Indication has emerged in Ado-Ekiti , that governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO) may have concluded plan to recall some former aides of his political mentor and immediate past governor ,Dr Kayode Fayemi into his cabinet.
The governor has forwarded the list of his commissioners’ nominees to the Ekiti State House of Assembly for screening and approval.
In the list unveiled by the speaker ,Rt Hon Adeoye Aribasoye ,the names of about 10 aides of Fayemi featured prominently.
Amongst them were Professor Bolaji Aluko, Taiwo Olatunbosun Folorunsho Olabode.
The trio were sworn in alongside nine other Special Advisers shortly after Governor Oyebanji assumed office on October 16 last year.
Other nominees are : Mrs. Tosin and Mrs Tayo Adeola (Ado), Rt. Hon. Karonwi Oladapo and Mrs. Peju Babafemi (Efon), Prof. Ojo Bakare (Ekiti West), Hon. Ojo Atibioke (Ijero) and Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun and Mr. Adebayo Ajisola (Irepodun/Ifelodun).
Also in the list are : Mr. Adebayo Adesola and Dr. Kareem Akande (Moba), Chief Folorunso Olabode (Ilejemeje), Dr. Kofoworola Aderiye and Mr. Oyeniyi Adebayo (Ido/Osi) and Mr. Seun Fakuade (Oye).
The rest are Prof. Patrick Tedela (Ekiti Southwest), Mr. Kehinde Ajobiewe (Ekiti East), Mr. Olufemi Awe and Prof. Bolaji Aluko (Ayekire), Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade (Emure), Mr. Kayode Fasae (Ise/Orun) and Otunba Dolamu Adeniyi (Ikere).
Recall that the Ikole local government area already have two serving commissioners: Dr. Oyebanji Filani (Health and Human Services) and Mr. Akintunde Oyebode (Finance and Economic Development) while Oye local government area is already represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Dayo Apata, SAN.
The Speaker also explained that the approval of ten (10) Special Advisers would be would be done alongside that of the commissioners.
Meanwhile the Speaker has hinted that the Assembly has slated Monday, July 3,2023 for the commencement of nominees for the position of commissioners and Special Advisers .
He disclosed that the screening of commissioners-designate would be held on senatorial district basis with nominees from Ekiti North to be screened first while nominees from Ekiti South would follow while the last set to be screened are nominees from Ekiti Central.
Speaking at the plenary of the House, the first to be held since the Seventh Assembly was inaugurated on June 6, the Speaker disclosed that the screening would commence on Monday, July 3 when the nominees’ are expected to begin appearing before the legislators.
Reading the communication from the Governor dated June 26, Rt. Hon. Aribasoye directed the Clerk of the Assembly to communicate each of the nominees to furnish the House thirty (30) copies of their Curriculum Vitaes (CVs) not later than Friday, June 30 in readiness for the screening which kicks off on Monday, July 3.
The Speaker who announced the intention of the legislators to do a thorough job also disclosed that not more than three nominees would be grilled each day until the list is exhausted.
From the list read by the Speaker, Ado, Efon, Irepodun/Ifelodun, Ido/Osi and Ayekire Local Government Areas have two commissioner nominees each while nine other council areas have one each.
The Governor said the forwarding of the list signified his intention to expand the State Executive Council with the appointment of Commissioners to assist in service delivery to the people of Ekiti State.