Things Fall Apart! How Gov Sanwo-Olu Demotes Gboyega Akosile From CPS To SA Media (Non-Cabinet Rank)
The unexpected demotion of Mr Gboyega Akosile, the former Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sent ripples through the media and political circles in the state. The move, which saw Akosile being appointed as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, came as a surprise to many, raising questions about the reasons behind the decision, Worldtopnewsng exclusively reports.
In a deceived move that seems to elevated, the appointment, which took immediate effect, was announced on Wednesday in a letter dated March 13, 2024, and signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.
The letter sighted by Worldtopnewsng read: “I wish to convey the approval of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State, of your new appointment as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity (Non-Cabinet Rank) to Mr. Governor. The appointment takes effect from 13th March 2024 to 21st May 2027.”
“In appointing you, the State Government expects you to demonstrate a high level of dedication, diligence, and selflessness in the discharge of your duties to justify the confidence and trust reposed in you,” the statement reads in part.”
Akosile, a seasoned journalist with over two decades of experience in media and perception management, had been a key figure in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration since the governor’s first term in office. His demotion to a non-cabinet rank position has left many wondering about the dynamics at play within the governor’s inner circle.
While the official statement announcing Akosile’s new appointment emphasized the need for dedication and diligence in his new role, speculation abounds about the underlying factors that led to his demotion. Some observers have pointed to possible disagreements or conflicts within the governor’s media team, while others have raised questions about the overall strategy and direction of the governor’s communication efforts.
HIS MANY SINS
Aside from his feud with the governor, Worldtopnewsng gathered that many veteran journalists across the state have been lamenting his habit towards his media colleagues.
Another report indicated that Akosile, for his over 4 years in office as CPS did not organize a single Ramadan Iftar (fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims in Ramadan) for journalists in the state who are not members of Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents (LAGOCO). This Iftar is an avenue for Muslim practitioners to interface with the governor. The one-day event has been organized by his predecessors (Hakeem Bello and Habib Haruna) both of whom worked under former governors, Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode respectively.
Akosile steps into his new role as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, all eyes will be on him to see how he navigates this unexpected turn of events. With the state government’s ambitious THEMES+ development agenda in focus, Akosile will have a crucial role to play in shaping the narrative around Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration and its policies.
Meanwhile, the vacancy left by Akosile’s demotion in the position of Chief Press Secretary remains to be filled. As stakeholders await the appointment of a new mouthpiece for the governor and the state government, the coming days are likely to bring further developments and insights into the evolving dynamics of media and communication in Lagos State.
Nevertheless, the former DBN TV broadcaster was unruffled by his demotion with his “We move” message on his X (formerly Twitter) to his boss, the governor.
You know what they say about being a good follower? Yes, you’d ultimately become a good leader. Thank you Governor @jidesanwoolu for the opportunity to be here and for changing my status to Special Adviser to Mr. Governor on Media and Publicity. Thank God for the elevation.… pic.twitter.com/upsj4e2d8p
— Gboyega Akosile (@gboyegaakosile) March 14, 2024
