“We Remained Very Close” – President Tinubu Mourns Death Of Close Ally, Pa Ajose

President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of a close associate and former Head of the Civil Service in Lagos State, Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose.

The President, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, recalled appointing Ajose as the Lagos Head of Service when he was the Governor of the state.

He added that they have remained close even after leaving the government due to the leadership qualities of the elder statesman.

As earlier reported by Naija News, Chief Ajose died early on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the age of 78.

President Tinubu, in his commiseration message, condoled with the people of Badagry, the Lagos State government and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the death of Ajose.

He described the late Ajose as a statesman, party loyalist and committed All Progressives Congress (APC) apex leader in Badagry who was also a unifying force in Lagos State.

Recalling his relationship with Chief Ajose as the head of service during his time as governor, President Tinubu underscored Ajose’s commitment to reforming the service.

“He was an astute administrator and dogged civil servant. When I appointed him the head of service, he became a rallying point. He had a considerable influence on the workers. He was pivotal in getting the civil service behind our policies and initiatives.

“Even after his tenure as head of service, we remained very close because of his leadership qualities and because he was an important partner in development,” the President remarked.

President Tinubu said Pa Ajose made immense contributions to developing not only his Badagry Constituency but also the entire state. He added that it was a mark of recognition of his important role that he was the sole representative from Badagry in the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council (GAC).

While commiserating with Governor Sanwo-Olu, the government, and the people of the state, the President prayed for strength and support for Ajose’s family and eternal rest for Pa Ajose’s soul.

The late Ajose joined the Lagos Civil Service in 1979 and became head of service in 2004.