The reasons behind the resignation of Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi as Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has been revealed.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the resignation stems from an disagreements over the governor’s preferred successor ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
According to a source, Ogunwuyi was reportedly disappointed after Makinde allegedly shifted his support to Bimbo Adekanmbi, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, instead of backing him to succeed the governor.
The source claimed that Ogunwuyi had believed there was an understanding between him and Makinde regarding the succession arrangement, particularly because he hails from Ogbomoso, the same town as several influential political figures in the state, according to Western Post.
Ogunwuyi announced his resignation in a letter dated October 12, stating that his departure from the position took immediate effect.
“I respectfully write to resign my appointment as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State, with effect from today, 12th October, 2026,” he stated in the letter.
The former Chief of Staff did not disclose the reason for his decision or mention any disagreement with Makinde over the succession arrangement.
Instead, he expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve in his administration and described his time in government as an honour.
“Serving the Government and the good people of Oyo State has been a great honour. It has been deeply fulfilling to be part of the exceptional team that has worked relentlessly to deliver the remarkable achievements of this administration,” Ogunwuyi stated.
“I remain immensely proud of what we have collectively accomplished in advancing the growth, development and prosperity of our dear State,” he added.
Hours after his resignation, Makinde appointed Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole as the new Chief of Staff.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musbau Babatunde, on Monday.
The statement also announced the appointment of Mrs Aderonke Adedayo as Director-General of the Due Process Office, with both appointments taking immediate effect.
Akinwole, like Ogunwuyi, is from Ogbomoso.
Adekanmbi, meanwhile, has emerged as Makinde’s preferred successor. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance under the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
According to the report, Makinde has publicly spoken favourably about Adekanmbi, pointing to his experience, intellectual capacity and professional achievements.
Adekanmbi was also adopted as the consensus governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in May 2026, placing him among the political figures seeking to succeed Makinde.
Ogunwuyi’s departure has also generated speculation about possible political realignments, including suggestions that he could join the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A source familiar with political developments in the state reportedly said internal disagreements within Makinde’s political camp could be connected to the resignation.
“There have been internal disagreements within the political camp, and Ogunwuyi’s resignation has further fuelled speculation about possible realignments ahead of the 2027 elections,” the source was quoted as saying.
The source also suggested that Ogunwuyi might be considering joining the APC but acknowledged that his possible defection had not been confirmed.
Ogunwuyi has not publicly announced any plan to leave his current political platform or disclosed any intention to join another party.
Before his appointment as Chief of Staff in July 2021, Ogunwuyi served as Makinde’s Executive Assistant on Investment and later became Director-General of the Oyo State Investment and Public-Private Partnership Agency.
He also has legislative experience, having served in the Oyo State House of Assembly before representing Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South and Oriire Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.