President Tinubu Mourns Elder Statesman Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagos State Government, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the people of Badagry following the death of Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, a distinguished elder statesman and former Head of Service. Chief Ajose passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 78.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu paid tribute to the late Ajose, describing him as a dedicated party loyalist, a statesman, and a unifying figure in Lagos State. The President also commiserated particularly with the people of Badagry, where Ajose hailed from, for the loss of a prominent community leader.
Reflecting on his close working relationship with Pa Ajose, President Tinubu recalled the latter’s role as Head of Service during his tenure as governor. He lauded Ajose for his commitment to civil service reform and his ability to garner the support of workers for the government’s policies.
“Chief Ajose was a consummate administrator and a steadfast civil servant. When I appointed him as the Head of Service, he became a key pillar for the civil service, ensuring that the workforce supported our initiatives. His leadership had a profound impact on the success of our government,” Tinubu remarked.
Tinubu further praised Ajose’s contributions to the development of both Badagry and the wider Lagos State, noting that his influence extended beyond his tenure as Head of Service. Ajose was also the sole representative from Badagry in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, a testament to his significant role in the state’s governance.
The President extended his sympathies to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State government, and the entire state. He prayed for strength for the Ajose family and for the eternal rest of Pa Ajose’s soul.
Born on February 10, 1946, in Badagry, Pa Ajose’s academic journey took him to the United States, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Science from the University of Illinois, Chicago, in 1973. He later obtained a Master’s degree in Social Science from Governors State University in 1974. Ajose joined the Lagos Civil Service in 1979 and eventually rose to the position of Head of Service in 2004 under then-Governor Bola Tinubu.
