Tinubu mourns passing of former Lagos State Head of Service, Sunny Ajose

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his deepest condolences to the Lagos State Government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the passing of Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, an elder statesman and former Lagos State Head of Service.

Chief Ajose passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 78.

In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the people of Badagry, describing the late Ajose as a statesman, party loyalist, and committed APC apex leader in Badagry. He noted that Ajose was also a unifying force in Lagos State.

Reflecting on their relationship during his tenure as Lagos State Governor, Tinubu praised Ajose’s dedication to reforming the civil service.

“He was an astute administrator and a dogged civil servant. When I appointed him as the Head of Service, he became a rallying point and significantly influenced the workforce. He was pivotal in gaining the civil service’s support for our policies and initiatives,” Tinubu remarked.

“Even after his tenure as Head of Service, we remained very close because of his leadership qualities and his vital contributions to development.”

The President highlighted Ajose’s immense contributions to the development of Badagry and Lagos State, noting that his role as the sole representative from Badagry on the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council underscored his importance.

While commiserating with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government, and the people of Lagos State, Tinubu prayed for strength for Ajose’s family and eternal rest for his soul.

Life and Legacy
Sunny Ajose was born on February 10, 1946, in Badagry. After completing his primary and secondary education in Nigeria, he traveled to the United States for higher education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois, Chicago, in 1973, and a Master’s degree in Social Science from Governors State University in 1974.

Ajose joined the Lagos State Civil Service in 1979 and became the Head of Service in 2004. His tenure was marked by a commitment to excellence and reforms that advanced the civil service.

Chief Sunny Ajose will be remembered as a devoted leader who left a lasting legacy in Lagos State.