OYO, Nigeria – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State issued an unexpected announcement on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, dissolving the state executive council and terminating the appointments of all political office holders.
He urged them to return all government properties in their possession promptly.
This decision, outlined in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman, Transition & Inauguration Committee, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, signifies a significant shift in the political landscape of Oyo State.
“I have the directive of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, to inform you of the dissolution of the Oyo State Executive Council and the termination of the appointment of all political officeholders with effect from Tuesday, May 23, 2023,” the letter stated unequivocally.
Governor Makinde’s directive stipulates that the now unseated officeholders “officially hand over and submit all government properties in their possession to the most senior civil servant in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.”
However, it also notes that “political officeholders in statutory commissions are excluded from this directive.”
The governor, credited with significant strides in infrastructural development and education reform since his inauguration, expressed his gratitude to the outgoing officials for their service to the state.
The letter concluded, “His Excellency appreciates your tremendous contributions to the development of our dear State and wishes you success in your future endeavors. I thank you.”
This shock move has elicited a flurry of reactions from political observers and the public alike.
The governor, whose tenure has been marked by bold decisions and reforms, has yet to announce replacements for the now vacant positions.
