By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ibadan, Oyo State —
Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday swore in Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde as the new Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), charging him to bring unity, discipline and renewed energy into the machinery of governance as the administration moves into its final and most critical phase.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde said Babatunde was appointed strictly on merit, stressing that the state could no longer afford appointments driven by sentiment or political considerations.
“Professor Babatunde was appointed based on his qualifications, experience and what he has to offer our dear state,” Makinde declared. “This is not a ceremonial role. It is a key position that requires competence, leadership and the ability to bring people together.”
The governor described the office of the SSG as the engine room of government, responsible for coordinating ministries, departments and agencies, and ensuring that government policies are properly implemented across the state.
Makinde urged the new SSG to see his role as a mission to stabilise and strengthen governance, especially at a time when citizens expect more efficiency and service delivery.
“I have charged him to unite the team so that our administration will achieve the goals we have set and finish strong,” the governor said. “We owe the people of Oyo State nothing less than a government that works until the very last day.”
A strategic appointment
Political observers see Babatunde’s appointment as a strategic move by Makinde to consolidate his administration’s legacy as it prepares for the final stretch of governance under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda, which focuses on infrastructure development, economic expansion, education reform and social inclusion.
As SSG, Babatunde will serve as the administrative head of the state government, overseeing policy coordination, cabinet decisions and communication between the governor and the civil service — a role many analysts describe as second only to the governor in the day-to-day running of government.
Makinde made it clear that performance, not politics, would define Babatunde’s tenure.
“The people of Oyo State are watching us. History will judge us by what we do now, not by what we promised in the past,” he said.
Babatunde pledges loyalty, efficiency
In his acceptance speech, Professor Babatunde thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to serve with integrity, professionalism and total loyalty to the administration’s vision.
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment. I understand the weight of this responsibility and I promise to work with all arms of government to ensure that the governor’s agenda for Oyo State is delivered without distraction,” Babatunde said.
He also appealed to civil servants, political appointees and stakeholders across the state to support his efforts to promote teamwork and good governance.
Public expectations
The appointment comes at a time when Oyo State residents are closely watching how Makinde’s government consolidates its achievements in road construction, healthcare, education and security, while addressing economic pressures facing families and businesses.
For many citizens, the new SSG’s performance will be a key indicator of whether the government can sustain its momentum and deliver on its remaining promises before the end of its tenure.
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With Babatunde now officially in office, the task before him is clear: to keep the government united, efficient and focused — and to help Governor Makinde finish his administration on a strong and credible note.
