J’Icon congratulates Oriire indigenes on new state appointment, calls for greater grassroots development

Joshua Ojo Aderemi Akin, popularly known as J’Icon, the immediate past Member representing Oriire State Constituency at the Oyo State Youth Parliament (2nd Assembly), has extended congratulation to Hon. Ezekiel Ajani Oyedepo, Hon. (Mrs.) Lydia Bankole and Hon. Adekunle Oladapo Bankole on their recent appointments by the Oyo State Government.

Hon. Ezekiel Oyedepo and Hon. (Mrs.) Lydia Bankole were appointed members of the Oyo State Advisory Council, while Hon. Adekunle Oladapo Bankole was appointed Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board.

The appointments were approved by the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and took effect on September 18, 2026.

Hon. Ezekiel Oyedepo is a former two-term Executive Chairman of Oriire Local Government and a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, while Hon. (Mrs.) Lydia Bankole is a former caretaker Chairman of Oriire Local Government. Hon. Adekunle Oladapo Bankole is also a former Chairman of Oriire Local Government.

In his congratulatory message on Wednesday, J’Icon described the appointments as significant developments for Oriire and congratulated the beneficiaries on the confidence reposed in them by the state government.

He noted that each of the appointees brings considerable experience in grassroots politics, public administration and community service to their respective assignments.

According to J’Icon, the new responsibilities present the appointees with another opportunity to contribute to the development of Oyo State while remaining attentive to the needs and aspirations of the people of Oriire.

He therefore appealed to the three appointees to work closely with other leaders, stakeholders, community representatives and young people from Oriire, irrespective of political differences, to ensure that the Local Government benefits from greater attention and opportunities at the state level.

“These appointments should not only be celebrated as individual achievements; they should also be seen as opportunities to strengthen Oriire’s voice within the broader Oyo State governance structure. I sincerely appeal to our newly appointed leaders to work hand in hand with other stakeholders from Oriire to advocate for more state appointments, infrastructure, development projects and other opportunities for our people,” he said.

J’Icon particularly urged the new members of the Advisory Council to use their platform to draw attention to the infrastructure and developmental needs of Oriire, including road connectivity, security, education, healthcare, rural development and other areas requiring sustained government intervention.

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for considering individuals with strong connections to Oriire in the latest appointments, describing the development as an opportunity for the people of the Local Government to deepen their engagement with the state government.

He expressed the hope that the appointments would encourage greater collaboration among Oriire stakeholders and contribute to stronger representation of the Local Government in future government appointments and development initiatives.

J’Icon, who hails from Kedo Community of Ward 5 Oriire Local Government, has remained active in youth advocacy and grassroots development initiatives. He was also an aspirant for the APM Chairmanship ticket in the recent Oriire Local Government primary.

While congratulating the appointees once again, he wished them wisdom, strength and success in their respective assignments and urged them to see their new positions as opportunities for greater service to Oriire, Oyo State, and Nigeria.

He also expressed his appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for the appointments and wished the Governor well in his Presidential Ambition.

“Congratulations once again to our own Hon. Ezekiel Oyedepo, Hon. (Mrs.) Lydia Bankole and Hon. Adekunle Oladapo Bankole. May your new assignments bring greater opportunities for service and development, and may Oriire continue to benefit from your experience and influence”, the statement reads.