Makinde’s Chief of Staff Resigns, Governor Appoints Akinwole as Successor

Segun Ogunwuyi, Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has resigned from his position, with the governor appointing Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as his replacement.

Ogunwuyi’s resignation took effect on Monday, October 12, according to a letter addressed to Makinde. The development was followed hours later by the announcement of Akinwole’s appointment.

In the resignation letter, Ogunwuyi expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve the state, describing his time in the administration as an honour.

He said he was proud to have contributed to the government’s efforts to advance the growth and development of Oyo State.

Ogunwuyi did not disclose a specific reason for his decision in the letter.

The former aide also expressed confidence in the continued progress of the state and reaffirmed his loyalty to Oyo State and Nigeria.

Following Ogunwuyi’s departure, Makinde appointed Akinwole as the new Chief of Staff.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde. The appointment took immediate effect.

The governor also approved the appointment of Aderonke Adedayo as Director-General of the Due Process Office.

Adedayo, who previously served as Special Adviser on General Intervention and Donor Agencies, will combine her existing responsibilities with the new role, according to reports on the announcement.

Akinwole is a grassroots politician who previously served as chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission. He also contested the Oyo North senatorial seat under the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election but lost to the All Progressives Congress candidate, Fatai Buhari.

Ogunwuyi was appointed Chief of Staff in July 2021, replacing Bisi Ilaka.

Before taking up the position, he served as Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency.

He is also a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, where he represented Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire Federal Constituency.

His resignation comes amid reports of other political appointees leaving the Makinde administration in recent months.

However, the circumstances surrounding his departure remain unclear.

TheCable reported speculation that the resignation could be connected to a possible move to the All Progressives Congress and disagreements over political succession in Oyo State. Ogunwuyi did not cite either issue in his resignation letter, and the claims have not been independently established.

Neither the resignation letter nor the appointment announcement, as reported by the media, provides an official explanation linking his departure to a political disagreement.

Akinwole has now taken over the position as Chief of Staff to the Oyo State governor.