Sanwo-Olu, Fashola, Meranda, others pay tribute as former Lagos HoS is buried
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda; wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat; and former Governor Babatunde Fashola on Friday attended the funeral service of former Lagos State Head of Service and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Deputy Governors, Senator Oluranti Adebule and Princess Sarah Sosan; wife of Lagos’ first civilian governor, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande; members of the House of Representatives and Lagos State House of Assembly; religious, political, and traditional leaders; as well as family, friends, and members of the Badagry community.
The funeral service, held at the LTV 8 Ground, Blue Roof Pavilion, Agidingbi, Ikeja, was officiated by ministers from the Celestial Church of Christ, particularly from the Jedidah Parish I in Oke-Ira, Ogba.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu extended condolences to the Ajose family on behalf of the Lagos State Government and the public service, acknowledging the late Ajose’s contributions.
“Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose was a man who meant so much to many people. We are gathered here in his memory to celebrate his life,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“He served Lagos State for nearly 50 years—first as a public servant for almost 35 years, reaching the pinnacle of his career as Head of Service. He also served in the Lagos State cabinet as Special Adviser on Special Projects.
“He was an outstanding politician, a proud son of Badagry, a dedicated Lagosian, and an exemplary Nigerian. I truly enjoyed working with Papa Ajose. He served us well, and his legacy will endure.”
Speaking on behalf of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party’s State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, praised Ajose’s contributions to the growth of the APC, particularly in the Badagry division.
“We thank God for the life of Dr. Sunny Ajose. He lived a fulfilled life as a civil servant, community leader, and politician. He came, he saw, and he conquered,” Ojelabi said.
“As a political leader, he transformed the perception of Badagry from one of discord to unity. Since he became the apex leader of Badagry, the division has continued to achieve significant progress.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, the late Ajose’s daughter, Kesha, described their father as an irreplaceable figure.
“Our story does not end because you have departed. This moment allows us to reflect on the fortune of crossing paths with you in this lifetime. One day, we will meet again to celebrate all that was wonderful about our time together,” she said.
Earlier in his sermon, Most Superior Evangelist Olusegun Olarinde, International Representative of the Celestial Church of Christ, urged attendees to live meaningful lives and leave a lasting positive impact.
Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose was remembered as a dedicated public servant, a committed leader, and a beloved figure in Lagos and beyond.
