Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has suffered another major political setback following the resignation of three government officials, including Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo, in a fresh wave of departures from his administration.
The three officials, who submitted their resignation letters on Monday, November 2, are Ojo, Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Simeon Adegbola Oyeleke, and member of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Sunday Olugbenga Falana.
Their exits represent another blow to the administration, which has witnessed a series of resignations involving political appointees and government officials in recent weeks, raising questions about the stability of the governor’s political structure as the 2027 general elections approach.
Ojo, who hails from Ago-Are in Atisbo Local Government Area, communicated his decision in a letter addressed to Makinde through the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde.
The former commissioner referenced his appointment letter dated June 22, 2026, and announced that his resignation would take immediate effect.
Although he did not disclose the reason for his decision, Ojo expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve the state.
Similarly, Oyeleke, a former two-term member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and former local government chairman, resigned as Special Adviser on Budget and Economic Planning.
In his resignation letter dated November 2 and addressed directly to the governor, Oyeleke said he was no longer comfortable with the working environment within the administration.
He explained that the circumstances surrounding his position had made it difficult for him to effectively pursue and fulfil the aspirations of his people while serving in the government.
His decision is particularly significant given his political background and previous experience in the state’s legislative and grassroots political structures.
Oyeleke, however, acknowledged Makinde’s leadership and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the administration’s policies and developmental programmes.
He wrote: “I sincerely appreciate Your Excellency’s leadership, encouragement, support and the invaluable experience I have gained during my period of service. I remain grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this administration and to have contributed to its laudable achievements.”
The third official, Falana, a member of OYSIEC from Ogbomoso, also tendered his resignation in a letter dated November 2, addressed to the governor through the Chief of Staff.
His resignation took immediate effect, although he did not disclose the circumstances behind his decision.
Falana thanked Makinde for the opportunity to serve on the state’s electoral management body, describing his experience as worthwhile.
The latest developments have further drawn attention to the growing number of officials leaving the Makinde administration, particularly at a time when political activities are gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
In October, the governor’s Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, resigned after more than five years in the position. His departure was followed by that of Tara Adefope, the former Director-General of the state’s Due Process Office.
Ogunwuyi, a former member of the House of Representatives, did not disclose his reason for leaving, although his resignation generated political speculation amid reported disagreements over political alignments and the choice of a successor to Makinde.
The governor subsequently appointed Bashorun Akinwole Akinwole as his new Chief of Staff, while Aderonke Adedayo was appointed Director-General of the Due Process Office.
Other officials who have reportedly left their positions include former Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, who served as Special Adviser on Security; former member of the state Advisory Council, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye; and former Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Matters, Funmi Arulogun.
Also on the list are former Chairman of the Governing Board of the College of Agriculture, Igboora, Dr. Damilare Gideon Amusan, and former lawmaker Peter Oyetunji.
Four other appointees resigned on October 19. They include Joshua Olusola Afolabi, Rebecca Oladoja Agbejimi, Noah Olusola Adeyanju and Suleiman Abiodun Adegbola, who served in different government institutions and local government administration.
While some of the departing officials have declined to give reasons for their decisions, Oyeleke’s reference to an unconducive working environment introduces a fresh dimension to the growing departures.
The resignations are also coming against the backdrop of shifting political alignments in Oyo State, with the ruling Allied Peoples Movement (APM) facing increasing pressure to consolidate its grassroots structure ahead of the forthcoming elections.
In another development, the Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso North, Hon. Jimoh Sikiru Idowu, has also resigned his membership of the APM.
Idowu announced his decision in a letter addressed to party executives in the local government on Monday, promising to hand over party documents, assets and records to the appropriate authorities.
He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve the party and its members, particularly in grassroots mobilisation and party organisation.
The development comes as OYSIEC intensifies preparations for the December 29, 2026, local government elections across the state’s 33 local government areas.
The electoral commission had released its final list of candidates on October 27 as part of preparations for the council polls.
With the latest resignations, Makinde faces renewed questions about the cohesion of his political camp and the ability of the ruling party to maintain its influence across the state as the countdown to the 2027 general elections gathers momentum.
Neither Ojo nor Falana publicly stated the reasons for their resignations, while Oyeleke specifically cited his discomfort with the working environment.
