Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has approved the appointment of Chief Segun Odusanya as the new Head of Service of the state, effective from June 6, 2026.

The appointment follows the retirement of Mr. Bayo Philips, who served as the state’s Head of Service before reaching the mandatory retirement age.

Announcing the decision on Friday, the governor expressed appreciation to Mr. Philips for his service and contributions to the development of Ondo State.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa thanked the outgoing Head of Service and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Why the appointment matters

The position of Head of Service is one of the most influential roles within the state civil service, overseeing administrative operations and coordinating public sector reforms across ministries, departments and agencies.

The appointment comes at a time when state governments across Nigeria are under increasing pressure to improve public service delivery, strengthen institutional efficiency and implement governance reforms.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said he expects the new Head of Service to leverage his extensive experience in the public sector to support the administration’s development agenda.

“The Governor urged the new Head of Service to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the service towards driving the OUR EASE administration to the desired destination,” the statement said.

Who is Segun Odusanya?

Chief Odusanya has spent more than three decades in public administration and is widely regarded as one of the most experienced senior civil servants in Ondo State.

Born on February 6, 1967, he attended St. Peter’s Primary School, Ile-Oluji, and Gboluji Anglican Grammar School before proceeding to , where he obtained a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in 1989.

He later earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management Studies from the same institution in 1992 and subsequently obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from in 2000.

Chief Odusanya joined the Ondo State Public Service in September 1995 and rose through the ranks before being appointed Permanent Secretary in 2019.

Over the years, he has served as Permanent Secretary in several strategic government institutions, including the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Ondo State Civil Service Commission, the Ministry of Transport, and most recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Forum of Permanent Secretaries in Ondo State.

Professional credentials

Beyond his administrative experience, Chief Odusanya is a fellow of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, the Chartered Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Local Government Administration.

Observers say his background in public administration, personnel management and governance could prove valuable as the state seeks to improve efficiency within the civil service.

Governance experts react

Public administration analysts note that continuity in leadership within the civil service often plays a critical role in sustaining government policies and institutional memory.

Governance experts say Odusanya’s appointment signals the administration’s preference for an experienced insider who understands the workings of the state’s bureaucracy and can help accelerate policy implementation.

What happens next?

Chief Odusanya is expected to assume office officially on June 6, 2026, taking over the responsibility of coordinating the state’s civil service machinery and supporting the implementation of government programmes.

Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how his leadership shapes ongoing reforms and service delivery across Ondo State’s public institutions.

A prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Chief (Dr.) Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, has criticised plans to construct the proposed Oba Adesida flyover in Akure, describing it as a project that may attract public attention but fails to address the state’s most pressing economic challenges.

In a statement released on Thursday, Ajipe argued that while the flyover is not inherently flawed, it represents a misplaced priority at a time when Ondo State faces growing concerns over unemployment, infrastructure deficits and limited economic opportunities.

“The Oba Adesida flyover is not a bad project on its own; it is a bad priority for this moment with these constrained resources and these urgent needs,” Ajipe said.

The intervention adds to ongoing public discussions about infrastructure spending and economic development strategies in Ondo State.

Why the Flyover Is Being Questioned

The proposed flyover is expected to ease traffic movement along the busy Oba Adesida corridor, one of Akure’s major transport routes.

However, Ajipe argued that traffic congestion in the area is less about vehicle volume and more about urban planning challenges surrounding Oja Oba Market.

According to him, market activities, street trading and encroachment have significantly reduced available road space, creating congestion that a flyover alone may not solve.

He said authorities should focus on restoring order through market restructuring, trader relocation programmes and stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations.

“A flyover treats the symptom by lifting traffic above the chaos; it does nothing to restore urban order,” he said.

Urban planning experts have often argued that transport infrastructure projects are most effective when combined with broader land-use reforms, enforcement measures and public transport improvements.

Focus Should Be on Economic Growth, Says Ajipe

Beyond traffic management, Ajipe raised concerns about Ondo State’s broader economic competitiveness.

He pointed specifically to the performance of Akure Airport, arguing that limited flight frequency and high ticket costs have reduced its attractiveness to investors, business travellers and residents.

According to him, better air connectivity could deliver greater economic benefits than a flyover project.

He also compared Ondo State’s economic trajectory with neighbouring Ogun State, which has leveraged its proximity to Lagos to attract industries and boost internally generated revenue.

“Many indigenes prefer to drive to Lagos rather than use their own airport,” he stated.

Economic analysts have long highlighted transportation connectivity as a key factor influencing investment decisions, particularly in states seeking to attract manufacturing and logistics businesses.

Alternative Projects Proposed

Ajipe suggested that funds earmarked for the flyover could instead be directed towards projects he believes would generate long-term economic benefits.

Among his recommendations are:

– Development of SME industrial clusters in Ilara-Mokin and other growth corridors.

– Upgrading technical colleges with modern vocational training facilities.

– Construction of rural roads to support agricultural production and market access.

– Temporary subsidies to improve affordability of Akure-Lagos flights.

– Expansion of coastal connectivity and logistics infrastructure along Ondo’s coastline.

He argued that such investments would create sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s economic base.

“These are the pragmatic bridges between potential and prosperity, not the bridges we photograph, but the bridges that build jobs, attract investment, and change lives,” he said.

