In a strategic political move, Ondo State Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has appointed Mr. Olayide Adelami, a former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, as the new deputy governor of the state. This decision comes shortly after the governor made a sweeping change by sacking all commissioners and special advisers.
The announcement was made through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan. The statement revealed that Adelami’s nomination has been transmitted to the state House of Assembly for approval and is expected to be announced later. Adelami, who retired from his position as Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly in April 2018, hails from Owo in the Owo Local Government Area, the same area as the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
In a previous interview with The PUNCH in 2020, Adelami, who was an APC governorship aspirant but stepped down for the late Akeredolu, expressed that his initial plans did not include joining politics. He highlighted his background as a trained technocrat and his involvement in field politics, which he said exposed him to the needs of the people across Ondo State.
This appointment is part of a series of changes implemented by Governor Aiyedatiwa since his inauguration. These changes include the dissolution of the State Executive Council and the relief of all Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants from their duties. In his statement, the governor thanked the outgoing officials for their service and contributions to the development of the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was sworn in as the substantive governor on December 27, 2023, following the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, is reshaping his administration, with this appointment marking a significant step in that process.