Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu, businessman and philanthropist Ajibola Bankole Adebutu, and other prominent personalities in government, security, business and traditional institutions have celebrated the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, on his 50th birthday.
The celebration, held last Sunday, also featured the launch of a biography chronicling Ogunsan’s life, values, achievements and influence in public service, business, philanthropy and Christian ministry.
The book, titled Dr Ayodele Ogunsan: ‘The Civilian General’ — The Man, His Wits, Passion and Influence, was jointly unveiled by IGP Disu and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of JB Farms Limited, Ajibola Bankole Adebutu, MON.The event attracted an impressive gathering of political leaders, security chiefs, business executives, traditional rulers, associates, family members and Christian leaders whose lives and careers have intersected with those of the celebrant over the past five decades.
In their tributes, the speakers highlighted Ogunsan’s humility, discipline, loyalty, strong Christian faith, commitment to service and ability to foster cooperation among individuals and institutions.
Sanwo-Olu led the tributes, describing the LSSTF boss as an “Omoluabi personified and a true Lagosian” whose compassion, humility, loyalty and exceptional commitment to duty had distinguished him over the years.
Reflecting on a relationship spanning almost a decade, the governor said his initial impression of Ogunsan had not fully revealed the strength, compassion and leadership qualities he later discovered in him.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added: “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.”
The governor also commended Ogunsan’s loyalty, diligence and ability to deliver on assignments without constant supervision, describing him as a dependable ally who consistently exceeded expectations.“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,” he said.
The governor’s tribute linked Ogunsan’s personal character to his performance in public office, portraying him as a man whose quiet disposition conceals considerable strength, initiative and a strong sense of responsibility.
In Yoruba culture, an Omoluabi is a person of exemplary character, known for integrity, humility, discipline, respect for others and a strong sense of responsibility.
The IGP, Disu, in his tribute, praised Ogunsan’s humility, capacity to promote cooperation among security agencies and commitment to peace and security.
“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 police chief’s remarks highlighted Ogunsan’s ability to bring security stakeholders together, stressing the importance of humility and cooperation in addressing the challenges of security administration.
Disu also expressed surprise at the celebrant’s musical talent, remarking, “I didn’t know you could sing like this.”
He subsequently offered prayers for Ogunsan and Lagos State, saying: “May Almighty God continue to be your guide. May Lagos continue to enjoy peace.”
Businessman and philanthropist, Chief Olu Okeowo, described Ogunsan as a distinguished gentleman whose Christian faith informs 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 a comparison with the biblical King David, Okeowo praised Ogunsan’s faith and prayed for his continued advancement.
He also commended the harmony within the Ogunsan family, describing the household as one built on strong Christian 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,” he 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,” he said.
Ajibola Adebutu, CEO of JB Farms Limited, brought the goodwill of his father, Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, and the entire Adebutu family to the celebration, offering prayers 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,” he said.
Adebutu’s prayer expressed the hope that Ogunsan’s golden jubilee would be a milestone with many 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, in whom Ogunsan has trusted for five decades and counting.
Kehinde Etti, the Board Chairman of the 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.
“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 said.
His 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 personal sacrifices and family support that accompany a demanding public-service career.
For Akin Ogunranti, an 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 every day: 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,” Ogunranti said.
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.
“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 said.
His testimony was a recognition of consistency. His emphasis was not simply that Ogunsan had served, but that he had continued to do so diligently 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,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, 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,’” he said.
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.
Ogunsan’s brother-in-law, Dr Sunday Alabi, reached further back into his 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 said.
His 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, 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 added.
His 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.
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