By David Olalekan.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Bolaji Ayorinde, a former governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2019 election as his Special Counsel.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, Governor Makinde also appointed another opposition candidate, Yemi Aderibigbe, as Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Aderibigbe was the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the February 23 House of Representatives election.
Others appointed include: Wale Onaolapo, who was appointed as Chairman, Oyo State Security Trust Fund and Gboyega Badejo, appointed as the Director-General (Protocol) to the Governor.
Recall that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State had earlier criticized Governor Makinde for appointing a 27-year-old, Seun Fakorede, as commissioner for sports.
Some leaders of the party described Fakorede’s nomination as “unguarded”, stressing that the nominee was a member of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
One of the PDP chieftains in the state, Samuel Olawuwo, was quoted as saying, “During the campaign period, the governor promised us that anytime he wanted to pick either the commissioner or any other office, he would consult us.
“But he didn’t do that when he wanted to pick Seun Fakorede.
“This man, whose son is now picked, is a staunch member of APC. We totally reject his nomination.”