Prior to the appointment of the new board of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), the Commission’s Establishment Law was amended to broaden its scope and ensure more inclusive decision-making.
Specifically, Section 2 of the 2024 Amendment provides for:
A Chairman who must be an indigene of the oil-producing areas of the State;
Two Executive Directors — one in charge of Finance and the other of Projects — both from oil-producing constituencies;
Six representatives from the oil-producing areas;
Three members representing:
(a) The Northern Senatorial District,
(b) The Central Senatorial District, and
(c) Non-oil producing areas of the Southern Senatorial District;
Three ex-officio members representing relevant ministries.
In line with the amended law, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on June 16, 2025, inaugurated the newly appointed Chairman and Members of OSOPADEC at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure.
Leading the new board is the indefatigable Prince Biyi Olaleye Poroye as Chairman, supported by the unassuming and grassroot polician, Malam Marlon Ogbaro as Executive Director, Finance, and the erudite Dr. Olujimi Kufo as Executive Director, Projects.
The non-executive (part-time) members are:
- Mr. Ola Judah
- Engr. Raphael Adegboye
- Mrs. Ronke Benjamin Efurubu
- Mr. Adeyemi Abiye, Esq.
- Hon. Bayo Anifowose
- Mr. Lawrence Tibiebi Steven
- Hon. Aderonke Oladun – Representative, South Senatorial District
- Mrs. Grace Abebi Aruwajoye – Representative, North Senatorial District
- Mr. Dele Adenuoye – Representative, Central Senatorial District
Before the official inauguration, the audience listened attentively as the compere read the impressive credentials of the Chairman and Executive Directors — an inspiring prelude to the ceremony.
I first met Pastor Biyi Poroye, a tireless political strategist, in 2016 during the resistance against the planned imposition of another governor from the Central Senatorial District following Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s eight-year tenure. I recall visiting his church along Ondo Road that year for strategy meetings; he has always been a political workhorse.
When mobilisation began against the attempted illegal impeachment of the then-Deputy Governor (now Governor), Pastor Poroye’s name came up frequently. Given his track record in the pursuit of justice, I often reached out to him — for updates or to brainstorm. He was instrumental in pushing for a legal strategy, having consulted a team of lawyers to challenge the impeachment attempt. I remember the Governor fondly nicknaming him “BP” — British Petroleum — a nod to his boundless energy and creativity.
Similarly, I know a good number of the non-executive members, but permit me to specially recognize the sacrifice and loyalty of Mrs. Ronke Benjamin Efurubu. She is truly a remarkable soul. Each time we traveled to Igbokoda, she consistently showed genuine concern for the welfare of the officials accompanying the Governor. She always made sure everyone had a meal of black soup with fresh fish. I am glad that her loyalty and dedication have finally been rewarded.
With a formidable Executive team in place and a solid bureaucracy with highly motivated members of staff led by the clear-headed and committed Princess Abike Bayo-Ilawole as Secretary, OSOPADEC is well-positioned for impactful service.
Even more exciting is the newly approved budget of ₦33.88 billion, which gives the Commission the financial muscle to accelerate development in oil-bearing communities.
It is therefore imperative that all critical stakeholders—particularly the youths, traditional rulers, and political leaders—unite and cooperate with the new team for the important task of developing the oil-rich region. Ethnic chauvinists and tribal jingoists must sheath their swords. This is a time for peace, genuine progress, and shared prosperity.
Once again, the composition of the new board underscores Governor Aiyedatiwa’s unwavering commitment to the rapid and sustainable development of the State’s oil-producing areas.
Indeed, Governor Aiyedatiwa has powered OSOPADEC with a double turbo engine for transformative impact!
Allen Sowore, Esq.
SSA to the Ondo State Governor on Strategic Communication
June 18, 2025
