The Oyo Development Council (ODC) proudly extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, an eminent scholar, administrator, and distinguished son of Oyo-Alaafin, on his appointment as the Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG) by His Excellency, Governor Engr. Oluseyi Makinde.
Professor Babatunde stands out in every sense of distinction as “OGO OYO” – The Bright Star. His life story reflects intellectual brilliance, character anchored in service, and a relentless commitment to public good. He represents the best of Oyo’s heritage: depth of scholarship, clarity of vision, disciplined execution, and humility in leadership.
A consummate economist and university don, Professor Babatunde has built an illustrious academic and public service career marked by excellence, global recognition, and measurable impact. His scholarly contributions span development economics, international economics, and public finance, with widely cited research that informs policy circles far beyond Nigeria’s borders. He has equally translated knowledge into governance, previously serving with distinction as Chief Economic Adviser and subsequently as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in Oyo State.
In those roles, he championed reforms that strengthened fiscal responsibility, improved transparency, enhanced planning systems, and aligned budgets to people-centred development outcomes. His analytical discipline and strategic foresight have contributed to the consolidation of good governance under the present administration.
His appointment as Secretary to the State Government is therefore neither accidental nor ceremonial; it is a strategic decision that places competence at the heart of coordination of government machinery. In this new role, Professor Babatunde is expected to bring his trademark rigour, calm authority, and institutional maturity to advance policy coherence, inter-ministerial coordination, and efficient service delivery across the state.
For the people of Oyo-Alaafin, his elevation is a point of profound pride. For the youth, it is a powerful reminder that scholarship, integrity, and hard work remain the most enduring routes to relevance. For the State, it signals continuity in visionary governance. And for Nigeria, it showcases the emergence of a new generation of scholar-statesmen.
The Oyo Development Council affirms its confidence that OGO OYO will illuminate this new office with “excellence“` , just as a bright star lights the horizon ahead of dawn. We wish him wisdom, strength, and divine guidance as he undertakes this high call to service.
Signed
Oyo Development Council (ODC)
