Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has sworn in Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), reaffirming his administration’s resolve to end its tenure on a strong note through effective governance and sustainable development initiatives across the state.
The governor said the appointment of Professor Babatunde was based solely on competence, experience, and capacity to deliver, stressing that religion or geopolitical considerations played no role in the decision. He charged the new SSG to ensure the smooth running of government activities and to strengthen unity within the administration.
Makinde disclosed that Babatunde was among the few individuals who believed in and supported his political vision before he assumed office in 2019. He also praised the new SSG for his leadership in developing the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development (2019–2023), noting that he undertook the task without any political ambition.
Reacting to public speculations surrounding the removal of the immediate past SSG, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, the governor clarified that the decision was routine and not connected to any wrongdoing. He likened the change to a seasonal process, explaining that different stages of governance require different skill sets to achieve desired outcomes.
The governor urged Professor Babatunde to foster unity among government officials and cautioned against internal conflicts and distractions. He emphasized the need for collective focus and teamwork to effectively deliver the mandate given to the administration by the people of Oyo State.
On succession and continuity, Makinde said his administration would present a clear proposal to the people of Oyo State on how to sustain the current development trajectory. He stated that his goal was to build a capable and experienced team that would ensure the state continues to thrive beyond his tenure.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Professor Babatunde pledged to promote efficient and effective service delivery through better coordination of government activities.
He assured residents that the administration would pursue a more coordinated approach to policy implementation aimed at delivering measurable benefits to the people.
