Makinde’s Aide Resigns Amid Govn’ship Bid Rumours As Gov. Keeps Mum Over Preferred Successor

By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa

Former Commissioner Of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Ajani Owoseni and Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has resigned his appointment.

Owoseni announced his resignation in a letter dated May 7 and addressed to the governor through the office of the chief of staff.

According to the letter, Owoseni’s resignation takes immediate effect.

Owoseni, who is also the Executive Secretary, Oyo State Security Trust Fund, expressed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve the state.

The former Lagos CP noted that  his exit would create the need for replacement in some security-related bodies where he served on behalf of the state government.

Owoseni, who also served as Benin Commissioner of Police during his service in the Nigeria Police Force, noted that by virtue of his office, he represented Oyo State at the Forum of National and Subnational Security Officials (FONSSO) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

He also represented the state on the board of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun.

“I present my greetings and wish to humbly inform Your Excellency of my decision to resign my appointments as the Special Adviser on Security and the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF),” he said.

He further stated that details of the OYSSTF bank accounts to which he was a signatory had been attached to the resignation letter, adding that he would be available to facilitate changing account signatories where necessary.

“I am also available to provide insight or professional opinion on any issue related to my stewardship or other security matters,” he added.

The retired police commissioner also appreciated Mr Makinde for the confidence reposed in him during his tenure.

“I seize this opportunity to express my immense gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, for the opportunity to serve our state in my own modest capacity.

“May the Almighty God continue to bless you with good health and divine guidance to lead Oyo State to greater heights,” he stated.

While he did not state it in his resignation letter, Owoseni’s decision may not be unconnected to his ambition to join the 2027 gubernatorial race in Oyo State.

The retíred police officer is one of the prominent members of the Makinde administration believed to be attempting to take the reins of power from the outgoing Oyo governor.

Another loyalist of the governor interested in the Oyo top job is the current speaker of the State Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin.

Meanwhile, the governor has yet to announce any of the aspirants as his preferred successor.