Youth Employment at the Centre of the Debate

Ajipe also linked infrastructure spending decisions to youth unemployment, one of Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic concerns.

According to him, many young people are more concerned about economic opportunities than traffic congestion.

“Employment is the best traffic management system,” he said.

He argued that investments in manufacturing, skills development, ports and value chains would have a more direct impact on job creation than large-scale urban road projects.

Labour and development experts frequently point to youth employment as a critical factor in economic stability, particularly in states with growing populations and limited industrial activity.

What Happens Next?

The Ondo State Government has yet to publicly respond to Ajipe’s latest remarks.

The debate reflects a broader question facing many Nigerian states: whether limited public resources should be directed towards visible infrastructure projects or towards long-term economic development initiatives designed to boost productivity and employment.

As discussions continue, stakeholders are likely to scrutinise not only the potential benefits of the proposed flyover but also whether alternative investments could deliver greater economic returns for residents.

The Ondo State Government has approved the construction of a 2.38-kilometre flyover bridge in Akure, alongside multiple road projects across the state and counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the Owena Dam.

The approvals were announced after a meeting of the Ondo State Executive Council chaired by Governor on Tuesday.

Officials said the projects are designed to ease traffic congestion, improve transportation links, strengthen water supply infrastructure, expand healthcare services and increase access to higher education.

Why the Akure Flyover Matters

One of the most significant approvals is a flyover bridge along Oba Adesida Road in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, , traffic studies identified the Alagbaka–Federal University of Technology, Akure corridor as one of the busiest and most congested routes in the state.

The flyover will stretch from Adegbola Junction to the St. Mattias/NNPC Filling Station area in Alagbaka.

“Findings showed persistent congestion along the route, leading to the recommendation of a flyover as the most effective solution,” Olawoye said.

He added that preliminary surveys would begin immediately following the council’s approval.

Statewide Road Projects Approved

Beyond Akure, the council approved a broad package of road and drainage projects affecting several local government areas.

Among the projects are:

– Canalisation of a 40-kilometre main canal from Ugbonla to Awoye with a spur to Idi Ogba in Ilaje Local Government Area.

– Construction of concrete walkways in Obenla and Idiogba communities.

– Zion Pepe–Agerige Township Road.

– Bayo Phillips Road.

– Araromi Seaside Road.

– Selected roads in Igboegunrin Town.

– Irele–Sabomi–Igbotu Road.

– Agadagba–Ile Ikiri–Igaligbo Road.

– Okumo–Igodan Lisa Road.

– Access and internal roads at the Ondo State University of Medical Sciences.

– Road projects across Akure, Owo, Ondo East, Ondo West, Akure North, Ifedore, Idanre, Odigbo and Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo local government areas.

The council also approved rehabilitation works on the Ayedun–Akure/Owo Expressway and the construction and rehabilitation of several strategic roads connecting rural communities.

Economic Impact

Infrastructure experts say improved road networks can reduce travel times, lower transportation costs for businesses and improve access to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.

Residents and business owners are expected to benefit from smoother movement of goods and services, particularly in agricultural and coastal communities.

RUGIPO Approved for Upgrade to University

The Executive Council also approved the upgrade of (RUGIPO) to a University of Agricultural Science and Technology.

Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, , said the move was driven by increasing demand for university education.

He described RUGIPO as the oldest tertiary institution in Ondo State.

“The proposed university would operate eight faculties in agriculture, science, technology and engineering,” Ajibefun said.

He added that the institution would focus on practical training and modern academic standards capable of producing globally competitive graduates.

Why It Matters

Education analysts have consistently argued that expanding specialised universities can help address skills shortages in agriculture, technology and engineering sectors that are critical to Nigeria’s economic growth.

New Medical Equipment for Teaching Hospital

In the health sector, the council approved the procurement of advanced diagnostic and specialist medical equipment for .

Commissioner for Health, , said the equipment includes:

– MRI scanners

– CT scan machines

– Ultrasound systems

– Mammography equipment

– Digital X-ray machines

– Theatre equipment

– ENT equipment

– Ophthalmology equipment

He said the investment would improve healthcare delivery and support medical training.

Healthcare professionals have repeatedly highlighted the shortage of advanced diagnostic equipment in many public hospitals, making such investments important for patient care and specialist training.

Owena Dam Rehabilitation Gets Funding Boost

The council also approved counterpart funding for the rehabilitation of the multipurpose Owena Dam project.

Commissioner for Water Resources, Public Hygiene and Sanitation, , said the project is already about 40% completed.

“The project would improve potable water supply to Akure and neighbouring local government areas,” Akande said.

Officials say the project is expected to improve access to clean water, strengthen sanitation systems and reduce waterborne diseases.

New Traditional Ruler Approved for Irele

The Executive Council also approved the appointment of as the new Olofun of Irele in Irele Local Government Area.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, , said the approval followed long-standing demands from residents for the installation of a traditional ruler.

He expressed confidence that the appointment would strengthen traditional institutions and promote stability within the community.

What Happens Next?

With approvals secured, government agencies are expected to begin procurement processes, surveys and preliminary works on the projects.

The success of the initiatives will largely depend on timely execution, funding releases and effective project monitoring.