Ogbomoso was agog as eminent personalities, political associates, elected and appointed public office holders, traditional rulers and residents celebrated Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole, popularly known as Wolekanle, following his appointment as Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
The newly appointed Chief of Staff was first received by a large crowd of Allied Peoples Movement (APM) faithful, political loyalists and supporters while accompanying Governor Makinde to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
The reception underscored the enthusiasm of party members and residents over Akinwole’s elevation to the strategic position in the Makinde administration.
The celebration continued at his residence in the Takie area of Ogbomoso on Friday, attracting political leaders, APM members, friends and other prominent personalities who gathered to felicitate with him on his new appointment.
The gathering featured traditional drummers and other entertainers, creating an atmosphere of excitement as supporters welcomed Akinwole to his hometown following his elevation.
Governor Makinde had announced Akinwole’s appointment on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Speaking with journalists at the event, the new Chief of Staff expressed delight over his appointment, appreciating Governor Makinde for the confidence reposed in him and the opportunity to serve in the new capacity.
He also acknowledged the support of APM leaders, political associates and residents of Ogbomoso, urging them to intensify efforts towards strengthening the party and ensuring victory for its candidates in future elections.
He said their continued support would contribute to sustaining good governance in Oyo State.
In their separate remarks, the Executive Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, Mr George Ogunlade, and a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance and Health, Chief Bayo Bankole, commended Governor Makinde for appointing Akinwole.
They described the appointment as putting a round peg in a round hole, expressing confidence that his experience and political influence would strengthen both the APM and the governor’s administration.
Two members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Engr. Abu-Salam Arijemagbabore and Hon. Ezekiel Oyedepo, also praised Makinde’s leadership and described Akinwole as an experienced grassroots politician whose contributions would be valuable to the administration.
They expressed optimism that the new Chief of Staff would deploy his political experience towards the success of the government and the electoral fortunes of the party and its candidates in the next general elections.
Among the dignitaries at the celebration were the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin; Hon. Bisi Oluranti, member representing Ogbomoso North Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly; Engr. Open Salawu, incoming Deputy Governor of Oyo State; and the Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, Mr George Ogunlade.
Others were Hon. John Adisa Oke, candidate for the Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives; Engr. Rabiu Bello, candidate for Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government; Hon. Bisi Oyewo, lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North; and the APM governorship candidate, Hon. Bimbo Adekannbi.
Local government chairmen led by the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, also attended the celebration.
Also present were the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, Akinbola III; Nollywood actress Sola Sobowale; and several political stakeholders, party leaders, associates and members.
The Oyo State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) was also represented by a delegation led by the Honourable Commissioner, Mrs. Christiana Nike Arewa.
Other members of the delegation included the Permanent Secretary, Pastor Adeola Omoyeni Oduola; Permanent Secretary, Oyo Zone, Mrs. Titilayo Adesina; Permanent Secretary, Ibadan Zone I, Mogaji Kola Alaga; and Permanent Secretary, Oke-Ogun Zone II, Mr. Olalekan Iyiola.
Retired Permanent Secretaries Deacon Adewale, Alhaji Busari Amusat and Dr. Mrs. Kafilat Adefunke Hamzat were also present.
Other officials included the Head of Local Government Administration, Mr. Adedayo Faith Solaja; Director of Finance and Supplies, Alhaji Gbola Badiru Adedokun; Director of Budget, Planning, Research and Statistics, Prince Rasheed Olabiyi; and Director of Education and Social Services, Mrs. Funke Foluso Lala.
The delegation also included the Internal Auditor, Alhaja Modinat Adeleke; Deputy Director of Administration and General Services, Alhaji Olalekan Jelili Alade; Acting Deputy Director of Administration and General Services, Mr. Lukman Baliaminu; Establishment Officer I, Mr. Samson Ojo; Establishment Officer III, Mrs. Taiwo Jimoh; Legal Officer, Barrister David Adejumo; and Chairman of the NULGE LGSC Chapter, Comrade Abdullah Lawal, among others.
Meanwhile, at a thanksgiving service held on Sunday at First Baptist Church, Okelerin, Ogbomoso, Rev. Dr. Victor Oyelowo expressed delight over Akinwole’s track record, which he said had contributed to his emergence as Chief of Staff.
The cleric urged the newly appointed official to demonstrate greater diligence, loyalty and commitment in discharging his responsibilities for the benefit of the people of Oyo State.
He prayed for wisdom, strength and a clear vision for Akinwole, particularly in distinguishing good counsel from bad advice, expressing hope that his tenure would record unprecedented achievements.
Oyelowo also appreciated Governor Makinde for the appointment and prayed for God’s guidance and sustenance for the governor, expressing the hope that he would complete his tenure successfully and leave office strong.
