A security scare has emerged in Ondo State after senior protocol officials allegedly authorized an unauthorized swap of drivers in the governor’s convoy, raising fears over potential risks to the governor’s safety.

Sources revealed to SaharaReporters that the Chief of Protocol (CoP), Mr. Olasanya Abayomi, and Director of Protocol (DoP), Barr. Asonja George, approved the driver changes without informing the Chief Security Officer (CSO) or Aide-de-Camp (ADC)—the officers responsible for coordinating the governor’s security.

A senior security expert described the action as a “grave breach of established protocol”, warning that such deviations could create vulnerabilities, especially amid nationwide security concerns.

“This is a serious violation. No convoy driver should be reassigned without clearance from the CSO and ADC,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

The incident reportedly sparked tension among top officials and unease among junior staff at Government House, with sources suggesting it has eroded trust in the administration’s internal security procedures. Some have alleged that Mr. Abayomi may have collaborated with unnamed actors to politically undermine the governor’s security, though no evidence has been made public.

Civil society leaders and security analysts are calling for an independent investigation by the Ondo State Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), with demands that the CoP and DoP be relieved of duties pending the probe.

“This should be a wake-up call. Protocol and security must operate in harmony, not at cross purposes,” a security consultant noted.

However, Chief Press Secretary Ebenezer Adeniyan downplayed the concerns, insisting that the driver reshuffle was a routine annual exercise, including swaps among media and ambulance unit drivers. Adeniyan emphasized, “There’s no security breach anywhere that I am aware of. All drivers remain under the supervision of the Chief of Protocol.”

The episode highlights the importance of clear communication and coordination between protocol and security teams to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the safety of public officials.