Oyebanji Reappoints SSG, Chief of Staff, CPS for Second Term

 

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has reappointed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro; Chief of Staff, Oyeniyi Adebayo; and Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Olayinka Oyebode, as his first appointments following his inauguration for a second term.

The appointments were announced on Friday night, October 16, 2026, hours after Oyebanji was sworn in for another four-year term following his re-election in the June 20 governorship election. The reappointments take immediate effect. 

In a statement announcing the development, Oyebode said the governor had approved the retention of the three officials in their respective positions.

“Following his inauguration for a second term of office, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Oyebanji, has approved the appointments of Prof Habibat Adubiaro as Secretary to the State Government; Mr Oyeniyi Adebayo as Chief of Staff to the Governor; and Mr Olayinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,” the statement read. 

Governor Oyebanji urged the appointees to deploy their experience, professional expertise and knowledge of the administration towards improving service delivery and advancing the development of Ekiti State.

Professor Adubiaro, a professor of chemistry, was first appointed Secretary to the State Government by Oyebanji on October 16, 2022. Before joining the administration, she served as Special Adviser on Women Affairs between 2003 and 2004 and worked in the academic sector, including at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti. 

Adebayo, who hails from Usi-Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area, became Chief of Staff in January 2025 after serving as Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management. He previously worked in the banking and financial services sectors. 

Oyebode, a journalist and media professional, has served as a spokesperson for successive administrations in Ekiti State. He previously worked with The PUNCH and The Nation newspapers before joining the state government as a media aide in 2010. 

The three officials served in the same positions during Oyebanji’s first term. Their reappointments represent the governor’s first announced personnel decisions since his inauguration for a second term. 

The appointments signal the continuation of key administrative and communication roles as the Oyebanji administration begins its second term in office.