Olatunji Lauds Appointment Of Prof. Babatunde As New SSG, Ashamu’s Redeployment, Others
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – THE Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji, has described the appointment of Professor Musibau Babatunde as Secretary to the Oyo State Government as a deliberate and well timed decision that reflects Governor Seyi Makinde’s preference for competence and continuity.
Olatunji made this known while reacting to Babatunde’s appointment as replacement for the sacked SSG, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.
He also congratulated Hon. Abiodun Adedoja ‘Ekolo’ over his appointment as the new Special Adviser on Energy Security. He expressed optimism that his appointment will improve the capacity of the present administration to deliver more effectively on its agenda of sustainable energy.
He said the decision was further strengthened by the governor’s deployment of Barrister Seun Ashamu, former Commissioner for Energy and for Environment and Natural Resources, to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, describing the move as being in the right direction.
He described Ashamu as a highly cerebral individual with years of proven track record in both private and public service, expressing optimism that he would deploy his wealth of expertise and experience to further improve operations of his new ministry.
According to the Oluyole LG chairman, while reacting to the appointment of a new SSG, Olatunji said Prof. Babatunde’s record as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning has laid a solid foundation for fiscal discipline and development focused governance, with visible impact at the local government level.
He expressed confidence that his successor at the ministry will consolidate on the gains recorded to further introduce initiatives and transformative ideas that will enhance government’s capacity on economic deliverables.
“Under Professor Babatunde, budget planning became more realistic and development oriented. Local governments benefited from clearer frameworks, better coordination and improved monitoring of projects.
It changed how councils related with state planning structures,” Olatunji said.
He noted that the posting of Barrister Ashamu to the same ministry would consolidate these gains, given his experience across strategic sectors of government and his understanding of policy execution.
“The deployment of Barrister Seun Ashamu to Budget and Economic Planning is a smart move. His background in energy, environment and natural resources gives him a broad development lens that fits perfectly into long term planning and economic coordination,” he added.
Olatunji described Babatunde as “a round peg in a round hole”, stressing that his deep grasp of budgeting, economic planning and governance architecture makes him well suited to the coordinating role of the SSG.
He expressed confidence that the combination of Babatunde’s new responsibility at the centre of government and Ashamu’s presence in the planning ministry would strengthen policy coherence and improve service delivery across the state.
The Oluyole LG chairman congratulated Professor Babatunde and others on their appointments and urged them to see it as a renewed call to service, noting that stakeholders at the grassroots remain optimistic about the administration’s capacity to sustain development and good governance in Oyo State.