Oyo Governor swears in new OYSIEC members, calls for transparent elections

By Adejayan Gbenga –

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the newly appointed chairman and members of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), charging them to discharge their duties independently to strengthen democracy in the state.

The governor gave the charge on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Council Chambers, Office of the Governor, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde urged the commission to handle its assignment with transparency and the fear of God, stressing that although the members were nominated by the executive, they were screened and confirmed by the Oyo State House of Assembly.

He emphasised that the commission must live up to its name by operating independently, noting that credible elections at the local government level would deepen democratic governance at the grassroots.

The governor disclosed that his administration would conduct another local government election before the expiration of his tenure in 2027, adding that the tenure of the current local government administration would end in May 2027.

Makinde said he was confident of continued support from residents of the state, stating that the people do not want Oyo State to return to what he described as the old order.

He also thanked the Oyo State House of Assembly for its cooperation in approving the nominees, describing the relationship between the executive and legislative arms as one that has promoted harmony, growth, and development in the state.

The ceremony was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and labour union leaders.