February 7, 2025 by and Alao Abiodun

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Lagos State governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola and Senator Idiat Adebule yesterday honoured former Lagos State Head of Service cum member of Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose during a public presentation of a book – The sunny side of Ajose: triumphs and legacies of Dr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose (OON).

The book launch was part of the burial activities for Ajose.

Ajose, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, died on Thursday, January 16. He was 78.

The book, written by a multiple-award winning journalist, Olatunji Ololade, who just bagged his Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), was meant to commemorate Ajose’s next birthday before his demise.

It offers a comprehensive insight into Ajose’s distinguished career as a seasoned administrator and grassroots politician; his inspirational biography of how he left an indelible mark on Lagos State Public Service.

Other dignitaries at the book launch include widow of Ajose, Mrs Arinola, children and some kinsmen from Badagry; former Minister of State for Defense and GAC member, Sen Musiliu Obanikoro; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso; his Home Affairs counterpart Ibrahim Layode; Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa; Lagos Head of Service, Shuaheeb Agoro; APC Lagos State Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi; Mrs Adefemi Abeke Taire nee Williams; a former Secretary to the Lagos State Government and former Head of Service, Mrs Folashade Jaji; Solomon Bonu and Mrs Anike-Adekanye-led Body of Permanent Secretaries among others.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his wife, Ibijoke, said the late Ajose contributed immensely to the development of Badagry, Lagos state and Nigeria.

“He was a committed family man, civil servant and community leader. He was a workaholic like me. He was a jingoist of old and new ideas. The late Ajose was always there to give positive encouragement to others,” he said.

Fashola, who wrote the book’s foreword, disclosed how late Ajose positively impacted his career and many others.

Fashola, represented by his Chief of Staff, Oladimeji Sofowora said: “My public service experience has been positively impacted by the generosity of those who served before I was born and while I was growing up, who graciously documented their experiences by writing books.

“Not a few have responded positively and this offering by Mr. Ajose delights me in no small measure because Mr. Ajose was so helpful to me in my early days in Lagos State public service in particular and in my public service journey in general. He was extremely hardworking, devoted to his work and passionate about service. Our office of Chief of staff to Governor Tinubu sailed against the wind successfully on many occasions, and most of the credit goes to Mr. Ajose.”

Dr. Ololade, an Associate Editor of The Nation Newspaper, the 200-page book published by FabledMuse Publishers, periscopes Ajose’s journey from childhood through accomplished adulthood, and through him recounts the narrative of Lagos.

He said: “Sunny’s story is indeed unique and original, and that is because his path to acclaim didn’t unfurl in flat miles. His temperament is inspiring; the imagination with which he perceives the world and the gestures by which he honours it distinguish him as an unusual visionary. The man, Sunny Ajose is so kind and helpful. He cares for the masses by giving scholarships to indigent children without making any segregation among Ogu, Awori and Ayonu”.

Chairman on the occasion, Mrs. Josephine Oluseyi Williams, said: “This is a remarkable biography. It is not just a book but a compendium of achievement, Ajose’s story deserves to be told and remembered.

“Ajose’s dedication and hardwork brought the book to life. It will inspire generations to come. His legacy lives in the hearts of many of us. He is an unassuming and complete gentleman. Every life is a story, but each unique in its own way. The biography immortalises the life and times of Sunny Ajose, ensuring that his legacy is not only remembered but serves as an inspiration.”

The book reviewer, former Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, said: “When the news of passing broke, it was a devastating shock. However, our solace lies in the fact that Papa Sunny Ajose lived a life of profound impact. His legacy is one that will endure many generations.