Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has dissolved his cabinet, boards, and commissions ahead of his second-term inauguration, according to a statement from his office. The move, announced on Sunday, marks the formal winding down of his first term, with the governor set to assume office for a second term on October 16. The dissolution includes the termination of political appointees, such as Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants, and Technical Assistants, as part of a structured transition process.
The decision, outlined by the governor’s Special Adviser (Media), Yinka Oyebode, was framed as necessary to align with the conclusion of Oyebanji’s first term. However, statutory bodies such as the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC), Civil Service Commission, and Judicial Service Commission were explicitly excluded from the dissolution. These entities, along with governing councils of state-owned tertiary institutions, will remain operational, as per the governor’s earlier directives.
Oyebanji’s administration also retained key leadership roles, including directors-general and technical advisers, while dissolving boards under entities like the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Local Government Service Commission, and Teaching Service Commission. Chairmen of these bodies will continue in their roles, but their respective boards have been disbanded. The governor’s office emphasized that the move aims to streamline governance and prepare for the incoming administration.
In a statement, Oyebanji expressed gratitude to the affected appointees for their contributions to the state’s development. He wished them success in future endeavors, underscoring the administrative transition’s focus on continuity and efficiency. The dissolution follows Oyebanji’s victory in the June 20 governorship election, which secured his second term in the state.
The restructuring has raised questions about the stability of Ekiti’s governance framework as the state prepares for a new administration. Analysts note that the exclusion of key statutory bodies suggests an effort to maintain institutional continuity, while the removal of political appointees may signal a shift toward technocratic governance. However, the full implications of the dissolution remain to be seen as the transition unfolds.
Oyebanji’s actions align with standard practices in Nigerian state transitions, where outgoing administrations often restructure appointments to facilitate smoother handovers. The move also reflects broader political dynamics in Ekiti, where the governor’s party has maintained dominance since the 2018 election. Critics, however, argue that such measures could disrupt ongoing projects and policy implementations.
The dissolution underscores the complex interplay between political transitions and administrative stability in Nigeria. As Ekiti prepares for its next chapter, the balance between institutional continuity and governance reform will be critical in shaping the state’s trajectory.