Makinde Recycles Old Political Elites in New Oyo Appointments

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has come under scrutiny following his latest appointments, with critics accusing him of recycling the same political and security elites instead of bringing fresh faces into governance.

The governor appointed Dr. Aderemi Ayodele to the Oyo State Advisory Council and retired Commissioner of Police Ayodele Sonubi as Executive Adviser on Rule of Law Enforcement. While Ayodele’s appointment takes immediate effect, Sonubi is set to assume his role on April 1, 2025.

The appointments, announced in a letter signed by Chief of Staff Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, have sparked debate over whether the governor is prioritizing loyalty over competence. Ayodele, a former chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission and ex-chairman of Ibadan North-West Local Government, is seen by some as a familiar face in Oyo’s political circles rather than a fresh reformer. Meanwhile, Sonubi, the immediate past Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, has been entrusted with a key role in law enforcement despite concerns about the state’s security challenges under his tenure.

While Makinde urged the appointees to serve with dedication and commitment, critics argue that these appointments reflect a broader trend of political recycling that limits opportunities for new and innovative leadership in Oyo State. As calls grow for greater inclusion of young and dynamic professionals in governance, many are asking: Is Makinde truly committed to progressive leadership, or is he simply reinforcing the old order?