President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Alhaji Surajudeen Tokunbo Ayilara, honoring his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and service.
Despite his frailty towards the end, Ayilara demonstrated an unyielding spirit and determination, continuing his service until his very last breath.
Reflecting on Ayilara’s life, President Tinubu highlighted his remarkable achievements marked by hard work, endurance, and perseverance.
Describing him as selfless and loyal, Tinubu praised Ayilara’s dedicated public service, particularly his commitment to Lagos State and humanity.
President Tinubu recounted their first meeting during his tenure as governor of Lagos State, when Ayilara was a top official in the state’s civil service, serving as Director of the Abuja Liaison Office.
Before this role, Ayilara had worked under the military administration of Colonel Buba Marwa as Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government.
One of Ayilara’s notable achievements was the completion of the then-abandoned Lagos Liaison Office in Abuja within six months.
Ayilara’s career in the Lagos Civil Service was distinguished by exceptional leadership skills and dedication, rising to the rank of Permanent Secretary and excelling in protocol and administration.
After retiring from public service, Tinubu appointed him as his Special Adviser, a role he continued even after Tinubu’s tenure as governor.
Throughout Tinubu’s political journey, including the formation of the Action Congress and Action Congress of Nigeria, Ayilara was a constant presence.
He played a key role in registering both parties in Abuja and was an authoritative voice on those events.
A true progressive at heart, Ayilara believed in their shared vision for Nigeria and was an integral part of Tinubu’s presidential campaign team, managing campaign accounts and liaising with influential political figures.
President Tinubu emphasized that describing Ayilara merely as a staff member or Special Adviser would significantly understate his importance, acknowledging him as a trusted associate, friend, brother, and dependable partner.
He expressed profound gratitude for Ayilara’s services to Lagos State and his family, acknowledging that many of their achievements would not have been possible without Ayilara’s guidance and partnership.
Ayilara’s devotion extended to his family and friends, spending most of his life serving others and giving generously to those in need.
He was a humanitarian embodying the spirit of selflessness. President Tinubu declared that neither he, Lagos State, nor anyone who knew Ayilara would ever forget him.
On behalf of himself, his family, the government, and all the good people of Nigeria, President Tinubu offered heartfelt condolences to Ayilara’s loving wife and children.
He also extended condolences to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos State on the loss of this outstanding public servant.
President Tinubu concluded his tribute with a prayer, “May Almighty Allah grant Alhaji Surajudeen Tokunbo Ayilara Aljanna Firdaus.”
Bello Wakili
