People's Head of Service Bows Out of Oyo Civil Service

 

... We Will Miss Her - Forum of Permanent Secretaries 

By Abiodun Atilola, Ibadan 

As May 2026 approaches, the corridors of the Oyo State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, prepare to bid farewell to a titan of public administration, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, the Oyo State Head of Service (HOS), is set to transition into retirement, leaving behind a legacy defined by structural reform, meritocracy and  unwavering commitment to the Pacesetter State ethos.

 The career impact and transformative leadership of a woman who bridged the gap between traditional bureaucracy and modern governance.

​When Mrs. Olubunmi Oni assumed office in May 2023 with a funfair to the Office of the Head of Service. she did so with a clear mandate to professionalize the workforce and align it with the "Omituntun 2.0" vision of Governor Seyi Makinde. Her tenure has been characterized by the philosophy that a state is only as efficient as its civil service.

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 One of her most significant contributions was the overhaul of the Confirmation, Promotion, and Advancement Examinations. Under her leadership, the dreaded "fail one, fail all papers" policy was abolished.  

 In late 2025, she clarified that examinations were no longer hurdles designed to frustrate workers but tools for professional competence.  

She allowed officers to resit only failed subjects, she boosted morale and ensured that carrier progression was based on specialized knowledge, intellect, rather than luck.  

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 Mrs Olubunmi Oni was a relentless champion for staff working conditions, ensuring that Governor Makinde’s worker-friendly policies including the consistent payment of salaries and 13th-month bonuses were implemented seamlessly.  

The Head of Service also integrated social responsibility into her role. From distributing food items at the Rehabilitation Center for Disabled in Moniya to visiting Juvenile Correctional Centers, she redefined the HOS role as one that looks after the most vulnerable in the society.  

Meanwhile.​​ Her designation as Member of the National Institute (mni) the highest honor for policy and strategic studies in Nigeria was evident in her administrative style. 

Nevertheless, Her approach was never reactionary, it was always strategic.  navigating the complexities of the 2025 Promotion Exams or managing the inter-agency dynamics between the Civil, Judicial and Legislative services, her "Kuru" training provided the intellectual backbone for a stable Oyo State Civil Service bureaucracy.  

​Mrs. Oni prepares to hand over the baton, the "Oyo State Civil Service" she leaves behind is vastly different from the one she inherited. It is more resilient, more professional and more compassionate.

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She didn't just manage the civil service, she nurtured it.

She said. ​"As we set our goals please let us remember that faithful action and perseverance are key to success."

Interestingly, ​as she exits the Agodi Secretariat, her legacy remains etched in the streamlined files, the promoted officers and the Pacesetter spirit she helped revitalize.

She said "Since I assumed office as the Head of Service, my team has made significant strides in the following areas, 

-Implementing performance management systems, by enhancing accountability and transparency

- Developing leadership training programes, by building capacity for current and future leaders

- Strengthening our policy framework, by driving strategic reforms and innovations

- Fostering a culture of excellence, by  recognising and rewarding outstanding performances".

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde described Mrs Olubunmi Oni as a through bred professional administrator, very hard working, reliable and accessible, I met her when she was the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services, Governor's Office, she understand the Civil Service procedure and processes.

Professor Babatunde hinted further that Mrs Olubunmi Oni has a good coordinating capacity she is like the "mother end", she always looks after the welfare of other cabinet members, she is a good leader. In terms of capacity building she has been able to Train Civil/Public Servants and expose them to the other side of the world. 

Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe is the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Oyo State said Office of the Head of Service, Ministry of Establishments and Training and Civil Service Commission work closely in the areas of promotion, recruitment and many other service policy implementations, she always gave us an idea to do the work efficiently.

Engineer Funminiyi Fagade, the Director High way, Ministry of Works, Oyo State said when Mrs Olubunmi Oni was working as a Chief administrative officer at the Works Ministry, she has a good carriage, she trained us to be punctual at work and dedicated to duty, she is a cool headed person her intellectual and administrative prowess is superb.

Mrs Aramide Adebiyi is the Chairman,  Administrative Officers Forum, Oyo State described Mrs Olubunmi Oni as a team player, her love for Administrative Officers Cadre cannot be over emphasized, I am happy for her as she is bowing out of Civil Service of Oyo State, she has reposition the Civil Service to the enviable heights, adding that, she has mentored so many people in the service.

Dr Sunday Ojelabi is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources said the outgoing Head of Service is a trailblazer I wish her success as she is bowing out of Oyo State Civil Service meritoriously.

Olajide Okesade, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperative and Industry said he work with Mrs Olubunmi Oni as a Director at the Governor's Office, she is an embodiment of competence and Civility, she is creative, she is the first female Members of the National Institute (mni) in Oyo State.

Taiwo Niran Mustapha is the Permanent Secretary, Service Policy and Strategy, Office of the Head of Service, Oyo State said Mrs Olubunmi Oni is a wonderful human being, I have the opportunity of working directly with her, highly intelligent, she is a trust worthy person, go getter, easy going and encyclopedia of the Civil Service.

Hon. Justice M.O Ishola, Judge from the Oyo State High Court said Mrs Olubunmi Oni is a focused person, she has the determination to succeed what really brought us together then was the academic pursuit in our youthful days, I know she will leave a long lasting legacy for the Civi Service of Oyo State.

Dr. Mrs Mogbonjubola Owolabi is the Provost, Oyo State College of Nursing Sciences described Mrs Olubunmi Oni as a courageous woman "when we were in Olivet High School, Oyo. She has courage, we always like to copy her boldness and she speaks the truth.

Dr. Mofoluwake Ibitoye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information said Mrs Olubunmi Oni has mentored so many people in the service, we will still need her counsel after her retirement. I wish her a very fruitful retirement, I love her.

Dr. A.A Fasina, mni, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Oyo State described the outgoing Head of Service as a brilliant person and a trailblazer, we will all miss her.

Mrs Bamidele Oyinloye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said Mrs Olubunmi Oni is accessible, highly cerebral and ready to assist anytime, she is very energetic, I wish her happy retirement.

Mrs Serifat Abimbola is the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Teaching Service Commission said Mrs Olubunmi Oni is a mother to all, as a Matter of fact we always call her our mother end, she is so reliable and a leader by all standard.

Pastor Adeola Oduola, Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, Oyo State said the outgoing Head of Service is an epitome of humility and she is a team player. As she is retiring from active service the Lord will take her to the higher level.

... Congratulations Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, fcipm.