Seyi Makinde appoints Wolekanle as Oyo Chief of Staff after Segun Ogunwuyi’s resignation, while Aderonke Adedayo becomes Due Process Office DG.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has appointed Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, as the new Chief of Staff, following the resignation of Segun Ogunwuyi from the position.
The governor also approved the appointment of Mrs Aderonke Adedayo as Director-General of the state’s Due Process Office, with both appointments taking effect immediately.
The latest appointments were conveyed through official letters signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde.
Makinde congratulated the appointees and charged them to demonstrate commitment, loyalty and dedication in discharging their responsibilities to the state.
Akinwole, a politician known for his grassroots connections, previously served as Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission.
His appointment places him in a strategic position within the governor’s administration at a time when political activities are gradually intensifying ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Adedayo, who currently serves as Special Adviser on General Intervention and Donor Agencies, will retain her existing portfolio while assuming her new responsibilities as head of the Due Process Office.
The appointments followed Ogunwuyi’s resignation on Monday, October 12, 2026, bringing an end to his tenure as Chief of Staff to the governor.
Ogunwuyi’s resignation sparks political speculation
Ogunwuyi’s departure has attracted attention amid reports of internal disagreements within the governor’s political camp and a series of resignations involving political appointees in recent weeks.
The development has also triggered speculation about possible political realignments as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
Sources familiar with the situation suggested that disagreements within Makinde’s political circle could be connected to Ogunwuyi’s decision to leave office.
There have also been suggestions that the former Chief of Staff might be considering a move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, neither Ogunwuyi nor the governor’s office has officially confirmed that he intends to defect to the opposition party.
A source familiar with the political developments in Oyo State said internal disagreements had generated discussions about the future of some political figures within the administration’s camp.
According to the source, Ogunwuyi’s resignation has further intensified speculation about possible changes in political affiliations before the next general elections.
The source, however, cautioned against treating reports of a possible APC defection as an established fact, noting that no definitive confirmation had been made.
Ogunwuyi did not disclose any political disagreement or other specific reason for his resignation in the letter he submitted to the governor.
What Ogunwuyi said in his resignation letter
In his resignation letter dated October 12, 2026, Ogunwuyi formally informed Makinde of his decision to step down, stating that his departure would take immediate effect.
He expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve in the administration and described his experience in government as a privilege.
The former Chief of Staff also praised the administration’s performance, saying he was pleased to have contributed to its efforts to advance the development of Oyo State.
Ogunwuyi wrote that serving the government and the people of the state had been a rewarding experience, adding that he valued his membership of the team responsible for implementing the administration’s programmes and policies.
He further expressed pride in the achievements recorded during his time in office, particularly the collective efforts to promote the state’s growth, development and prosperity.
While announcing his decision to leave the position, Ogunwuyi maintained an appreciative tone and expressed confidence in the continued progress of Oyo State.
He concluded the letter by assuring Makinde of his highest regard and reaffirming his loyalty to the state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Although the letter contained no indication of an impending defection or an explicit criticism of the administration, its timing has prompted questions about the political circumstances surrounding his exit.
A prominent figure in Makinde’s administration
Ogunwuyi has occupied an influential position in the Makinde administration, serving as Chief of Staff and playing a prominent role in the governor’s political and administrative structure.
Before joining the executive arm of government in that capacity, he served as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.
His political experience and proximity to the governor have made his resignation a notable development within the state’s political landscape.
His departure also comes against the backdrop of other reported exits by political appointees in recent weeks, fuelling discussions about the stability and future direction of the governor’s political camp.
Nevertheless, the implications of these departures remain uncertain, as no official explanation has established a common reason for the resignations.
Attention turns to 2027 political calculations
With the 2027 general elections approaching, developments within Oyo State’s political establishment are likely to attract increased scrutiny from political stakeholders and observers.
The resignation of a senior government official, followed by the appointment of a replacement, has added another dimension to discussions about the administration’s political direction.
For now, Akinwole’s appointment signals a change in the leadership of the governor’s immediate administrative office, while Adedayo’s elevation to the Due Process Office introduces an additional responsibility to her existing portfolio.
Whether Ogunwuyi’s departure will eventually lead to a change in his political affiliation remains an open question.
Until he makes a public declaration or an official announcement emerges, reports linking him to a possible move to the APC remain speculative.
Meanwhile, Makinde’s decision to appoint a new Chief of Staff ensures continuity in the administration’s operations following the immediate resignation of his former aide.