Oyo Indigenes’  interests well represented at FCC, equity, justice are my watchwords – Aleshinloye 

The Federal Character Commissioner representing Oyo State, Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, has assured residents of the state that their interests and concerns remain adequately represented at the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

Aleshinloye gave the assurance during a press conference and inaugural meeting with staff of the commission in Oyo State on Thursday.

Aleshinloye said the briefing was convened to address issues of national importance, particularly those relating to equitable representation and fairness in public service.

According to him, his mandate as commissioner is guided by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which emphasises the principle of federal character to ensure fairness, equity and balanced representation in the distribution of public offices and socio-economic opportunities across the country.

Aleshinloye explained that since their administration was inaugurated on January 22, 2026, under the leadership of the executive chairman, Hon. Ayo Omidiran, efforts have been intensified to ensure strict compliance with the federal character principle across federal ministries, departments, and agencies.

“The commission has intensified strict monitoring and compliance efforts to ensure that recruitment, appointments and promotions, as well as the distribution of infrastructure and social amenities, reflect fairness, equity and balanced representation among all states of the federation,” he said.

Aleshinloye noted that the commission’s mandate extends beyond employment opportunities.

“It is fundamentally about all tiers of government — federal, state and local — promoting fairness, equity and balanced representation among all states and ethnic groups. The commission is responsible for ensuring that no section of the country is marginalised in federal appointments, infrastructure distribution, social amenities, policy implementation and access to national resources,” he said.

Aleshinloye added that the federal character principle remains one of the pillars for promoting unity and national integration in Nigeria.

“It ensures that no section of the country feels marginalised and that every state and region has a sense of belonging in the governance and administration of our great nation,” he said.

Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to transparency and compliance, Aleshinloye stated that the FCC would continue to monitor federal establishments to ensure adherence to its guidelines.

“Today, I wish to reiterate the commitment of the commission under the leadership of Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran to continue to monitor compliance with the federal character principle in federal establishments. We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that recruitment, appointments, promotions, infrastructure, policy implementation and other opportunities in the public service reflect the diversity of our country and adhere strictly to the guidelines laid down by the Commission,” he said.

The commissioner also reassured residents of Oyo State of adequate representation at the commission.

“I want to assure the good people of Oyo State that their interests and concerns remain well represented at the Commission. We are committed to ensuring that the state receives its fair share in federal opportunities while also encouraging merit, competence and professionalism in public service,” he said.

Aleshinloye also commended the media for its role in promoting accountability and democratic governance and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for appointing him as commissioner.

“I sincerely express my profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the confidence reposed in me through my appointment as the Federal Character Commissioner representing Oyo State. I do not take this responsibility lightly, and I remain committed to serving diligently in accordance with the constitutional mandate of the Commission,” he said.

Aleshinloye urged Nigerians to remain committed to unity, peace and fairness for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Oyo State Director of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Mr. Muyiwa Babanumi, expressed appreciation to dignitaries who attended the event and described the commissioner’s visit as historic.

“It is the first time we are having this kind of visitation here. He is the fifth commissioner from Oyo State.

“We have never received any commissioner like this and this shows the kind of person our commissioner is,” he said.

Babanumi also expressed optimism about the direction of the commission, saying: “We believe that it is a new dawn for the Federal Character Commission. We are rebuilding this nation, and there was lopsidedness in appointments before. But since they were sworn in, they have swung into action.”

He further pledged the commitment of the commission’s staff in the state to support the new commissioner.

“We believe your tenure will be peaceful and, with your wealth of experience, things will get better.

“We are ready to cooperate 100 per cent with you in whatever capacity,” the State Director added.

Dignitaries at the event included APC State Leader, Gbenga Olayemi Ariba; APC Chairman in Oluyole Local Government, Prince Dotun Oladipupo; Alhaji Ajibola, Mrs Adeola Ojo, former APC Women Leader in Oluyole Local Government, Mrs Oluwatoyin Adewale; incumbent APC Women Leader in Oluyole Local Government, Mrs Kikelomo Akinleye; Alhaji Mumini Oriade, Muyiwa Olaoye, Segun Ajuwon, Bolaji Sanusi, Hon. Monsuru Adeyemo, FCC Deputy Director, Mr Adeyinka Fehintola; FCC Assistant Director, Alhaji Saheed Folarin; FCC Assistant Director, Mrs Adetoun Akinlotan; and members of the commission’s staff.