Oyebanji Appoints 10 Special Advisers, Retains Eight Former Officials

Ekiti Assembly Confirms Three Commissioner-Nominees as Governor Moves to Strengthen Cabinet

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the appointment of 10 Special Advisers as part of moves to strengthen his administration, complete the constitution of his cabinet and improve governance and service delivery across the state.

The appointments followed the approval of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, which had earlier considered and approved the governor’s request for 10 Special Advisers.

The list features two new appointees and eight officials who served under the immediate past administration, indicating a combination of continuity and fresh appointments in the state’s governance structure.

The newly appointed Special Advisers are Professor James Olaleye, e-GIS, Lands and Survey; James Folorunso, Bureau of Public Procurement; Dr John Moyo Ekundayo, Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery; Bunmi Talabi, Bureau of Special Projects; and Olayinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media.

Others are Princess Adetoun Agboola, Special Education and Social Inclusion; Dr Gbenga Oyewole, Development Planning and Budget; Kayode Adaramodu, Economic Affairs and Private Sector Development; Ebenezer Boluwade, Agriculture and Food Security; and Professor Akeem Azeez, Special Duties.

Meanwhile, the Ekiti State House of Assembly has confirmed three commissioner-designates nominated by Governor Oyebanji to serve in key ministries.

The confirmed nominees are Dayo Apata (SAN) as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Akintunde Oyebode as Commissioner for Finance; and Dr Oyebanji Filani as Commissioner for Health and Human Services.

The confirmation of the nominees is expected to pave the way for their formal inauguration and assumption of responsibilities.

The swearing-in ceremony for the 10 Special Advisers and the three commissioner-designates has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Osuntokun Pavilion, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

The ceremony is expected to commence at 2:00 p.m.

The latest appointments mark another step in Oyebanji’s efforts to consolidate his administration’s policy direction and strengthen the machinery of government in Ekiti State.