Ekiti assembly approves two former commissioners and 10 advisers

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has confirmed two former commissioners for re-appointment by Governor Biodun Oyebanji. They also approved 10 special advisers proposed by the governor.

Punch reported that the lawmakers confirmed Dayo Apata as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Akintunde Oyebode was confirmed as Commissioner for Finance during the plenary on Wednesday.

Both Apata and Oyebode served in the same positions during Mr Oyebanji’s first term.

However, the Assembly postponed the screening of a third nominee, Oyebanji Filani, who was nominated as Commissioner for Health and Human Services. His screening was rescheduled for Monday, 2 November, after he requested a new date.

Babatunde Oke, the chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Media and Public Affairs, shared these decisions in a statement. The approvals came after Mr Oyebanji sent a letter to the Assembly requesting approval for the three commissioner-nominees and the 10 special advisers as he starts his second term.

Mr Oke mentioned that the Speaker, Adeoye Aribasoye, praised Mr Apata and Mr Oyebode for their past performance in office. He noted their experience with the legislature.

According to the statement, both nominees had appeared before the lawmakers before, either for screening or to give accounts of their work.

The Speaker then suggested that the nominees should “take a bow and go,” a proposal that the lawmakers accepted unanimously before confirming their nominations.

Mr Filani, in a letter read by the Speaker, explained that he could not attend the scheduled screening and asked for a new date. The lawmakers agreed to his request.

The Assembly also approved Mr Oyebanji’s request to appoint 10 special advisers. These advisers will help with the administration’s work in key sectors of the state.

The statement did not mention the names of the proposed advisers or their roles. The governor took his oath for a second term on 16 October. In his request, he stated that these appointments are meant to ensure continuity in important areas and help the administration strengthen its work.