The Institute for Governance and Leadership Accountability (IGLA) has announced that Ondo Commissioner of Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, has been recognized as the Overall Best Performing Member under the administration of Dr. Lucky Ayedatiwa. This conclusion is based on his unwavering defense of the rule of law, proactive legal reforms, institutional discipline, and exceptional accessibility to both the public and professional stakeholders in the State.
According to IGLA’s published comprehensive evaluation for 2025, the Ondo State Government, led by Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, is focused and purposeful, steadily redefining governance through competence, accountability, and a people-centered approach to service delivery.
The assessment surveyed three states from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with Lagos, Ogun, and Ondo states sampled from the Southwest.
During the report unveiling in Abuja, the Institute highlighted the remarkable leadership of the governor, who created an enabling environment for all his Commissioners to excel. It then recognized Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, as the overall best-performing member of the executive council.
The Institute commended his leadership in the justice sector as exemplary, noting that his performance reflects intellectual depth, administrative efficiency, and a robust commitment to justice as a cornerstone of good governance.
In addition to his role at the Justice Ministry, Dr. Ajulo has chaired several committees and agencies within the government, focusing on Anti-Human Trafficking, Anti-Land-Grabbing, and serving as Special Adviser on World Bank-related initiatives.
Ranking second was the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Olaolu Akindolire, whose strategic coordination of the state’s planning architecture and budgetary process was deemed vital for the administration’s stability and fiscal coherence.
The Institute emphasized that his efforts have acted as the economic compass for government priorities, ensuring alignment of policy objectives with achievable revenue frameworks and developmental outcomes.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, secured third place in the rankings, receiving accolades for his steady leadership in advancing healthcare delivery, enhancing the responsiveness of the health system, and prioritizing citizen welfare through improved medical infrastructure and service coordination across the state.
In fourth place was the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, whose tenure was acknowledged as reform-driven and future-focused. The Institute praised his dedication to improving learning environments, restoring confidence in public education, and establishing a sustainable foundation for human capital development through concise policy and sectoral engagement.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ayorinde Olawoye, ranked fifth, noted for clear advancements in road construction, urban renewal, and infrastructure maintenance across the state. His accomplishments were recognized for technical expertise, effective project execution, and alignment with the Governor’s infrastructural vision.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr. Seun Abosede Osamaye, ranked sixth, with the report commending her passionate advocacy for women, children, and vulnerable groups, along with her consistent grassroots engagement and social intervention initiatives.
Other commissioners received varied performance ratings across their portfolios, reflecting differing levels of achievement, responsiveness, accessibility, and public engagement.
The Institute clarified that this assessment differed from perception-based polls; it was executed using measurable indicators such as achievement, appearance, responsiveness, understanding of responsibilities, accessibility, comportment, time management, communication skills, and interpersonal relations with staff and the public. Each commissioner was rated on a scale of 1 to 100 across these parameters.
The evaluation followed a structured, evidence-based process over several months, involving independent field observations, structured interviews, media performance reviews, stakeholder feedback, and desk analysis of policy outputs and service delivery records. To ensure balance and objectivity, it incorporated input from civil servants, professionals, community leaders, media practitioners, and policy analysts, while benchmarking performance against three states chosen from each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This comparative approach facilitated the measurement of Ondo State’s cabinet performance against peer administrations under similar national economic conditions.
Commenting on the report, Dr. George Olayiwola Aladesuru, Director of the Institute, remarked on Governor Aiyedatiwa’s cabinet as “a carefully assembled team of professionals whose collective output underscores the Governor’s discernment for capacity, character, and competence.” He noted that their overall performance “speaks to leadership that values results over noise and service over spectacle.”
The Institute further lauded Governor Aiyedatiwa for assembling a cabinet that signifies balance, experience, and commitment to public service, emphasizing that the administration’s achievements exemplify purposeful leadership and teamwork. It encouraged cabinet members to view the assessment not only as recognition of their efforts but also as a guide for ongoing engagement, improved accessibility, and enhanced service to the people of Ondo State as the year draws to a close.
BEST THREE FOR EACH CATEGORY
ACHIEVEMENT
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 88
2. Engr. Ayorinde Olawoye (Works & Infrastructure) – 86
3. Mr. Olaolu Akindolire (Budget & Economic Planning) – 81 (tied with Dr. Banji Ajaka – Health)
APPEARANCE
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 89
2. Engr. Ayorinde Olawoye (Works & Infrastructure) – 79
3. Mr. Olaolu Akindolire (Budget & Economic Planning) – 76
RESPONSIVENESS
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 90
2. Mr. Olaolu Akindolire (Budget & Economic Planning) – 82
3. Dr. Banji Ajaka (Health) – 78
UNDERSTANDING OF RESPONSIBILITY
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 93
2. Mr. Olaolu Akindolire (Budget & Economic Planning) – 85
3. Dr. Banji Ajaka (Health) – 85 (tie)
ACCESSIBILITY
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 87
2. Dr. Banji Ajaka (Health) – 80
3. Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun (Education) – 78
COMPORTMENT
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 90
2. Mr. Olaolu Akindolire (Budget & Economic Planning) – 86
3. Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun (Education) – 82
SENSE OF TIME
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 86
2. Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun (Education) – 84
3. Dr. Seun Abosede Osamaye (Women Affairs) – 75
COMMUNICATION ABILITY
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 91
2. Mr. Idowu Ajanaku (Information & Orientation) – 76
3. Comr. Omoyofunmi Segun Henry (Youth & Sports) – 75
CORDIALITY WITH STAFF
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 88
2. Dr. Banji Ajaka (Health) – 81
3. Engr. Ayorinde Olawoye (Works & Infrastructure) – 74
CORDIALITY WITH THE PUBLIC
1. Dr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN, OON (Justice & AG) – 83 (tied)
2. Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun (Education) – 83 (tied)
3. Dr. Seun Abosede Osamaye (Women Affairs) – 70
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