Two senior officials in the Oyo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning have resigned their appointments, citing no specific reasons. Ayobami Ojo, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, and Simeon Oyeleke, the ministry's Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, submitted their resignations in separate letters dated November 2. Both letters were addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde and stated that their resignations would take effect immediately.
In his resignation letter, Ayobami Ojo referred to his appointment letter dated June 22, 2026, and formally announced his resignation as commissioner. He described his time in government as an honour and appreciated the opportunity to serve the state. Ojo expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to contribute to the administration's policies and development programmes.
Simeon Oyeleke also tendered his resignation, effective November 2. In his letter, he thanked Governor Makinde for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to contribute to the administration's policies and development programmes. Oyeleke expressed appreciation for the governor's leadership, support, and encouragement during his time in office.
The latest resignations come amid a series of exits of political appointees and other officials from the Makinde administration in recent months. Several officials have resigned from their positions, including Segun Ogunwuyi, who resigned as the governor's chief of staff on October 12. His resignation took immediate effect, although he did not state a reason for his departure.
Other officials who have left the administration include Tara Adefope, the Director-General of the Oyo State Due Process Office, who resigned on October 12. Kabiru Salami, the governor's Executive Assistant on Security Coordination, also tendered his resignation in late October. Funmi Arulogun, a Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, resigned in August, citing personal and political considerations.
The resignations also include Babatunde Oduyoye, a member of the Oyo State Advisory Council, who stepped down in July. Fatai Owoseni, a former Commissioner of Police who served as the governor's Special Adviser on Security, resigned in May. These departures come as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Makinde is running as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in the 2027 general elections. The spate of resignations from his administration has raised concerns about the potential impact on the state's governance and the governor's campaign.
Key points
- Ayobami Ojo and Simeon Oyeleke resigned as Commissioner and Special Adviser for Budget and Economic Planning.
- Several other officials have resigned from the Makinde administration in recent months.
- Governor Makinde is running for president in the 2027 general elections.
