Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, on Friday, honored the late Akinsanya Ajose, a former Lagos State Head of Service.
Ajose, a native of Badagry Local Government Area and a former member of the Governance Advisory Council, passed away on January 16, 2025, at the age of 78.
The funeral service, held at the LTV 8 Ground, Blue Roof Pavilion in Agidingbi, Ikeja, was attended by several dignitaries, including the governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; the wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat; and the wife of the state’s first civilian governor, Abimbola Jakande. Also present were members of the House of Representatives and other prominent figures.
The officiating ministers were from the Celestial Church of Christ, particularly Jedidah Parish I in Oke-Ira, Ogba.
Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu extended his condolences to the Ajose family on behalf of the state government and the public service. He described Ajose as “a strong supporter and builder of the family,” highlighting his decades of service to Lagos State.
“Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose was a man who meant so many things to many people. We are standing here in his memory and to celebrate his life. He truly served us. He served the people of Lagos State for almost 50 years — first as a public servant for almost 35 years.
“He served and reached the pinnacle of his career, becoming not only a Permanent Secretary but also the Number One civil servant as Head of Service of Lagos State, the most populous, largest, and most vibrant public service in Nigeria.
“He also served in the Lagos State cabinet as Special Adviser on Special Projects. He was an outstanding politician, a true son of Badagry, a true Lagosian, and an exceptional Nigerian. I enjoyed working with Papa Ajose. He truly served us well,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Cornelius Ojelabi, speaking on behalf of the party and the Governance Advisory Council, praised Ajose’s contributions to the party and his leadership in Badagry.
“We thank God for the life of Dr. Sunny Ajose. He lived a fulfilled life as a civil servant, community leader, and political figure. He came, he saw, and he conquered.
“As a political leader, he changed the narrative that Badagry was known for bad agreements to one of good agreements. Since he became the apex leader of Badagry, we have had positive results from the Badagry division,” Ojelabi said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the deceased’s daughter, Kesha, expressed gratitude for the impact her father had on those around him.
“Our story does not end because you have departed. This moment is a pause for us to reflect on the fortune of crossing paths with you in this lifetime. One day, we will meet again to share all that was wonderful about our time together,” she said.
Earlier in the service, the International Representative of the Celestial Church of Christ, Olusegun Olarinde, urged attendees to live meaningful lives and make a positive impact.
