By Tambaya Julius
The Lagos State House of Assembly made headlines recently as it dropped a significant number of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s nominees for commissioner and special adviser positions.
This unexpected development has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Lagos State.
On a day marked by high tension, the Lagos State House of Assembly confirmed only 22 out of the 39 cabinet nominees presented by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
This leaves no room for doubt that all may not be well between the Assembly and the Governor.
Notable among the casualties are some well-known figures in the Sanwo-Olu administration, including the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; the former Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi; and the former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Sam Egube, among others.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over this pivotal session, emphasized that the confirmation process had been rigorous and meticulous.
The nominees underwent thorough scrutiny by an ad-hoc committee led by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Fatai Mojeed.
Speaker Obasa delivered a clear message to the confirmed nominees.
He reminded them that their primary duty is to serve the people of Lagos State, emphasizing that their loyalty should be to the public and not to individuals.
Furthermore, he assured the citizens that the House would continue to work diligently in the best interests of the state.
The confirmation process involved a voice vote, with Dr. Obasa calling out each of the confirmed names.
However, it was not all smooth sailing, as 17 of the nominees faced rejection by the lawmakers.
Here is a list of the individuals who successfully secured their positions in the Sanwo-Olu administration:
Hon. Layode Ibrahim
Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende
Dr. Dolapo Fasawe
Hon. Bola Olumegbon
Mr. Idris Aregbe
Ms. Abisola Ruth Olusanya
Mr. Moruf Akinderu Fatai
Mr. Kayode Bolaji-Roberts
Engr. Abiola Olowu
Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka
Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih- Awokoya
Mr. Yakub Adedayo Alebiosu
Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN
Mr. Tunbosun Alake
Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde
Dr. Adekunle Olayinka
Dr. Jide Babatunde
Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo
Mr. Tokunbo Wahab
Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu
Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun
Mr. Abdulkabir Ogungbo
Regrettably, the following nominees did not receive the Assembly’s approval:
Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo
Prof. Akin Abayomi
Mr. Yomi Oluyomi
Mrs. Folashade Ambrose
Ms. Barakat Bakare
Mr. Gbenga Omotosho
Engr. Olalere Odusote
Dr. Rotimi Fashola
Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada
Mr. Sam Egube
Mr. Olalekan Fatodu
Mrs. Solape Hammond
Mr. Mosopefolu George
Engr. Aramide Adeyoye
Mr. Seun Osiyemi
Mr. Rotimi Ogunwuyi
Dr. Olumide Oluyinka
The Fallout
Before this momentous exercise, Hon. Mojeed Fatai briefed the House on the screening exercise’s outcomes.
The rejection of a significant number of nominees is sure to have a profound impact on the dynamics within the Sanwo-Olu administration and the political landscape of Lagos State.
