Oyebanji dissolves boards, drops political appointees

File: Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the immediate dissolution of boards, commissions, and parastatals in the state, as well as the termination of the appointment of all political appointees.

The Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, listed those affected by the termination as special assistants, senior special assistants and technical assistants.

Oyebode said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Sunday that “the decision became imperative in view of the gradual winding down of the governor’s first term in office, ahead of the inauguration of his second term scheduled for October 16, 2026.

“However, chairmen and members of statutory boards are not affected by the dissolution.

These include the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), Civil Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission, and Judicial Service Commission.

“Similarly, the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions remain intact, in line with earlier directives by the Governor.

“The chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Local Government Service Commission, and Teaching Service Commission are to remain in office, although their respective boards stand dissolved.

“Also exempted from the termination of appointments are the Directors-General and Technical Advisors to the Governor,” he stated.

Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the affected appointees for their diverse contributions to the success of his administration and their service to the State.

He wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

Meanwhile, Oyebanji has said that his administration remains committed to strengthening the state’s education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital development and institutional capacity.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, spoke on Saturday during the combined convocation ceremony of Ekiti State College of Technology, Ijero-Ekiti.

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A total of 5,742 graduands were officially conferred with National Diploma and Higher National Diploma on the occasion.

The governor pledged continued government support for EKSCOTECH and other state-owned tertiary institutions in his second term to enable them to function effectively and deliver quality education.

Oyebanji, while congratulating the graduates, charged the school management “to sustain the momentum and ensure that the opportunities created by the institution’s new Polytechnic status translate into better training and improved prospects for students and graduates.

“Our administration remains committed to strengthening the state’s education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure, human capital development and institutional capacity.

“The transformation of EKSCOTECH from its previous status into a full-fledged polytechnic represents an important step towards expanding access to technical and vocational education in the state.

“Let me commend the governing council and management of this institution for their efforts in repositioning the polytechnic and creating an environment capable of supporting academic and professional development.”

Recall that the school, which transitioned to full polytechnic status recently and had its academic programmes expanded, has also secured accreditation for additional programmes from the National Board for Technical Education.

In his address, the chairman of the governing council, Dr Femi Thomas, described the institution’s recent transformation as the product of a deliberate effort to restore stability, strengthen its foundation and complete its long-awaited transition to Polytechnic status.

Thomas, however, identified increased government subvention as one of the immediate needs of the polytechnic, alongside additional lecturers, infrastructure and other facilities required to sustain the expansion.

In his address, EKSCOTECH Rector, Dr Olufemi Olubamise, said the combined convocation was significant because it brought together graduands from academic sessions for which convocation ceremonies had not previously been held.

He assured that the convocation ceremony would henceforth be held yearly, as the usual practice in institutions of higher learning.