When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was first sworn in as Governor of Lagos State on May 29, 1999, he made history by assembling one of the most star-studded and formidable cabinets in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The lineup included some of the brightest political minds and technocrats, many of whom later rose to national prominence as Vice President, Governors, Ministers, Senators, and even the current Central Bank Governor.
While some remained loyal to Tinubu to this day, others drifted away at different stages before realigning.
Egalitarian Voice takes a throwback look at the full list of Tinubu’s first Commissioners and key aides in 1999:
Tinubu’s 1999 Cabinet and Key Appointees
1. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) – Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice. Later served as Vice President (2015–2023). Once close to Tinubu, but politically drifted after contesting against him in the APC presidential primary.
2. Rauf Aregbesola – Commissioner for Works. Later Governor of Osun (2010–2018) and Minister of Interior (2019–2023). Once Tinubu’s closest ally but fell out over Osun politics and Abuja intrigues.
3. Alhaji Lai Mohammed – Chief of Staff. Later Minister of Information (2015–2023). Aligned with the “Abuja boys” and fell out with Tinubu.
4. Leo Babatunde Dasilva (Late) – Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
5. Oladele Alake – Commissioner for Information & Strategy. Now Minister for Solid Minerals. A long-standing and trusted ally.
6. Arc. Kayode Anibaba – Commissioner for Environment & Physical Planning. Later defected to PDP and served in Ogun State.
7. Chief Mumin Adio Badmus (Late) – Commissioner for Education, later Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs.
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8. Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) – Commissioner for Special Duties. Later APC Legal Adviser, AMCON Chairman. Once broke with Tinubu on principles but eventually reconciled.
9. Olayemi Cardoso – Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget. Currently Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
10. Olusegun Dawodu – Commissioner for Sports & Youth Development. Returned decades later to serve in same role under Governor Sanwo-Olu.
11. Olawale Edun – Commissioner for Finance. Presently Nigeria’s Minister of Finance. A loyal and trusted ally.
12. Chief Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi – Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation. Retired into private business.
13. Chief Abiola Johnson (Late) – Commissioner for Transport. Son of Chief J.M. Johnson, Nigeria’s first Sports Minister. Later fell out with Tinubu.
14. Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson (Late) – Commissioner for Establishment, Training & Job Creation. Later APC State & Zonal Woman Leader, NSITF Director. Remained loyal until her death.
15. Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro – Commissioner for Home Affairs. Later Senator, Ambassador, Minister of State for Defence. Defected to PDP but eventually reconciled with Tinubu.
16. Asipa Kaoli Olusanya – Commissioner for Agriculture & Cooperatives. Loyal ally; his daughter is Lagos State’s current Commissioner for Agriculture.
17. Dr. Adeleke Pitan – Commissioner for Health. Later associated with “Abuja boys” but still a Tinubu loyalist.
18. Olanrewaju Saka Senayon – Commissioner for Rural Development. Less politically active today.
19. Chief Mrs. Teju Phillips – Commissioner for Commerce & Industry. Daughter of business mogul Antonio Oladeinde Fernandez. Currently Chairman of LASACO Assurance PLC. A steadfast Tinubu ally.
20. Prof. Idowu Shobowale – Special Adviser on Education. Renowned media scholar. Later established LASU’s School of Mass Communication, and lectured at Olabisi Onabanjo University.
21. Arc. Olanrewaju Towry-Coker – Commissioner for Housing. A technocrat who returned to private practice.
22. Femi Obayomi Davies – Special Adviser on Local Government. Later House of Reps member (Ojo Federal Constituency, 2003). Defected to PDP but later returned to Tinubu’s camp.
23. Sen. Solagbade Lanlehin – Special Adviser on Political & Legislative Matters. Later Senator for Oyo South (2011–2015). Once broke with Tinubu but reconciled to support his presidential bid. Still active in Oyo politics.
24. Rafiu Babatunde Tinubu (Late) – Head of Service, Lagos State. A family relation of Tinubu who later fell out before his death.
Credit: Naija News
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