A legal expert, Vincent Adodo, has accused Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, of violating constitutional provisions by failing to constitute a full cabinet more than 60 days after assuming office as executive governor.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was sworn in on February 24, 2025, following the passing of his predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. However, over two months into his administration, key ministries remain without substantive commissioners, sparking legal and civic concerns.
Adodo, in a legal opinion made public and titled “Inchoate Constitution of the Ondo State Executive Council More Than Sixty Days After Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s Inauguration: Implications for Constitutional Compliance and Inclusive Governance,” called the governor’s inaction a breach of Sections 192(2) and 14(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
According to him, only two commissioners—Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, and Finance Commissioner, Mrs. Omowunmi Isaac—have been sworn in. Other strategic portfolios such as education, health, agriculture, works, women affairs, and youth development are yet to be filled.
“The continuous delay in constituting a full cabinet undermines constitutional requirements and the principle of inclusive governance. Section 192 mandates the governor to appoint commissioners to assist in policy formulation and execution. This cannot be substituted with personal aides or special advisers,” Adodo said.
He further emphasized that Section 14(4) of the Constitution demands equitable representation across the state’s diverse constituencies. “Without a properly constituted cabinet, governance is lopsided and lacks legitimacy,” he added.
The legal practitioner urged the governor to send a comprehensive list of commissioner nominees to the Ondo State House of Assembly, ensuring fair distribution across the 18 local government areas.
Political observers have also begun to question the governor’s delay, fearing that it may affect policy implementation, budgeting processes, and service delivery in critical sectors.
Efforts to get a response from the governor’s media team were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The unfolding situation continues to raise serious questions about constitutional governance, transparency, and leadership direction in Ondo State.
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