Governor Makinde Names Ex-Lawmaker Saheed Fijabi to Chair 11-Member Committee for Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, October 6, 2025, announced the formation of an 11-member committee to spearhead the preparations for the state’s forthcoming 50th-anniversary celebration, which is slated to take place next year. The move is part of the administration’s efforts to ensure a memorable and inclusive commemoration of the state’s half-century existence.

The Governor’s appointment letter, signed by his Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, named former federal lawmaker Hon. Saheed Akinade Fijabi as the Chairman of the committee. In a significant appointment to the deputy role, former Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola, was named the Deputy Chairman.

The committee’s mandate, as stated by the Governor, is to oversee the planning and execution of activities that will ensure the Oyo State at 50 celebration is “befitting, inclusive, and reflective of the state’s progress over the years.” The appointments take immediate effect.

Other prominent members of the newly constituted committee include:

• Dr. Z.O. Ajuwon, OON
• Mustapha Razaq Areo
• Alhaja Fatimah Ololade Azeez
• S.A. Adejumo
• Pastor John Olasunkanmi Alabi
• Alhaji A.K. Bello
• COMPOL Fatai Owoseni (rtd)
• Mr. Samuel Adegboyega Badejo (Director-General of Protocol)
• Mrs. Ronke Adedayo (Secretary)

The inauguration of the committee signals a major step towards the anniversary, which is expected to attract prominent national figures to the state capital, Ibadan. The government has previously indicated the importance of this milestone, with plans like the renovation of the Government House linked to the major celebration.