The term “at the pleasure of the Governor” is an offshoot of the phrase “at her Majesty’s pleasure” which is a legal term of art referring to the indeterminate or undetermined length of service of certain appointed officials or the indeterminate sentences of some prisoners at the Queen’s pleasure or, when applicable, “at His Majesty’s pleasure” or “King’s pleasure”. The term is based on the concept that all legitimate authority for government comes from the Crown. Originating from the United Kingdom, the term is now used throughout the Commonwealth realms wherein the phrase is modified to be “at the Governor’s pleasure”. The length of service of such offices was made to cease when the Governor ceases to hold office.
MAJOR GENERAL KAYODE ONI (Rtd.) & 3Ors v GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE & 1 Or – SC. 622/2015 decided on 18th January 2019