21.01.2026 11:21
The Mayor of Gölbaşı, Ankara, Yakup Odabaşı, appointed his own nephew as his Chief of Staff, transitioning him into public service. Odabaşı's move has reignited discussions on meritocracy and public ethics.
The appointment of Mayor Yakup Odabaşı of Gölbaşı, Ankara, who appointed his own nephew Adnan Odabaşı as his Chief of Staff and transitioned him to a civil servant position through an exceptional cadre, has drawn public backlash.
DISCUSSIONS FLARED UP AGAIN
The "exceptional cadre" practice, which has long been a topic of debate in local governments, has come to the forefront again with this appointment, and the decision resonated widely on social media. Assigning a critical role to a first-degree relative of the mayor has sparked discussions about meritocracy and public ethics.
"MERITOCRACY IS OOZING FROM EVERY PART OF YOU"
Following the revelation of the appointment, many users expressed their reactions on social media. In the comments, critical remarks were made such as, "They used to do these things from other municipalities to avoid drawing attention, they would give cross positions, they didn't even feel the need for that," "No one is saying 'what are you doing?'" and "Meritocracy is oozing from every part of you."
ALL EYES ON THE UPCOMING STATEMENT
This appointment has once again heightened sensitivity regarding assignments made through familial relationships in the public sector, while no official statement has been made by the municipality regarding the matter.
ELECTED WITH 44%
Yakup Odabaşı was elected mayor with the support of 44% of the votes in the local elections held on March 31, 2024, as the candidate of the CHP. Gökhan Koçak, the candidate of the Great Unity Party, remained at 25%.