Ekiti Assembly Begins Screening of Commissioner Nominees, Confirms Oyebode on Merit

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By Ojo Ayodeji

The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Tuesday commenced the screening of Commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Biodun Oyebanji as part of the ongoing process to reconstitute the State Executive Council.

The first to appear before the lawmakers was the former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode, who received widespread commendation for his transparency, experience and contributions to governance. Lawmakers described him as a diligent public servant whose work has positively shaped the state’s financial management since the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi.

In a statement signed by the Director of Information Services, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Olasunkanmi Ekundayo, lawmakers praised Oyebode’s role in strengthening the state’s finances, his support for sports development, and his involvement in various initiatives that align with the shared prosperity agenda of the Oyebanji administration.

Oyebode, who was screened and confirmed the same day in a rare show of legislative confidence, was applauded for his performance during past oversight reviews. Members noted that his national and international connections have brought notable development benefits to the state.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, said most of the nominees had previously been screened by the Assembly and performed creditably under the current administration. He urged his colleagues to evaluate the nominees based on their past record before the cabinet was dissolved.

Other lawmakers thanked Governor Oyebanji for re-presenting individuals they described as tested, competent and reliable.

Other nominees screened included Prof. Bolaji Aluko and Mr. Kehinde Ajobiewe, both of whom served as Commissioners between December 2022 and August 2025. The lawmaker representing Irepodun/Ifelodun Constituency I and Chairman of the House Committee on Infrastructure and Public Utilities praised Prof. Aluko for his contributions while overseeing the infrastructure ministry.

Ajobiewe, a former Commissioner for Transport, appreciated both the Governor and the Assembly for their continued support. He received commendations for his work during his last tenure and also confirmed that the long-awaited first scheduled flight at the Ekiti State Airport will commence on 10 December 2025, with routes from Lagos to Ado Ekiti and Ado Ekiti to Abuja.

He added that the airport, designed for passenger and cargo operations, will open new economic opportunities for residents and reduce dependence on Akure for flight services.

Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Jamiu urged the government to strengthen traffic regulations for commercial motorcyclists, popularly called okada riders, by setting up a monitoring task force. Hon. Tunde Idowu, representing Ikere Constituency II, also raised concerns about the lack of uniform identification among okada riders, saying it often leads to infiltration by miscreants.