Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, the former Head of Service and member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC).
The GAC is the highest decision-making body of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu described the death of the APC stalwart as a significant loss to Lagos State, particularly the ruling party. He highlighted Ajose’s unique role as a retired public servant and a key mobiliser within the APC.
Sanwo-Olu also extended his condolences to the GAC members, APC leaders, and party members across Lagos State, especially in the Badagry Division.
He noted that Ajose’s passing has created a void in the party.
Ajose, who served as Head of Service during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State, and was also the former Deputy Chairman of the APC in Lagos, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78 after a brief illness.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu described Ajose as a seasoned administrator, a passionate leader, and a respected politician who devoted his life to serving his people in Badagry, the APC, and Lagos State.
He said: “The passing of Chief Sunny Ajose is a great loss to Lagos State, especially our party, the All Progressives Congress, because of the critical role the deceased was playing in the party before his death, both as a GAC member and the apex party leader in Badagry.
“Chief Ajose was an epitome of dedication and selflessness in public service. He contributed positively to the public service sector as Head of Service during the tenure of our leader, President Bola Tinubu, as the Governor of Lagos State. He also played an active role as a one time Special Adviser to the Governor (Governor’s Office) in Lagos State.
“Chief Sunny Ajose, as a consummate politician and committed grassroots leader, contributed immensely to the growth and development of our great party as Lagos APC Deputy Chairman. He was a trustworthy, devoted and progressive democrat.
“As a member of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), I had the privilege of working with him directly on many issues relating to the development of Badagry and Lagos as a whole. His leadership in Lagos politics was exemplary.
“Chief Ajose will be missed dearly by his family, friends, and the entire political class, particularly GAC, chieftains, and members of the ruling party across Lagos State and Nigeria, especially in Badagry, where he was the apex leader before his death.
“I sympathise with GAC members, leaders, and members of APC over the death of one of our leaders. I pray that Almighty God is pleased with his soul and grants the immediate and political family, friends, and associates, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”