Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, others honour late Lagos ex-Head of Service Ajose

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Governor Babatunde Fashola; and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, on Friday paid tribute to a former State Head of Service, Akinsanya Ajose.

The deceased—a native of Badagry Local Government Area and a former member of the Governance Advisory Council—passed away on Thursday, 16 January 2025, at the age of 78.

Also in attendance at the funeral were the governor’s wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat; the wife of the state’s first civilian governor, Abimbola Jakande; members of the House of Representatives; and other dignitaries.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to PUNCH Online by Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile.

The funeral service, held at the LTV 8 Ground, Blue Roof Pavilion in Agidingbi, Ikeja, was presided over by officiating ministers from the Celestial Church of Christ, particularly from Jedidah Parish I in Oke-Ira, Ogba.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu commiserated with the Ajose family on behalf of the state government and the public service, saying they had “lost a strong supporter and builder of the family.”

“Dr Akinsanya Sunny Ajose was a man who meant so many things to many people. We are standing here in his memory and to celebrate his life. He truly served us. He served the people of Lagos State for almost 50 years — first as a public servant for almost 35 years.

“He served and reached the pinnacle of his career, becoming not only a Permanent Secretary but also the Number One civil servant as Head of Service of Lagos State, the most populous, largest, and most vibrant public service in Nigeria.

“He also served in the Lagos State cabinet as Special Adviser on Special Projects. He was an outstanding politician, a true son of Badagry, a true Lagosian, and an exceptional Nigerian. I enjoyed working with Papa Ajose. He truly served us well.”

Speaking on behalf of the GAC and the ruling All Progressives Congress, the party’s state chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Ajose’s contributions to the party’s growth and development.

“We thank God for the life of Dr Sunny Ajose. He lived a fulfilled life as a civil servant, community leader, and political figure. He came, he saw, and he conquered.

“As a political leader, he changed the narrative that Badagry was known
for bad agreements to one of good agreements. Since he became the apex leader of Badagry, we have had positive results from the Badagry division,” Ojelabi said.

The deceased’s daughter, Kesha, speaking on behalf of the family, said, “Our story does not end because you have departed. This moment is a pause for us to reflect on the fortune of crossing paths with you in this lifetime. One day, we will meet again to share all that was wonderful about our time together.”

Earlier, the International Representative of the Celestial Church of Christ, Olusegun Olarinde, urged attendees to live good lives and make a positive impact during their lifetime.