Governor Oyebanji Dissolves Ekiti Cabinet Ahead of Second-Term Inauguration, Retains Three Key Officials

Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has dissolved the State Executive Council ahead of his inauguration for a second term in office, marking the end of his first-term cabinet as the state prepares for a new phase of governance.

The governor announced the dissolution on Monday, October 12, 2026, during a valedictory session with members of the outgoing cabinet at the Executive Council Chamber, Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.

The decision forms part of the administrative process for winding down the first-term administration, which is scheduled to end on Thursday, October 15, ahead of the governor’s inauguration for another four-year term on Friday, October 16.

However, three senior government officials have been retained and are not affected by the dissolution. They are the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro; the Chief of Staff, Niyi Adebayo; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, who explained that the dissolution was part of the transition arrangements ahead of the second-term inauguration.

Oyebanji Thanks Outgoing Commissioners and Advisers

At the valedictory session, Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to members of the outgoing State Executive Council for their contributions to the administration and the development of Ekiti State.

He acknowledged their commitment and dedication to public service, noting that their efforts had contributed to the implementation of government policies and programmes during his first term.

The governor also expressed gratitude to God for preserving the lives of the cabinet members throughout their period in office.

Members of the outgoing cabinet, including commissioners and special advisers, took turns to thank the governor for the opportunity to serve the state. They also reflected on their experiences in government and commended his leadership.

The outgoing officials reaffirmed their commitment to Ekiti State’s development, indicating their willingness to continue contributing to the state’s progress in other capacities.

The dissolution brings their current appointments to an end as the governor prepares to constitute the team that will serve during his second term.

Three Officials Retain Their Positions

Despite the dissolution of the State Executive Council, Professor Habibat Adubiaro, Niyi Adebayo and Yinka Oyebode will remain in their respective positions.

Their retention provides continuity in key administrative, operational and communication functions as the government transitions into its next term.

The Secretary to the State Government coordinates important government administrative processes, while the Chief of Staff supports the governor’s office and the coordination of official activities. The Chief Press Secretary is responsible for communicating the administration’s activities and positions to the public through the media.

The continued service of the three officials means that these offices will retain their current leadership during the transition, while the governor prepares to make decisions concerning other cabinet positions.

However, the dissolution does not automatically establish who will be appointed to the vacant commissioner and special adviser positions in the next administration.

Oyebanji Prepares for Second Term on October 16

Governor Oyebanji was first inaugurated as governor of Ekiti State on October 16, 2022. Following his re-election in the governorship election held on June 20, 2026, he is scheduled to begin his second term on October 16, 2026.

His inauguration is expected to take place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion in Ado-Ekiti.

The transition follows an earlier decision announced in September to dissolve boards, commissions and parastatals and terminate the appointments of political appointees as the first term approached its conclusion.

That earlier exercise affected several categories of political appointees, including special assistants, senior special assistants and technical assistants, subject to specified exemptions. Certain statutory commissions and governing councils were also excluded from the dissolution arrangements.

The latest decision concerning the State Executive Council is another step in the preparations for the new term.

What the Cabinet Dissolution Means for Ekiti State

The dissolution of the cabinet creates an opportunity for the governor to reorganise his executive team and determine the personnel who will implement his priorities during the next four years.

The appointment of commissioners and special advisers is particularly important because these officials help translate government policies into programmes across ministries, departments and agencies.

For residents of Ekiti State, the major question will be whether the next cabinet can sustain existing development projects while improving public services, infrastructure, education, healthcare, employment opportunities and economic growth.

The transition also presents an opportunity for the administration to assess the performance of its first-term policies and identify areas requiring greater attention.

Although the governor has expressed appreciation to the outgoing cabinet, the next phase of governance will be judged largely by the administration’s ability to deliver measurable improvements in the lives of residents.

As the October 16 inauguration approaches, attention is expected to focus on the composition of the new cabinet and the policy direction of Oyebanji’s second-term administration.

For now, the dissolution formally closes the chapter on the outgoing State Executive Council, while the retention of three senior officials provides continuity as Ekiti State prepares for another four years under Governor Biodun Oyebanji.