Barring last-minute change of mind, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo State, will soon forward the list of nominees into the state executive to the state legislature for screening and confirmation. Sources told SaharaReporters that Mr. Akeredolu has decided on the names to be included in his cabinet.
Twice, Mr. Akeredolu had promised that he would soon compose his cabinet. The first occasion was during the 2017 budget signing ceremony, with the other being a book launch. A top source in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) told SaharaReporters on Friday that the governor decided on the nomineess after extensive consultations and negotiations targeted at compensating those who worked for his electoral success.
Another source said Mr. Akeredolu had initially planned to have a lean cabinet made up of special advisers. That plan has been jettisoned for nominees chosen from the 18 local councils in the state.
“Don’t forget that the governor said he wanted a compact government, which would include technocrats and experts that can work with him. But we had to quickly plead with him to expand the scope of his appointment in order to accommodate some of our members, who worked hard during the election and still remain loyal,” said the source.
The arrangement decided upon, it was revealed, is not considered satisfactory by Mr.Agboola Ajayi, the deputy Governor, who is said to be sore that his input was insignificant. Sources close to Mr. Ajayi, however, denied that the deputy governor is displeased.
“That’s a lie, it is just a rumor being peddled to cause disaffection. The deputy governor is at peace with his boss over the list,” said a source close to Mr. Ajayi.
A source close to Mr. Akeredolu told this website that the list may shock many of those hoping to be nominated as commissioners and special advisers.
“The cabinet list might be a shocker to everyone because some of the names being speculated on the social media are not included. The governor may send close to 30 names.Don’t forget that the governor, last week, got approval from the House of Assembly to appoint 10 special advisers," he said.
Among those said to be on the list as commissioners is Mr. Gboyega Adefarati from Akoko Southwest Local Government Area. He is the son of a former governor, the late Mr. Adebayo Adefarati. The former governor's son got the nod over Mr. Victor Olambitan, a former House of Assembly Speaker, who is thought be the choice of the people. He is, however, tipped to be compensated with a meaty federal appointment.
From Akure South Local Government Area came two nominees Messrs.Omowunmi Olatunji and Charles Titiloye. Ose Local Government Area produced Mr.Timehin Adelegbe, a staunch supporter of Mr. Akeredolu and owner of the Royal Park Lane Hotel, Akure. His hotel was said to be the venue of numerous APC meetings both before and after the 2016 governorship election.
Sources confirmed that Mr. Adelegbe is on the list for an appointment because he has contributed immensely to Mr. Akeredolu’s political career since 2012.
The nominee from Odigbo Local Government Area is said to be Mr.Samuel Aderoboye, Speaker of House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003. He is thought to have gotten the nod over Mrs.Yetunde Adeyanju, a former commissioner under the immediate past administration, who is likely to get a juicy appointment for her contribution to the governor's victory in the council area.
Also on the list is Mr. Rasheed Badmus from Akoko Northwest Local Government Area, where he is Chairman of the party. He is said to the candidate of lawyer and pro-democracy activist, Mr. Tunji Abayomi, who hails from the council.
Insiders also hinted that majority of the political leaders in the area endorsed his nomination via a letter written to Mr. Akeredolu. His major rival for the slot is the state party secretary, Mr. Rhaman Rotimi,who has been assured of a compensatory appointment.
Mrs. Lola Fagbemi from Ondo West Local Government Area, sources told SaharaReporters, has been lined up to head the Women Affairs. Mrs. Fagbemi, abetted by Professor Ademodi, was a counter force to Mr. Bola Ilori, who hails from the council, but worked against the APC by supporting the Alliance for Democracy candidate, Mr.Olusola Oke.
Mr. Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye is said to be on the list as the nominee from Akure North Local Government Area. He saw off the bid of Comrade Dele Ologun, who mobilized the youths of the council for Mr.Akeredolu during the election
Mr. Solagbade Amodeni, a former Commissioner for Natural Resources, is the nominee from Akure Northeast Local Government Area. He was one of the earliest decampees to the APC in the state. He served as commissioner during the first term of Mr. Mimiko.
Sources, however, said his nomination has provoked a flood of petitions, but added that the governor is unlikely to change is mind. State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Abayomi Adesanya, got the slot for Okitipupa local council.
Ile Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area will be represented in the cabinet by Mr. Wale Akinterinwa, a financial expert. He trumped a former governorship aspirant, Mr. Boye Oyewunmi, who will be made a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor. Akinteriwa is tipped to head either the Commerce or Finance Ministry .
In Idanre Local Government Area, sources said, it is a toss up between Messrs. Kayode Aroloye and Yemi Olowolabi
The latter is said to have the support of acting Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr.Ade Adetimehin. Mr. Olowolabi, a media consultant to Mr. Akeredolu, was Chief Press Secretary to the late Mr. Olusegun Agagu, former governor of the state.
From Ifedore Local Government Area, Mr.Akeredolu is thought to have picked Mr.Tunde Dohart, Chairman, APC Ondo State chapter in the United Kingdom.
