By Ola Asubiojo
In Yoruba cultural heritage and parlance, whenever a man attains an enviable height of responsibility, be it a king, president, governor, business mogul or administrative heavyweight—one question naturally resonates: “Who is his mentor?” It is a question that seeks to discover the invisible hands behind visible greatness..
For Mr. Akomolede Rotimi , the Permanent Secretary and administrative head of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission, the answer begins with God. Divine wisdom, strength and direction have remained his greatest sources of guidance.
Beyond that, his professional journey has been enriched by encounters with distinguished administrators whose footprints have contributed to shaping his remarkable personality, including: the late Ayodele Afolalu, Mr. Oluwatayo Olauyi, Mrs. Titilayo Toba-Ojo, Mr Emmanuel Babatunde Jegede, Mr Mayowa Oyedeji, Olumide Olomu, Chief Oluyemi Esan, among other prominent administrative bigwigs.
From his conduct, administrative temperament and professional engagements, one can discern the influence of patience, discipline, humility, objectivity and institutional consciousness.
Yet, Mr. Akomolede has not merely copied the lessons of his predecessors; he has transformed them into a distinctive leadership philosophy of his own.
His greatest administrative strength is perhaps his ability to combine authority with humanity.
Despite occupying the highest administrative position in the Local Government Service Commission, he remains remarkably accessible to officers across cadres.
Zonal Executive Secretaries, Heads of Local Government Administration, Directors, NULGE officials and other members of staff can approach him with their genuine concerns, suggestions and complaints.
There is something particularly remarkable about Mr Akomolede Rotimi, the brilliant professionally inclined PS, who’s always ready to receive a distressed worker and, through attentive listening and objective intervention, restore hope and confidence. He has made the office of Permanent Secretary becomes more than a position of authority; to a place where administration wears a human face.
Mr. Akomolede’s administrative footprint is also reflected in his appreciation of institutional development.
His recognition of the strategic importance of the Legislative Council and advocacy for its elevation to departmental status demonstrate an administrator who understands that institutions must evolve with changing demands. His contributions to the creation and functionality of relevant departments have further strengthened the professional structure of the Local Government Service.
His commitment to human-capital development is equally commendable.
The filling of vacancies across various cadres with competent, disciplined and qualified personnel has created opportunities for career progression while strengthening the efficiency of the system.
Today, the Local Government Service can proudly point to Permanent Secretaries, Zonal Executive Secretaries, pragmatic HLAs and hardworking Directors—a clear indication that professional growth and leadership development are receiving greater attention.
His loyalty to constituted authority and appreciation of the administration of Governor Abayomi Oyebanji, particularly the Governor’s efforts towards strengthening the Local Government system, addressing outstanding deductions, sustaining the LCDAs and giving attention to workers’ entitlements, further demonstrate his commitment to institutional stability and harmonious government-labour relations.
Sustaining the new official secretariat of the Local Government Service Commission is another visible symbol of institutional progress, providing a more befitting administrative environment and reinforcing the relevance of the Local Government Service within the broader architecture of governance in Ekiti State.
Ultimately, the story of Mr. Akomolede Rotimi Gabriel is not simply the story of a Permanent Secretary.
It is the story of a man shaped by God, mentorship, experience and public service, who has transformed those lessons into simplicity without weakness, authority without arrogance, discipline without cruelty, professionalism without pretence and humanity without compromising standards.
Perhaps, therefore, the question should no longer be merely, “Who mentored Mr Akomolede Rotimi?”
The greater question is: “How many future administrative giants are being mentored by his example?”
For great administrators manage offices, exceptional administrators build institutions, but truly enduring administrators build people.
Above features have ultimately become the most remarkable legacy of Mr. Akomolede Rotimi Gabriel—the quintessential, humane and professionally inclined Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.
