The Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has paid a glowing tribute to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, describing him as an “Omoluabi personified and a true Lagosian” whose humility, compassion, loyalty and exceptional commitment to duty have distinguished him over the years. The Governor’s remarks formed part of a wave of tributes from political leaders, business executives, associates, traditional rulers and family members who gathered to celebrate Ogunsan’s 50th birthday, offering personal testimonies to the character and values of the man behind the public office. The tributes presented a compelling portrait of a public servant whose influence rests as much on his character as on his professional accomplishments.
Gov. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu: “My aburo is Omoluabi personified.”
In Yoruba cultural thought, an Omoluabi represents a person of exemplary character, that is, someone whose integrity, discipline, humility, respect for others and sense of responsibility distinguish him in society. By invoking this ideal, the Governor offered a tribute that went beyond official recognition to speak to the values he believes define Ogunsan.
Reflecting on a relationship spanning almost a decade, Governor Sanwo-Olu recalled that his initial impression of Ogunsan did not fully reveal the depth of the man he would subsequently come to know. “Ogunsan is an Omoluabi personified. He is a committed Lagosian. Ayo, my dear aburo, has worked and touched lives in different ways. That’s why I’m truly proud not just to be identified with him but to wish him well,” the Governor said.
He continued: “He and I have been on this journey for almost 10 years, but I had a completely different reading of him when we first started. I saw a quiet, humble, very unassuming person. I didn’t know inside the quiet man is a lot of strength, compassion and generalism. He will appear to you as a gentle dove, which he actually is, but inside him is the full roar of a dependable man who is strong in the Lord.”
“Dr. Pastor Ayo, thank you for the closeness of the last eight years. You have shown loyalty at the highest level, your dedication to work, precision to execution. You are someone who, if I give a task, I can go to bed. Ayo has fully done the job, and by the time you wake up, Ayo is giving you feedback. The fact that even if you forget some aspects, Ayo will advise you and tell you that you did not remember, but he has done it.” The Governor’s testimony was particularly significant because it connected personal character with professional reliability.
Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat urges continued commitment to security
Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat as represented by Mr. Moruf Akinderu Fatai conveyed birthday felicitations to Ogunsan and encouraged him to sustain his commitment to public safety. “I celebrate you, Dr Ogunsan, on your birthday. Do continue to move in this quest to secure Nigeria,” The message highlighted the broader significance of Ogunsan’s responsibilities at the LSSTF, where support for security agencies forms part of the collective effort to protect lives and property.
Gbenga Oyerinde: ‘May the years ahead be more beautiful’
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Lagos State, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde celebrated the occasion as five decades of memorable experiences and expressed hope that the next chapter of Ogunsan’s life would be even more fulfilling. “We celebrate five decades of beautiful memories. May God crown your new age. May the years ahead be more beautiful than the years behind. May your life be filled with testimonies that money cannot buy.” as his prayer for testimonies that money cannot buy points to the blessings such as peace of mind, enduring relationships, sound health, and fulfilment, which cannot be acquired through professional advancement or material success.
IGP Disu: ‘He doesn’t mind kneeling down to solve problems’
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, offered a compelling tribute to Ogunsan, highlighting his humility, capacity to foster cooperation among security agencies and commitment to the peace and security of Lagos State. “More than half of everyone here are security officers. This is because of the institution that he leads. Dr Ayo Ogunsan is a wonderful human being. I have a lot to learn from him, though I am older than him. He doesn’t mind kneeling down to solve problems. He has been able to merge all security agencies in Nigeria,” Disu said.
The IGP’s remarks drew attention to a leadership quality that is particularly important in security administration: the willingness to subordinate personal pride to the pursuit of practical solutions. Disu also acknowledged a lighter side of the celebrant, expressing surprise at his musical ability. “I didn’t know you could sing like this,” he remarked before offering his prayers: “May Almighty God continue to be your guide. May Lagos continue to enjoy peace.”
Chief Olu Okeowo: ‘Ayo is like David’
Businessman and philanthropist Chief Olu Okeowo described Ogunsan as a distinguished gentleman whose Christian faith is reflected in his work, family life and vision. “Ayo Ogunsan is a distinguished gentleman. He has married Christianity with his work, family and vision. Ayo is like David. My prayer is that God will continue to promote him,” Okeowo said.
