A New Dawn of Leadership in Ondo State
Engr. Olaleye Akinola Takes Oath Office As Commissioner For Agriculture and Forestry In Ondo State
…Akure North APC Leaders Celebrate a Unifying Force and Visionary Trailblazer
It was a red-letter day in Ondo State as the winds of transformation blew across the political landscape with the official swearing-in of Engr. Olaleye Akinola as Commissioner, representing Akure North Local Government Area in the State Executive Council.
The historic event, presided over by the dynamic and forward-thinking Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Igbatoro Road, Akure, marked not just an appointment—but the heralding of a new era for Akure North and Ondo State at large.
With resounding applause and jubilant celebration, leaders, dignitaries, political associates, and community members gathered to witness the elevation of a man widely regarded as a bridge-builder, a technocrat and a unifier of people and purpose.
The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and excellent service delivery, as he officially swore in the second batch of Commissioners into the State Executive Council.
While addressing the newly inaugurated Commissioners, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged them to hit the ground running, noting that the expectations of the people of the State are high and that only the best is acceptable.
“The people of Ondo State expect nothing but the best from us, having entrusted us with an overwhelming mandate, and we must strive to deliver on all our electioneering promises,” he said.
While acknowledging that the new appointments were delayed by design, the Governor maintained that his administration believes in slow and steady governance, prioritizing consistency, goal attainment, and sustained progress over haste.
“This concept highlights the value of persistence, patience, and steady progress in achieving goals. Within the first 100 days of our administration, we have been able to prove that slow and steady wins the race,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa congratulated the new appointees, describing them as individuals with unassailable qualifications, impeccable track records and dedication to public service.
He urged them to discharge their duties with a high sense of integrity and patriotism, while upholding due process and building cordial working relationships within their Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Governor also addressed the families and associates of the new Commissioners, cautioning against exerting undue pressure on them for personal or sectional gains.
He further charged the appointees to align their work with the administration’s 7-point agenda, OUR EASE, which focuses on Economic Development, Food Security, Education, Healthcare, Infrastructure, Security, Youth Empowerment and Social Welfare.
Highlighting some of the achievements of his administration since assumption of office, Governor Aiyedatiwa said: “We have initiated projects, improved the infrastructural base of the State and enhanced the lives of our citizens through various socio-economic welfare programmes targeted at the elderly, the less privileged and the vulnerable.”
He noted that his administration has maintained continuity by building on existing projects, while also introducing new initiatives across the State. He added that proactive engagements with credible investors are already yielding positive results for the State’s economy.
Speaking on issue of security, the Governor emphasized that his government has remained resolute in the fight against criminality, noting the recent approval of a Bill seeking stiffer penalties including the death sentence for kidnappers and abductors.
The Governor also assured those who are yet to be appointed that there are ample opportunities to serve the State in various capacities.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, described the appointment of the new Commissioners as a strategic step toward inclusive, people-focused governance in Ondo State.
He praised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s visionary leadership and commitment to development, noting that the appointees were carefully selected based on merit, competence, and loyalty to the administration’s OUR EASE agenda.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated Commissioners, Mr. Omoyofunmi Segun expressed gratitude to the Governor for the trust and opportunity to serve, assuring that they would discharge their duties diligently and serve the state to the best of their abilities.
In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Wife of the Governor, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omajuwa, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, State Chairman of APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin, member of the House of Representatives, Hon Abiola Makinde, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, Traditional rulers, Local Government Chairmen, LCDA Chairmen, Labour Leaders, religious leaders, political leaders, among other eminent personalities.
At the grand reception held at Imafon High School Field, Akure North, in honour of Hon. Olaleye Akinola, several notable leaders and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) spoke with The Democrat News Magazine about the quality leadership the new commissioner is expected to bring to the state.
In his remarks, Hon. Olaleye Akinola expressed immense joy, describing the day as the happiest of his political journey. He stated that the honour bestowed upon him was held in high esteem, calling himself fortunate to be among those chosen to drive the OUR EASE agenda of Ondo State under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
> “Among all the wonderful sons and daughters of Akure North, God used our amiable Governor to appoint me as one of the commissioners in Ondo State. I feel very lucky to be part of the team that will implement the OUR EASE mantra,” he said.
On the Governor’s directive to “hit the ground running,” Hon. Akinola affirmed his readiness to make a lasting impact in alignment with the Governor’s vision.
> “Our ever-ready and reliable Governor said we should hit the ground running. If our ministry had already been assigned, I would have resumed work immediately—even as others are dining and celebrating here today,” he added.
He assured the public of his commitment to ensuring success in any ministry he is posted to.
> “With my training and by God’s grace, I will ensure that the OUR EASE agenda is fulfilled to the letter. I will emulate our Governor’s hard work and dedication to making Ondo State better than we met it.”
Many attendees from the area described him as a unifying force. Hon. Akinola, a trained project manager, stated that he would apply his expertise to foster unity among APC leaders and members in Akure North and beyond.
“By my training as a project manager, I can work with anyone. In my field, we follow a process—‘Coming together,’ then ‘Storming,’ followed by ‘Forming,’ and finally, ‘Performing.’ This marks the forming stage of a new political era in Akure North, and by God’s grace, we will perform excellently.”
He emphasized the importance of inclusion and collaboration, quoting the Governor’s words:
> “As the Governor rightly said, not everyone can be appointed, but everyone can be patronized. I assure all our leaders that they will be supported and included. Even if their needs fall outside my ministry, I will liaise with other commissioners to ensure Akure North receives what it needs.”
He further promised to serve not just his local government but the entire state:
> “As a member of the cabinet, we have been charged to serve not only our families but the people of Ondo State at large.”
Voices of Support for Hon. Leye Akinola including: Mr. Adedipe Aruwajoye who described Hon. Akinola as a brilliant and reliable individual:
> “We’ve been searching for leaders like him in government. He’s loyal, trustworthy, and capable. I thank God I know him. Akure North and all of Ondo State will benefit from his service.”
Prince Afolabi Mabogunje, former Chairman of Ose Local Government, praised the Governor’s decision:
> “Appointing Engr. Leye Akinola is one of the best decisions the Governor has made. He is competent, bold, and dedicated to any task he takes on.”
Ebenezer Alabi former Chairman of PDP in Ondo State called him a well-favoured politician and community developer:
“He has served our community well, and I am confident he will succeed as a commissioner.”
Oluwafemi Ojo Ofakunrin, a leader of the APC in Akure North, also lauded the Governor’s choice:
> “I urge all residents of Akure North to support him. He is ready to move our local government and the entire state forward.”
Hon. Aderonke Aramide Akerele, Senior Legislative Aide to the Senate President, congratulated Hon. Akinola and vouched for his leadership qualities:
> “He will put his expertise to full use for the good of Ondo State and Nigeria at large.”
Hon. Emmanuel Falumo, Secretary of Akure North Local Government, also commended the appointment:
> “The Governor made the right choice. Engr. Akinola will bring the development we need. I call on all residents to emulate his leadership style, which has already positively impacted our community.”
Community Leaders React: Chief Adebayo Lawrence (Chairman, Igbatoro Ward 4), Otunba Adebayo Balogun, Anthony Ayodele (Acting Chairman, APC Akure North), Hon. Akindele Adeniyi, Alhaji Amusat Adeshina, and Comrade Lawal Tosin (Youth Leader, Akure) all expressed gratitude to the Governor for appointing a leader of high quality.
They described Hon. Leye Akinola as focused, respectful, and a key unifying figure in Akure North and within the APC.
> “We assure the Governor of our full support for Hon. Akinola. He has distinguished himself through his character and his ability to bring us together.”