Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has warned newly appointed commissioners, special advisers, Tutors-General and members of government boards and commissions against mediocrity and misuse of public trust.
Aiyedatiwa issued the warning on Thursday during the swearing-in and inauguration ceremony held at the International Centre for Culture and Events, The Dome, along Igbatoro Road, Akure.
The governor urged the appointees to work collectively as one administration, cautioning them against rivalry, bureaucratic bottlenecks and sectional interests that could undermine effective governance.
He described public office as a responsibility rather than a reward, stressing that the appointees were expected to justify the confidence placed in them through measurable results and improved service delivery.
Among those sworn in were Erelu Taibat Yemi Oloruntoba as Commissioner for Special Duties; Rt. Hon. Abimbola Fajolu as Special Adviser on Environment; Chief Ade Adeniyi as Special Adviser on Rural and Community Development; Mr. Muyiwa Ogunyemi as Special Adviser on Transport; Mr. Femi Fadairo as Special Adviser on Special Duties and Strategy; and Rt. Hon. Iroju Ogundeji as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters.
The governor also inaugurated three Tutors-General: Mr. Iwagun Austin Olusola for Ondo South Senatorial District, Dr. Jogbodo Bosede for Ondo Central and Mr. Fasawe Toluwalase Abayomi for Ondo North.
Other officials inaugurated included Dr. Man Ali as Chairman of the Ondo State Civil Service Commission, with Mr. Michael Oshodi as a member, as well as chairmen and members of the Ondo State Sports Council, State Universal Basic Education Board and Local Government Service Commission.
Also inaugurated were the chairmen of the Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board, Christian Welfare Board, Competition and Consumer Protection Agency, and Cocoa Revolution and Management Board.
Aiyedatiwa said the ceremony represented more than a constitutional requirement, describing it as a renewal of the appointees’ commitment to public service and good governance.
He said the appointees were selected based on competence, experience, character and their capacity to contribute to the development of the state.
According to him, citizens now expect tangible outcomes from government rather than rhetoric, making competence, loyalty, discretion and measurable performance essential for everyone assuming public office.
The governor directed the new officials to familiarise themselves with the state’s “OUR EASE” development agenda and ensure financial prudence in the discharge of their duties.
He said every government policy, budgetary allocation and decision must ultimately benefit the people of Ondo State.
Aiyedatiwa also disclosed that the state’s 2026 budget had been reviewed upward from N524.411 billion to N769.384 billion following a mid-year assessment of the Appropriation Law.
He said the additional resources would be directed towards critical areas, including roads, water, healthcare and other infrastructure.
The governor further announced plans to construct at least five kilometres of roads in each of the state’s 18 local government areas, amounting to a minimum of 90 kilometres.
He added that additional funding had been provided for the Adegbola–St. Mathias Flyover along Oba Adesida Road in Alagbaka, Akure.
On the political front, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 and the success of APC candidates.
He urged the new appointees to combine their political responsibilities with humility, integrity and effective service, while leaving the institutions under their watch better than they found them.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, reminded the appointees of their responsibility to uphold fundamental rights and promote responsible governance.
He urged them to align their work with the administration’s development objectives in infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Oloruntoba thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and pledged that they would deploy their experience and expertise towards achieving the administration’s objectives.
