President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sunny Ajose, a former Lagos State Head of Service (HoS) and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
Mr Ajose died on Thursday at the age of 78, after a brief illness.
In a statement by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Ajose as a “unifying force” and a “dogged civil servant” who was instrumental in driving civil service reforms and supporting government policies during his tenure as HoS from 2004.
“He was an astute administrator and dogged civil servant,” Tinubu said, recalling their close working relationship during Tinubu’s time as Lagos State governor.
“Even after his tenure, we remained very close because of his leadership qualities and his role as an important partner in development,” the President added.
Tinubu praised Ajose’s contributions to Lagos State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly as the apex leader in Badagry and the constituency’s sole representative in the GAC.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also paid tribute to Ajose, describing his death as a significant loss to Lagos State and the APC.
“Chief Sunny Ajose was an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public service. He contributed positively to the public service sector as Head of Service during the tenure of our leader, President Bola Tinubu, as the Governor of Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Gboyega Akosile.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted Ajose’s role as a seasoned administrator, grassroots leader, and devoted democrat who played a key part in the development of Badagry and Lagos as a whole.
“As a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), I had the privilege of working with him directly on many issues relating to the development of Badagry and Lagos as a whole. His leadership in Lagos politics was exemplary.
“Chief Ajose will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and the entire political class, particularly GAC, chieftains, and members of the ruling party across Lagos State and Nigeria, especially in Badagry, where he was the apex leader before his death,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Born on February 10, 1946, in Badagry, Ajose pursued higher education in the United States, earning a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and science from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and a master’s degree in Social Science from Governors State University.
He joined the Lagos Civil Service in 1979, rising through the ranks to become HoS, where his tenure was marked by innovation and excellence in public service.
Ajose also served as deputy chairman of Lagos APC and a one-time special adviser to the governor (governor’s office), leaving a legacy of leadership and commitment to governance.
Both Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu extended their condolences to Ajose’s family, the APC, GAC members, and the people of Badagry.
