Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has appointed Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole as his new Chief of Staff.
Politics Nigeria reports that the appointment came hours after Segun Ogunwuyi resigned from the position.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musbau Babatunde, on Monday, October 12, 2026.
This was as the statement also announced the appointment of Mrs Aderonke Adedayo as Director-General of the Due Process Office. Both appointments take immediate effect.
Akinwole, like his predecessor, Ogunwuyi, is a native of Ogbomoso in Oyo State.
Ogunwuyi announced his resignation earlier on Monday, bringing his tenure as Chief of Staff to an end amid a series of departures by political appointees from the Makinde administration in recent weeks.
His resignation has fuelled speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, including suggestions that he could join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Politics Nigeria reports that Governor Makinde is the presidential candidate of Allied People Movement (APM) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A source familiar with the political developments in Oyo State said internal disagreements within the governor’s political camp could be connected to Ogunwuyi’s departure.
“There have been internal disagreements within the political camp, and Ogunwuyi’s resignation has further fuelled speculation about possible realignments ahead of the 2027 elections,” the source was quoted as saying.
The source added that there were suggestions Ogunwuyi might be considering joining the APC but stressed that his possible defection had not been confirmed.
However, Ogunwuyi did not disclose any political disagreement or other reason for his resignation in his letter to the governor.
In the letter dated October 12, 2026, the former Chief of Staff said his resignation took immediate effect.
“I respectfully write to resign my appointment as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State, with effect from today, 12th October, 2026,” he wrote.
Ogunwuyi expressed gratitude to Makinde for the opportunity to serve in his administration, describing his time in government as fulfilling.
“Serving the Government and the good people of Oyo State has been a great honour. It has been deeply fulfilling to be part of the exceptional team that has worked relentlessly to deliver the remarkable achievements of this administration,” he stated.
He also expressed pride in the administration’s accomplishments, particularly its efforts to advance the growth and development of the state.
“I remain immensely proud of what we have collectively accomplished in advancing the growth, development and prosperity of our dear State,” Ogunwuyi said.
He added that he was leaving with gratitude for the opportunity to serve and confidence in the state’s continued progress.
Ogunwuyi concluded his letter by reaffirming his loyalty to Oyo State and Nigeria.
Before his appointment as Chief of Staff, Ogunwuyi had served as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.
His resignation comes amid the departure of several political appointees from the Makinde administration in the past two months, drawing attention to the political dynamics within the state government as the 2027 elections approach.
