Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the 2nd Head of Service (HoS) in the state, late Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, as epitome of integrity and diligence, saying that his unwavering commitment to excellence was evident throughout his illustrious career in office. Chief Ajose transited on January 16, 2025, aged 78.

The governor, who spoke through his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu said this at the public presentation of the biography on the late Ajose, titled: “The Sunny Side of Ajose,’’ at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu further described the late Ajose, a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) as a committed Head of Service, saying that his tenure was full of resourcefulness, leaving an indelible mark that marked the state progression.

This was just as the governor noted that his role in the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) showcased his dedication to good governance and his vision for a progressive Lagos State.

“Today we gathered to honour an exceptional leader and son of Lagos State, Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose.

Also, former Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), paid glowing tribute to the late Ajose, recalling his encounter with him first as Chief of Staff (COS) to then Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Fashola, represented by Mr. Oladimeji Sofowora, said Ajose as then permanent secretary, taught him the rules and bureaucracies of the public service, noting that he was helpful in that regard as he made him understood the fact that nothing was impossible to achieve.

The former minister commended the book for wide reading in order for people to gain from the legacies left behind by the late permanent secretary. In his speech, the Lagos State Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Olabode Agoro, urged civil servants to do their best by emulating the late Ajose who left a good legacy with his selfless service to humanity as captured in his biography, saying that the state government would continue to appreciate his contributions.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, in his welcome address, described the deceased as an icon, a towering figure in the state public service, saying that the gathering was a celebration of life.

The permanent secretary described Ajose’s passing as painful but quickly urged those he left behind to take solace that his life was full of accomplishments.
Olaide-Mesewaku said late Ajose envisioned the book to serve as a guide to produce more Ajoses in the public service, adding that “we are not only unveiling a book, but also celebrating a lovely personality.”

The book reviewer and former Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN), said Ajose’s legacy would endure for long as he led an impactful life, and touched many lives.

Fagbohun described the book, which, according to him, was meticulously supervised by Ajose himself, while alive, as life capturing book, very engaging as well as thought provoking about leadership and followership in the country.

Also, Mrs. Aderemi Taire paid a lot of tributes to the late Ajose, describing him as one of the brightest and outstanding “among us the civil service from Badagry.”

Taire said Ajose was respectful, dutiful, diligent and focus in achieving the goal of the office he occupied.

Earlier, the author of the Book, Ololade Olatunji, described the book as a light house for future leaders who dared to stand out in rendering services to the public and humanity.