After LG Autonomy, Ward Councillor Appoints 101 Political Aides

• Kwara ward councillor appoints 101 unpaid aides across wide-ranging portfolios to “carry everyone along in governance”
• The team includes chief of staff, senior special advisers, special assistants, project coordinators, and even a special task force
• Residents question the need for such an expansive structure as Kwara battles rising insecurity

A ward councillor in Ilorin, Kwara State, Hon. Onibonoje Maruf Olayinka of Ubandawaki Ward at Ilorin West Local Government Area, has sparked conversations after unveiling a staggering 101 political aides in his office.

Legit.ng obtained one of the official appointment letters issued to an appointee.

It read:

“Congratulations Adam Momolosho for your appointment as Senior Special Adviser on Social Welfare to Hon. Onibonoje Maruf Olayinka Ubandawaki ward Councillor. Kindly note that it’s a voluntary job as no salary or stipend is attached. It’s purely service to humanity.”

Kwara councillor unveils 101 voluntary political appointees

The letter further clarified that all the appointments are honorary, voluntary, and come without any financial entitlements.

Despite being unpaid, the list of appointments mirrors the style of high-profile political offices in Nigeria, spreading across portfolios like Chief of Staff, Special Advisers, Senior Special Advisers, Special Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Project Coordinators, Communication Officers, and even a Special Task Force.

At the top of the structure is Muftau Onilaru, appointed as Chief of Staff, with Ibrahim Yekini Ottu as Deputy. The media wing was placed under Zulukanaini Omotolani, named Senior Special Adviser on New Media.

A robust team of Special Advisers was announced: Hon. Garuba Ismael (Community Development), Moh’d Jamiu Balogun (Environmental Issues), Sen. Ajape Abdulrasaq Habeeb (Economic Matters), Comr. Abubakar Ahmed(Security Intelligence), Abdulkareem Ayinde Abdulwasiu (Education), and Engr. Sikiru Usman Aremu (Infrastructure Development).

The senior special advisers list includes Ahmed Yusuf Shooto (Health), Malik Omotosho (Nino) (Youth Empowerment), Adam Momolosho (Social Welfare), Idris Gana (Agriculture), Olayinka Saheed (Media & Communication), Engr. Baba Ahmed (Energy), Muyideen Bolakale (Trade & Commerce), Adam Aliu Yusuf (Water Resources), and Fuhad Owolabi Olayiwola (Special Projects).

Others were captured as special assistants handling different sectors such as Sanni Rufai Gbodofo (Sports), Biodun Ford (Tourism), Ibrahim Pamilere (Arts & Culture), Amb. Opeyemi Emmanuel (International Relations), Zuhairah Yakubu (Women’s Empowerment), Mustapha Tajudeen Dauda (ICT), and many more.

A long list of administrative assistants was also named, spanning logistics, public relations, human resources, digital media, defense, gender issues, protocol, and events management. Some notable names include Mohammed Adebayo (Doctor), Abdulgafar Abayomi, Adam Alaro, Idowu Azeez, Oriolowo Abdulwasiu, Major Ibrahim Sani, and Rofiat Motunrayo Dauda.

In addition, there were communication officers like Horlotoyin Yusuf, Ahmed Moyosoure, Abdulazeez Iniuefule, and Emmanuel Oluwasuen; Project Coordinators such as Olayinka Sakariyah, Muzammil Atere, Kawu Agboola, and Muibat Aduke Jaji; Protocol Officers including Umar Mohammed Neka, Abdulhakim Mohammed Dakace, and Salamah Ajadi Adejoke; and even a Special Task Force made up of Al-hassan S. Kpataki, Aremu Luqman, Comr. Jagun, and Ijoba Adeta.

The team was rounded off with Logistics and Supply Chain aides (e.g., Ibrahim Kpada, Muritala Alowonle, Haphiz Ajao) and Research & Development officers (e.g., Ahmad Alfa Ahmad, Itz Adisa Latest, Al-hassan Yarema Ptg, Taofik Adekunle Jimoh).

One of the last on the roll call was Bolaji Gobir, appointed Special Assistant on Radio/Entertainment.

While the councillor described the move as a way of “carrying everyone along in governance,” some residents have questioned the rationale behind such an expansive structure, especially since the positions are unpaid.

The residents said these appointments are unnecessary particularly at the time the state is facing a critical problem of insecurity.

Bandits abduct seven residents

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that in a fresh attack in the northern part of Kwara State, bandits abducted several residents of the state despite the recent arrest of a dreaded terrorist leader, Mahmud Mohammed Usman.

Suspected bandits killed a prominent community member in Lade, Patigi LGA of Kwara state, and abducted others in another major community in the state.

Residents are fleeing their homes due to repeated bandit attacks, while community leaders express fear and anger over the continued insecurity.

Source: Legit.ng