Commissioner:* Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba (Special Duties)
*Special Advisers:*
- Rt. Hon. Abimbola Fajolu - Environment
- Chief Ade Adeniyi - Rural and Community Development
- Mr. Muyiwa Ogunyemi - Transport
- Mr. Femi Fadairo - Special Duties and Strategy
- Rt. Hon. Iroju Ogundeji - Legislative Matters
*Tutors-General:*
- Mr. Iwagun Austin Olusola - Ondo South
- Dr. Jogbodo Bosede - Ondo Central
- Mr. Fasawe Toluwalase Abayomi - Ondo North
*Boards and Commissions Inaugurated*
The Governor also inaugurated:
- Dr. Man Ali - Chairman, Civil Service Commission (with Mr. Michael Oshodi as member)
- Mr. Oladimeji Abimbola - Chairman, State Sports Council
- Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ademulegun-Brown - Chairman, SUBEB
- Pastor Segun Ayerin - Chairman, Local Government Service Commission
- Alhaji Adam Chandy - Chairman, Muslim Welfare Board
- Pastor Peter Abimbola - Chairman, Christian Welfare Board
- Mr. Oluyemi Fasipe - Chairman, Competition and Consumer Protection Agency
- Mr. Omolade Fabiyi - Chairman, Cocoa Revolution and Management Board
*Service, Not Reward*
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the exercise was beyond constitutional ritual, describing it as a renewal of the covenant of service and a move to strengthen institutions for delivery of good governance.
He said the appointees were selected based on competence, experience, character and capacity, and are coming on board at a time when citizens demand tangible results, not rhetoric.
He charged them to demonstrate competence, loyalty, discretion and intellectual courage, and to work as "One Administration, One Team."
He urged board chairmen and members to uphold merit, fairness, transparency and due process, and shun personal preference and sectional interests in all decisions.
He directed them to align immediately with the administration's OUR EASE development agenda and remain financially prudent, noting that the people must remain the ultimate beneficiaries of every government decision.
*Budget Raised To N769bn, 90km Roads Coming*
The Governor disclosed that following a mid-year review of the 2026 Appropriation Law, the state budget has been raised from N524.411 billion to N769.384 billion.
He said the additional resources will target roads, water, healthcare and other critical infrastructure, with at least 5km of roads to be constructed in each of the 18 local government areas - totaling a minimum of 90km.
Additional provision, he added, has been made for the Adegbola - St. Mathias Flyover along Oba Adesida Road, Alagbaka, Akure.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, recalling his earlier Executive Order declaring Ondo State for Tinubu.
*SSG, Appointees React*
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, said the appointments are critical to sustaining momentum in infrastructure, education, health and agriculture, urging the appointees to work in unity, loyalty and transparency.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba thanked the Governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to justify the trust with commitment and expertise.