Ekiti Assembly confirms Apata, Oyebode, approves 10 special advisers
- Ekiti lawmakers confirmed Dayo Apata and Akintunde Oyebode as commissioners after a 'bow and go' screening.
- The House approved Governor Biodun Oyebanji's request for 10 special advisers.
- Dr Oyebanji Filani's screening was moved to Monday, 2 November 2026, at his request.
The Ekiti State House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed Dayo Apata (SAN) and Akintunde Oyebode as commissioners, clearing the way for both men to return to Governor Biodun Oyebanji's cabinet.
Apata is to serve as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, while Oyebode takes the Finance portfolio. Both held the same positions in the governor's first term.
The governor sent the names of three commissioner-nominees and a request to appoint 10 Special Advisers to the Assembly on Monday.
Why the House waved them through
Speaker Adeoye Aribasoye noted that both nominees had appeared before the House before, either for screening or to present accounts of their stewardship, so lawmakers already knew their records.
He urged members to allow them to "take a bow and go", and the House agreed unanimously before confirming the nominations, according to a statement by Babatunde Oke, chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.
The third nominee, Dr Oyebanji Filani, who handled Health and Human Services in the first term, did not appear. He wrote to the House asking to be excused, and his screening was moved to Monday, 2 November 2026.
The Assembly also approved the governor's request for 10 Special Advisers. Oyebanji had said the appointments were meant to put key parts of his administration in place early and keep continuity in critical sectors.
What else happened at plenary
Lawmakers began work on the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill. The Leader of the House, Tolu Ige, led the debate at second reading, after which the Speaker sent the bill to the Committee on Finance and Appropriation for closer scrutiny, with other committees serving as subcommittees.
The House said it would keep moving quickly on confirmations and bills to support good governance and service delivery in the state.
What happens next: Filani's screening is due on Monday, 2 November 2026. The supplementary budget will be examined by the finance committee before it returns to the floor.
