Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved the reappointment of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, reinforcing his administration’s leadership structure as it begins a new phase.

The announcement came shortly after the governor resumed official duties following his inauguration as the seventh democratically elected governor of Ondo State. The appointment places Dr. Fasoranti, a medical professional and administrator, at the centre of the state’s policy coordination and government operations.

Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti is the son of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, the respected leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere. Before his latest appointment, he served as chairman of the Ondo State Hospitals Management Board, where he oversaw public healthcare administration in the state. He hails from Akure South Local Government Area.

The decision to retain Fasoranti in the influential office of Secretary to the State Government is seen as part of Governor Aiyedatiwa’s effort to maintain continuity within his administration while pursuing key developmental goals.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the appointments took effect immediately. The statement said the governor expects the appointees to contribute meaningfully to the delivery of efficient governance and public services across Ondo State.

Beyond the appointment of the SSG, Governor Aiyedatiwa also retained several members of his cabinet. Dr. Kayode Ajulo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was reappointed as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, while Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac retained her position as Commissioner for Finance.

The governor equally approved the return of several special advisers who had served in the previous administration. Those retained include Engr. Johnson Alabi, Special Adviser on Power; Dr. Seun Osamaye, Special Adviser on Women Affairs; Comrade Bola Taiwo, Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties; and Prof. Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser on Health.

In another move, Engr. Abiola Olawoye, who previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, was elevated to the position of Special Adviser overseeing the same portfolio.

Part of the official statement read: “The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti as the Secretary to the State Government.”

The statement further noted that all the appointments take immediate effect and urged the officials to “hit the ground running in providing effective and efficient services to the people of Ondo State.”

Political observers say the appointments reflect the governor’s confidence in experienced members of his team as he begins a full term in office. Analysts also believe the inclusion of trusted figures from previous administrations could help ensure stability and continuity in governance.

Dr. Fasoranti’s appointment came after the death of former Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, who died following injuries sustained in a road accident. His emergence as SSG therefore carries both administrative and political significance, especially considering his family’s longstanding influence in the South-West political landscape.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who previously assumed office through constitutional succession, has repeatedly pledged to pursue inclusive governance and accelerate development initiatives across Ondo State. His administration has identified infrastructure, healthcare, economic growth and social welfare as major priorities.

The latest appointments are expected to shape policymaking in Ondo State in the coming years as the administration seeks to deliver on its campaign promises and address key challenges facing residents.

With the reappointment of senior officials and the strengthening of his cabinet, Governor Aiyedatiwa appears determined to begin his tenure with a leadership team familiar with the workings of government and prepared for the responsibilities ahead.