Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the redeployment of Adetola John to serve as the new Accountant-General of the State and Permanent Secretary of the State Treasury Office (STO). The appointment, which takes effect from Monday, March 2, 2026, follows the statutory retirement of the previous officeholder, Dr. Abiodun Muritala.
According to an official circular from the Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Adetola John is being transferred from his previous position as the State Auditor-General. The circular, signed by Head of Service Bode Agoro, formalizes the Governor’s approval for the change in assignment.
Announcing the move, Mr. Agoro extended his best wishes to Adetola in his new role and called on all government stakeholders to provide the necessary publicity and cooperation. He stated that the strategic redeployment reflects the state government’s dedication to ensuring continuity, efficiency, and accountability in the management of public finances.
The State Treasury Office is a critical agency responsible for the coordination of the state’s fiscal operations, including revenue management, expenditure control, and public financial reporting. As Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Adetola John will oversee the state’s accounting functions and serve as the principal financial advisor to the government on treasury matters.
His prior experience as State Auditor-General provides him with substantial background in public sector audit and financial oversight, roles that complement the responsibilities of the Accountant-General. The seamless transition between these two senior financial positions is viewed as part of a broader strategy to maintain institutional memory and robust financial governance within Lagos State’s public sector.
The appointment comes at a time when effective public financial management remains a cornerstone of policy for Nigeria’s commercial capital, which manages one of the largest sub-national budgets in the country. The change in leadership at the STO is expected to ensure the uninterrupted execution of the state’s financial protocols and reforms.
The immediate focus will be on the formal handover process and the integration of Adetola into his new duties, with the Head of Service emphasizing the importance of full cooperation from all departments to facilitate a smooth transition.