Drawing on the biblical example of David, Okeowo placed faith at the centre of his assessment of the celebrant. He also praised the harmony within the Ogunsan household, describing the family as a reflection of shared spiritual values. “The family makes a good symphony. They live in a house where God is worshipped in Spirit and in truth. The worship will keep you in the land of the living. I wish us all the glory of the ember months.”
Ajibola Adebutu: ‘You will achieve 60, 70 and even more’
Chief Ajibola Adebutu, the CEO of JB Farms brought the goodwill of his father, Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, and the Adebutu family as a whole to the celebration, offering a prayer for many more years of life and accomplishment. “Doki, I bring you greetings from my dad, Kessington Adebutu. I pray for you that, as you have achieved this milestone, you will achieve 60, 70 and even more as God tarries.”
Adebutu’s prayer expressed the hope that Ogunsan’s golden jubilee would be a milestone with more years ahead to serve, build relationships and fulfil his aspirations. His reference to God’s continued grace reflected the Source and Sustainer of all good things, whom Ogunsan have trusted for five decades and counting.
Kehinde Durosinmi Etti: ‘He knows practically everything in security’
Kehinde Durosinmi Etti, the Board Chairman of LSSTF, praised Ogunsan’s depth of knowledge and the progress he had witnessed through their professional relationship. “I have known him for about five years, first as a board member, and now, in the last one year, I have known him much more. You are a great man. He has demonstrated giant strides. He knows practically everything in security. He is very deep,” Etti said.Etti’s testimony complemented the IGP’s remarks on collaboration, reinforcing the picture of a leader whose work requires both practical knowledge and the ability to engage with the complexities of security administration.
Ubon Udoh: A driven and inspirational leader
For Ubon Udoh, the MD/CEO of the ASR Foundation and a member of the LSSTF Board, Ogunsan’s defining qualities include the ability to inspire others and the conviction that collective effort can produce meaningful results. “Dr. Ayo is so driven and inspirational. He believes with people, anything can be achieved. Thank you for what you do for Lagos and for showing Nigeria an example. May you continue to have love, light and laughter in your family. It’s a deep pleasure to work with you.”
Udoh’s tribute placed Ogunsan’s professional contributions within a broader understanding of leadership: the ability to encourage people to believe in what they can accomplish together. It also acknowledged the importance of the personal sacrifices and family support that accompany a demanding public-service career.
Akin Ogunranti: ‘Our indefatigable CEO’
For Akin Ogunranti, Executive Director at Zenith Bank and member of the LSSTF Board, Ogunsan’s energy and determination are central to his leadership of the state security-support institution. “We call him our indefatigable CEO. He is full of energy to see that Lagos State is secured. Being on the same WhatsApp group with Dr. Ogunsan and you will see updates everyday: this is done, that is done. We are proud of the giant strides you are making due to your leadership of that agency. I wish you a long life, health and plenty of money to enjoy it.”
His reference to the LSSTF’s giant strides was an endorsement of the leadership dimension of Ogunsan’s tenure, while his closing prayer introduced the lighter, affectionate tone that often accompanies milestone birthdays: a wish that the celebrant should enjoy not just longevity and good health, but also the financial comfort to appreciate the rewards of his labour.
Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo: ‘You have served diligently and you are not tired’
The Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, welcomed Ogunsan into the fifth floor of life, using the occasion to recognise his diligence and continuing commitment to service. “I welcome you to the fifth floor. You are now an elder statesman. We met by accident, and I can tell you, since I met you, you have been diligent. You have served diligently, and you are not tired. We thank you for all that you have done.”
The monarch’s testimony was a recognition of consistency. His emphasis was not simply that Ogunsan had served, but that he had continued to do so with diligence and without showing signs of fatigue.The monarch’s words drew attention to the less visible quality of sustained commitment. Service, in this telling, is not an occasional display of activity but a continuing disposition.Oba Ogunsanwo also acknowledged the contribution of Ogunsan’s wife to the demands of his public responsibilities.“I thank my sister, your wife, too, for lending you to the service of the nation. Thank you for keeping the home front.”
The remark recognised an important but sometimes overlooked aspect of public life: the family support that makes demanding responsibilities possible. The monarch concluded with a prayer and a charge to the celebrant. “It is our prayer that God will grant you long life and sound health. Do not be afraid, do not despair, continue with your great work.”
