By Waheed Ogunjob
*ABEOKUTA — That Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, the 21st Head of Service of Ogun State, is a man of many parts was clearly demonstrated on Sunday, 7th June 2026, as an array of dignitaries and personalities converged on the Marquee of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, for a grand reception marking his inauguration as the 21st Hewd of Service of Ogun State.
The roll call was breathtaking and the accolades were many coming from different corners and segments.
As a devout Muslim, the entire Islamic community in Ogun State, represented by the Ogun State Muslim Council, came specifically to honour one of their own. The Council was led by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Sa’adallah Bamgbola, who led special prayers for the new Head of Service, as well as for peace and progress in Ogun State.
Also in attendance was the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola; the, Wakeelu Muslimin of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Sheikh Iskeel Muhammed Awwal ‘Sugar’*; and former Secretary General of the Ogun State Muslim Council, Alhaji Akeem Akintunde, among other eminent personalities.
*A Grand Entrance Fit for a New Era*
The reception kicked off with the new Head of Service, joined by dignitaries, dancing gleefully from the entrance of the hall to the high table.
The high table had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi; the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya; and the Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, represented by the Orunto of Owu, Chief Abiodun Lasile. Also present was former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Isola Adekunbi.
To demonstrate his full admission into the prestigious fold, no fewer than four former Heads of Service were in attendance, including Surveyor Olusegun Ogun, Chief Dipo Odulate, Elder Sola Adeyemi, and the immediate past HoS, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya.
Welcoming guests, one of the friends of the Head of Service, Aare Kunle Okulana, appreciated the guests and prayed that the gathering would inspire meaningful discussions.
*“He Carries NIPSS on His Head” — Kuru Alumni Rally Support*
Alhaji Saka also had the privilege of hosting members of his set from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Jos, who came in their numbers.
Representative of the group, Mr. Uchenna Onigwe, observed: _“All of his colleagues are pleased to support him and we are sure that his emergence will revolutionise the Civil Service of Ogun State. We are in for a good deal.”_ He pledged on Saka’s behalf to _“promote equal opportunity for everyone”_ and thanked Governor Dapo Abiodun _“for recognising his worth.”_
Professor Sola Adeyanju, pioneer Director of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies affiliated to NIPSS, added: _“With his level of knowledge, competence and training at the Institute, he will live up to expectations. We will be there to give him the needed support… He is carrying the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies on his head.”_
*“A Square Peg in a Square Hole” — Deputy Gov, SSG, Envoys Speak*
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, former High Commissioner to the UK, said the occasion was _“to celebrate a man of substance”_ and urged all present to _“help him do what is necessary to make him succeed”_ while also urging them to _“reduce the pressure on him.”_ He thanked Governor Abiodun _“for putting a round peg in a round hole.”_
Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, described the appointment as _“a well-deserved appointment and a square peg in a square hole,”_ noting that Saka has been _“an important member of the administration’s team since 2019”_ and _“his elevation will raise the bar of Ogun State Civil Service.”_
Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, said: _“The ovation that greeted the announcement of Alhaji Saka’s appointment across the state was loud, which shows his appointment was widely accepted.”_ He cautioned the new HoS: _“Your words are now more like an official statement… be wary of what you say because your views will, most times, represent the official views of the state government.”_
*Family, Schools, Unions: “He Is Equal to the Task”*
Speaking for Lisabi Grammar School, Maj. Gen. Tobi Adejinmi; FCE Osiele Alumni, Engr. Lanre Foluso; Abeokuta Sports Club, Alhaji Adelaja Awodele; and Lions Club, Lion Olatubosun Adeleye, all eulogised the new HoS, saying _“with his pedigree… he will discharge creditably well.”_
His sister, Mrs. Oduola, said: _“I fondly call him Egbon mi. He is a very hardworking man with an enduring nature… a good and nice man to everyone in the family who encourages us a lot.”_
Chairman, Body of Permanent Secretaries, Mrs. Lydia Fajounbo, assured: _“We will work together… Alhaji Saka is equal to the task. Today is a special day. We are here to celebrate one of our own, reliable, committed and a seasoned public administrator.”_
On behalf of retired Heads of Service, Surveyor Gbenga Ogun said the appointment _“was the beginning of a new era”_ and called on civil servants _“to cooperate with him.”_
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Engr. Ganiyu Hamzat, said the appointment was _“well deserved, having been assisting the state and supporting the administration’s vision as Permanent Secretary, Cabinet.”_
*Saka: “I Will Not Disappoint”*
In an interview with OGBC at the event, Alhaji Iskeel Saka pledged not to disappoint the people of Ogun State. _“I am fully aware of the enormous responsibilities placed on my shoulders, but I look up to God to grant me the wisdom to discharge the duties of the office,”_ he said.
_“I am banking on my years of experience in the public service, coupled with the mercy of God, to deliver on my mandate,”_ Saka added, charging civil servants to rally round him to support the Dapo Abiodun-led administration.
_“I further promise to contribute my quota to ensure that the ‘Ise Ya’ mantra of the Ogun State Government is fully achieved,”_ he stated.
*Dignitaries Present*
Other dignitaries include Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sesan Fagbayi; Baba Adeen of Egbaland; former Military Administrator, Navy Capt. Rasheed Raji; Chairman, OGSIRS, Mr. Olugbenga Olaleye; Acting GM, OGBC, Mr. Gbenga Omotunde; TUC Chairman, Comrade Akeem Lasisi; NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed Benco; and Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, among others.
The event earlier witnessed a special prayer session led by the Ogun State Muslim Council. #Waheed
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