By Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado-Ekiti
The Ekiti State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of 17 out of the 18 commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Biodun Oyebanji.
The confirmations followed a comprehensive screening exercise conducted by the lawmakers to assess the nominees’ competence, experience, and preparedness to serve in their respective ministries.
Leading the screening was former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akintunde Oyebode, a nominee from Ikole Local Government Area, who highlighted his achievements in office prior to the dissolution of the cabinet. His performance drew commendation from lawmakers, leading to his confirmation.
Other nominees confirmed include Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, Dapo Karounwi, Folorunso Olabode, Adesola Gold, Ojo Atibioke, Kehinde Ajobiewe, Peju Babafemi, and Tosin Ajisafe Aluko, among others. The nominees outlined their contributions to governance between December 2022 and August 2025 during the exercise.
At a plenary, last week, the final two nominees, Prof. Ojo Bakare and Mr. Seun Fakuade, also appeared before the Assembly and presented their stewardship while in office. While Prof. Bakare was confirmed, Mr. Fakuade’s confirmation was suspended due to a pending petition against him which is yet to be рассмотрed by the House.
Speaking after the exercise, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, described the confirmed nominees as men and women of integrity who have previously served the state with distinction. He urged them to surpass their past achievements in contributing to the growth and development of Ekiti State.
Aribasoye also called on the nominees to hit the ground running in order to support the administration’s development agenda.
In a related development, the Speaker reaffirmed the commencement of Ekiti State’s first commercial flight, scheduled for Wednesday, describing it as a milestone that would boost inter-state connectivity and economic activities. He commended former Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi for initiating the project and Governor Oyebanji for bringing it to fruition, noting the Assembly’s role in facilitating necessary legislative approvals.
Meanwhile, the House also considered the Ekiti State Revenue Administration Bill, 2025, which scaled second reading. Presenting the bill, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Tolulope Ige, said it aims to improve revenue collection, enhance tax compliance, and increase state revenue.
Contributing, Rt. Hon. Hakeem Jamiu and Hon. Babatunde Oke said the bill would harmonize revenue processes, eliminate multiple taxation, and align state practices with the Tax Reform Act, 2025, passed by the National Assembly.
The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Hon. Teju Okuyiga, with a directive to submit its report on or before December 18.