The newly-appointed Secretary to the State Government, Oyo State, Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, was on Monday, January 12, sworn-in by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde who gave an assurance that his administration will finish strong by delivering on its commitment to good governance and sustainable development.
Speaking after the administration of oath of office and signing of the oath of office book, the governor said that Babatunde, a Professor of Economics at the University of Ibadan, had been with him for years, and understands the workings of the government.
He noted that the professor’s appointment as SSG was based on his experience and not religion or geo-political zone that he belongs to, charging him to use his experience to ensure the smooth running of the system and to weld the administration together.
He said that Prof Babatunde was one of the few people that supported and believed in his political vision before he became the governor of the state in 2019.
Governor Makinde also eulogised Babatunde for his effort in leading the team that designed the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development (2019-2023), despite not having any political interest.
Speaking on speculations surrounding the removal of the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo, the governor said it was a routine decision, noting that the former SSG didn’t do anything wrong.
He charged the new SSG to foster unity within the government team, while urging all officials to avoid internal conflicts and distractions, and to remain focused on the mandate given by the people of Oyo State.
He said: “Thank you for your commitment to Oyo State.
“Let me also say thank you to our traditional rulers for your support, because you are major stakeholders.
“People have been saying to us that, well, you have started well and are doing well and I felt that is not the end of the equation. Though we started well, we must finish strong.
“People have been asking me what the former SSG did that made me to relieve her of her appointment. Well, she did not do anything. It’s just that the cycle is seasonal. It is like you are in a farm, and in the beginning, you need people who can plant. After everything has germinated and produced fruits, you need harvesters. So, that is just it.”
Talking about succession, Makinde said: “We will put a proposal to the Oyo State people on how to continue on this trajectory. If they don’t like it, they can tell us they want a different trajectory. But I will prepare a team that I know that, at the end of the day, with me not being on this seat, Oyo State can continue to thrive.
“So, we have seen that we can put a team together. These are experienced people, because they have spent close to seven years together. This is one appointment that its foundation is about finishing strong.”
Speaking with newsmen immediately after the event, Prof Babatunde pledged to ensure efficient and effective service delivery through improved coordination of government activities.
He also assured residents that the government would adopt a more coordinated approach to policy implementation, with a focus on delivering tangible outcomes that positively impact citizens.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon Justice Iyabo Yerima; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; former Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Badejoko Adeniji (rtd); the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye and other traditional rulers.
Top government functionaries in attendance were, the Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; Chairman and Co-Chairman, Oyo State Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; PDP Southwest Chairman, Hon Kamorudeen Ajisafe; PDP State Chairman, Hon Dayo Ogungbenro, and other government functionaries.