Gov Fayemi Defies Seniority, Appoints New Ekiti Head Of Service

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi shocked bookmakers on Monday as he approved the appointment of Mr Bamidele Olugbenga Agbede as the new Head of Service in the State Civil Service.

Rumour has been ripe since about a month ago that another woman, regarded as the most senior in the State Civil Service will succeed Mrs Peju Babafemi who retired from service on June 30.

It was learnt that the woman, presently in charge of one of the service delivery ministries, had since last week cleared her desk and awaiting the government announcement.

However Governor Fayemi announced Agbede, who until his new appointment, is Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport.

He takes over from the State’s first female Head of Service, Mrs Peju Babafemi, who is billed to retire from the State Civil Service on June 30th, having attained the mandatory 35years in the service.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode stated that Agbede’s appointment as Head of Service takes effect from July 1, 2022.

Meanwhile, Governor Fayemi has commended Mrs Babafemi for her demonstrated brilliance, diligence and professionalism, which has greatly helped in repositioning the State Civil Service for optimal service delivery.

Agbede, the new Head of Service holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History as well as a Law degree from the Ondo State University (now Ekiti State University), Ado-Ekiti. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2006.

He started his career as a Personnel Officer with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ondo State in 1988.

He was on secondment to the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission (EKSIEC) as Executive Secretary between 2000 and 2004.

Agbede, who hails from Ikole Local Government Area, was appointed Permanent Secretary in December 2012.

He served as Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs (2012 to 2014); Government House and Protocol (2014 -2017); and Ministry of Works and Transport (2017 till date).

The new Head of Service is to be sworn in on Monday, July 4, 2022.