Ekiti Assembly Confirms Dayo Apata SAN: Re-Appointed Attorney-General

• The Ekiti State House of Assembly confirmed the re-appointment of two former commissioners.
• Dayo Apata, SAN, was re-confirmed as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.
• Akintunde Oyebode was re-confirmed as Commissioner for Finance.
• The Assembly also approved 10 special adviser slots for Governor Biodun Oyebanji's administration.
• Oyebanji Filani has been confirmed as Commissioner for Health and Human Services.

The re-appointment of key officials, particularly Dayo Apata SAN as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, signals a clear intent for sustained legal leadership and policy direction within Ekiti State.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly recently concluded a series of legislative actions, confirming the re-appointment of two former commissioners and granting approval for ten special adviser positions. These decisions stem from a request submitted by Governor Biodun Oyebanji as he commenced his second four-year term in office. Among those confirmed was Dayo Apata, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who will continue in his role as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Akintunde Oyebode also received confirmation to resume his duties as Commissioner for Finance. Both individuals had previously held these exact portfolios during Governor Oyebanji's initial term, ensuring a degree of continuity in the state's executive council.

However, the legislative body opted to defer the screening process for a third nominee, Oyebanji Filani, who had been put forward for the position of Commissioner for Health and Human Services. This postponement, set until Monday, November 2, was made at Mr. Filani's own request, as he sought a rescheduling of his appearance before the lawmakers. The details of these legislative outcomes were officially communicated through a statement released by Babatunde Oke, who chairs the Assembly's Committee on Media and Public Affairs.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji initiated these appointments by forwarding the names of three commissioner-nominees and seeking legislative consent for the creation of ten special adviser slots through a formal letter to the Assembly. During the plenary session, Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye lauded the prior performance of both Mr. Apata and Mr. Oyebode, noting their established familiarity with the legislative body. Given their previous engagements, which included earlier screenings and presentations of their stewardship, the Speaker proposed that the nominees be allowed to "take a bow and go," a motion that received unanimous acceptance from the lawmakers. This expedited process underscored the Assembly's confidence in their qualifications and past contributions.

The Governor, who was sworn into his second term on October 16, articulated that these appointments were strategically designed to guarantee stability across vital sectors of the state administration. His stated objective was to enable his government to build upon its existing work and consolidate progress. While the Assembly approved the ten special advisers' slots, the specific names of the proposed advisers and their designated portfolios were not disclosed in the official statement. The Assembly also formally granted Mr. Filani's request for a new screening date after his letter, explaining his inability to attend the scheduled session, was read by the Speaker.

The re-appointment of key officials, particularly Dayo Apata SAN as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, signals a clear intent for sustained legal leadership and policy direction within Ekiti State. Mr. Apata brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as a permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Justice. This continuity is particularly pertinent for lawyers practicing in Ekiti State, as it suggests a stable environment for official communications, legal proceedings involving the state, and a predictable understanding of the state's enforcement priorities. The Governor's emphasis on continuity and consolidation through these appointments underscores a strategic approach to maintaining momentum and ensuring effective governance across the state's critical sectors. The legislative approvals, including the Ekiti special advisers slots, are integral to supporting the administration's broader agenda and operational efficiency.

Lawyers practicing in Ekiti State should note the re-appointment of Dayo Apata SAN as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, ensuring continuity in the state's legal leadership and policy direction. This is crucial for official communications, legal proceedings involving the state, and understanding the state's enforcement priorities.

Source: Original reporting via Punch and Premium Times.