In a startling move that has sparked concerns about governance and accountability within the state, the Chairman of the Ondo State Civil Service Commission has openly defied an order from Governor Rotimi Aiyedatiwa to reinstate a worker who was allegedly unjustly dismissed.
The worker, whose dismissal had been deemed improper by the state’s leadership, was initially ordered by Governor Aiyedatiwa to be reinstated. However, in a controversial statement, the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, who oversees the appointment and discipline of public servants in the state, reportedly told government officials and sources that the Commission operates independently and does not take directives from any individual, including the Governor.
“The Civil Service Commission does not take directives from any person,” the Chairman reportedly stated, implying that the Commission has the autonomy to make decisions without interference from the executive branch.
This defiant stance has raised alarm among observers, with many questioning the potential implications for the state's governance structure and the relationship between the executive and the civil service. Governor Aiyedatiwa, who had made the decision to reinstate the worker based on evidence of unfair treatment, has yet to issue an official response to the Chairman’s refusal to comply with the directive.
In a state where public sector accountability and the protection of workers' rights are key priorities, the incident highlights the challenges in ensuring cooperation between various arms of government. The tension between the Governor’s executive authority and the Civil Service Commission’s stance on its independence has prompted calls for clarification on the limits of the Commission’s autonomy, especially in matters of personnel management.