Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved a slate of senior civil service promotions, appointing nine Permanent Secretaries along with two Principals-General and four Headteachers-General in the state’s education system. The appointments, announced on 31 December 2025 by the State Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, are intended to strengthen leadership across key ministries and education divisions.
Ogun State appointments bolster public service leadership
Mr Onasanya said the selections were made under Section 208(c) of the 1999 Constitution and were based on merit, professionalism, inclusiveness and extensive public service experience. Many of the promoted Permanent Secretaries were drawn from directors who completed the Ogun State Executive Leadership Development Pipeline programme, an initiative aimed at preparing senior managers for top-tier responsibilities.
The nine new Permanent Secretaries will assume leadership roles across a range of ministries and offices. They include Mr Abdul-Azeez Oludare Ajidele at the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Olufunmilayo Yetunde Soyoye-Baker at the Cash Transfer Unit, and Mrs Adebimpe Foluso Obienu at the Ministry of Justice. Other appointments are Dr Kafayat Modupe Lawal to the Alternate Medicine Board and Mr Ahmed Bayo Adetona to the Office of the Auditor-General.
Additional Permanent Secretaries named are Mr Idowu Oladapo Onasanya at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Olalekan Peter Taiwo at the State Treasury Office, Mr Akintomiwa Oluwagbeminiyi Osibodu at the Teaching Service Commission and Engr Kehinde Olukayode Akintomide at the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. The appointments aim to ensure operational continuity and improved oversight across public service functions.
Education appointments target performance and management
In the education sector, the Governor approved appointments to fill vacancies within the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board. Mr Matthew Adeyinka Osilesi and Mr Yakubu Olorunyomi Lamidi were appointed Principals-General for the Remo and Ijebu Divisions respectively. The four Headteachers-General named are Mr Benjamin Olusegun Alonge for Ijebu Division, Mrs Aminat Folake Busari for Remo Division, Mr Olusegun Nathaniel Akapo for Yewa Division and Mrs Folake Omolara Onabanjo for Egba Division.
Mr Onasanya highlighted that the education nominees underwent a rigorous screening process that included oral interviews and inspections of their previously managed schools. Evaluations focused on pupils’ performance in external examinations, administrative quality, staff relations and facility maintenance. Those chosen scored highly in these areas, he said, and were recommended for appointment.
The Head of Service congratulated the appointees and urged them to demonstrate dedication and excellence in line with the administration’s Building Our Future Together agenda. A formal swearing-in ceremony will be conducted by Governor Abiodun at a later date.
Implications for governance and service delivery
Officials close to the administration said the appointments reflect a broader emphasis on professional development and succession planning. By promoting candidates from a leadership pipeline, the state government seeks to reduce disruption in service delivery and accelerate reforms in education, justice and fiscal management. Observers will watch how the new appointees translate their mandates into improved outcomes for residents.
As the state prepares for the incoming appointees to take up their duties, stakeholders in the public and education sectors have called for continued transparency and follow-through on the priorities set out by the new leadership.
Key Takeaways:
- Governor Abiodun approved nine Permanent Secretaries plus education leaders as part of Ogun State appointments.
- Appointments follow the Executive Leadership Development Pipeline programme and Section 208(c) of the 1999 Constitution.
- Education appointees were screened on examination results, administration and facility management.
- Officials are expected to advance the administration’s Building Our Future Together agenda ahead of a formal swearing-in.
