When Bashorun Akinwale Solomon Akinwole assumed duty on May 19, 2025, as Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission (LGSC), he made history as the youngest to lead the institution. Known popularly as Wolekanle, the Ogbomoso-born politician and entrepreneur stepped in with energy and vision to reposition the Commission as a model of effective grassroots administration.
One hundred days later, his leadership is being described by stakeholders as “transformative” and “pace-setting.”
Restoring Harmony and Confidence
The LGSC, which oversees recruitment, training, promotions, and staff welfare in Oyo’s 33 local councils, has long been seen as the engine room of local governance. Determined to restore confidence, Akinwole prioritized unity among commissioners, management, and sister agencies, creating what he called “a smooth operational flow” to strengthen productivity.
Welfare and Training Initiatives
Under his watch, the Commission has expanded staff training opportunities and increased training allowances. Permanent Secretary, Deacon Taiwo Olafimihan Adewale, described the shift as “a paradigm change,” noting that allowances, previously meager, have been reviewed upward while staff are now offered more workshops, including opportunities for interstate and overseas training.
Clearing Promotion Backlogs
Perhaps his most celebrated intervention has been the clearance of over 10,000 pending promotion arrears—a backlog that had undermined morale for years. This single move has restored workers’ trust and earned praise from unions and senior administrators who commended his commitment to staff welfare.
Groundbreaking Statewide Tour
In another first, Akinwole and his team embarked on a tour of all 33 local government areas. The exercise, which combined staff audits, verification, and direct interaction with workers, produced a manpower database that stakeholders say will improve planning and administration. ALGON Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Sanda Oyedele, called the move “an overdue innovation,” while NULGE President Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun described it as “a positive signal to the workforce.”
Aligning with Makinde’s Vision
Akinwole’s reforms align with Governor Seyi Makinde’s broader agenda of uplifting council staff through fair promotions, career advancement, and service delivery improvements. Reflecting on his first 100 days, the chairman said:
“We have not just set records but raised the pace for others to follow. With the support of our commissioners and management team, the Commission is now positioned on a higher pedestal to directly impact local government administration in Oyo State.”
Looking Ahead
Though just three months into his tenure, Akinwole is already being hailed as one of the Commission’s most impactful chairmen. He insists, however, that the journey has only begun:
“We are consolidating on the gains of our first 100 days and remain committed to taking the Commission to greater heights.”
With his blend of youthful dynamism, bold reforms, and alignment with the state government’s vision, many believe Wolekanle is on course to leave a lasting legacy in Oyo State’s public service.