Oba Lateef Egbeyemi, Ologba of Ogba: ‘We can see the certificate of your parents in you’Oba Lateef Egbeyemi, the Ologba of Ogba offered a deeply rooted tribute in Yoruba, drawing attention to the relationship between parental upbringing, personal character and the values transmitted from one generation to another.In his translated remarks, he prayed that Ogunsan would continue to enjoy God’s grace and mercy, observing that people had reasons to give thanks to God alongside him. “Dr. Ogunsan, by God’s grace and mercy, it will always be well with you. People praise God with you. We can see the certificate of your parents in you. It’s not only them; even your wife and children are good. How many of us can say that the way our parents trained us is the way we are training our children? Your children will succeed in your lifetime.”The expression, “the certificate of your parents,” is a powerful cultural metaphor.
It suggests that the character of a well-raised child becomes evidence of the quality of the values, discipline and principles instilled by the parents. In this understanding, good upbringing is not merely declared; it is demonstrated through conduct. Egbeyemi extended that assessment beyond Ogunsan himself to include his wife and children, presenting the family as a reflection of values that have endured across generations. His observation about the challenge of raising children in the same way one’s parents raised one was particularly significant. It touched on the responsibility of preserving sound values while navigating the demands and changing realities of contemporary life. The closing prayer that Ogunsan’s children would succeed in his lifetime was an especially poignant wish. It expressed the hope that he would live long enough to witness the flourishing of the next generation and enjoy the fruits of the values he has worked to transmit.Abiodun Ogunsan: ‘He is a leader and a mentor’
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Abiodun Ogunsan expressed gratitude for the large turnout at his brother’s 50th birthday celebration. His tribute offered a more intimate view of the man behind the public office. “Thank you for the huge turnout for my brother’s 50th birthday. He is a leader and a mentor; he is like a father to me. He believes so much in discipline and is deeply spiritual. He will say something like, ‘Listen to me, everything you hear me say, it’s from the Father above.’”
The testimony placed discipline and spirituality at the centre of Ogunsan’s approach to life. His brother’s description of him as a father figure also suggested that his leadership is not limited to giving direction; it involves guidance, correction and the responsibility of helping others grow. For him, as portrayed by his brother, faith is not simply a private belief but a source of authority, discipline and direction.
Dr Sunday Alabi: ‘We could all see that you are a light and leader’The brother-in-law, Dr Sunday Alabi reached further back into Ogunsan’s personal history, recalling the impression he made when he came around in 1986/87. “When you came around to join us in 1986/87, we could all see that you are a light and leader. Even those older than you could see it. You are a leader. May the lines continue to be for you in pleasant places.”
Alabi’s recollection indicated that the qualities celebrated at Ogunsan’s golden jubilee were not recent developments. In his account, the potential for leadership was visible from the early years of their acquaintance, even to people older than the celebrant.
Degbola Lewis: ‘Within a week, he secured us a donor’Degbola Lewis, the LSSTF Director of Administration, celebrated Ogunsan’s people-centred leadership, highlighting his concern for employees and his role in driving institutional transformation. “I celebrate a leader whose respect and concern for his employees is worthy of note. In just one year, you have spearheaded tremendous transformation. Our movement to our new building is set to crown all the efforts,” Lewis said.
He went on to cite an example of Ogunsan’s ability to mobilise support for institutional development. “Within a week of coming to office, he secured us a donor to singlehandedly build a headquarters for us.”Lewis’s account presented a leader who combines concern for the people within an organisation with a practical focus on the infrastructure needed to advance its work.
Dr Moses Oladimeji: ‘A true light lightens others’The Coordinator of the LSSTF-CACCOV initiative, Dr Moses Oladimeji, drew on the imagery of light to describe the celebrant’s influence on other people. “A true light lightens others. We have seen his love, his heart for people, his leadership. You are a light for this generation. Grace, opportunity, will find you.” Through his description of Ogunsan as a light for the generation, Oladimeji portrayed the celebrant as someone whose leadership is recognised not only for institutional responsibilities but also for the human relationships and possibilities it nurtures.
Ultimately, the most enduring message from Ogunsan’s 50th birthday is that a man’s legacy is not measured only by the offices he occupies and assignments he completes but also by the confidence he inspires, the values he embodies, the people he strengthens and the generations he prepares for the future.
From Sanwo-Olu’s account of a quiet but dependable ally to the recollections of childhood associates, institutional colleagues and family members, a recurring picture emerged of a man driven by faith, disciplined in execution, loyal in relationships and committed to making a difference in the lives of others.