Politics
10 Things To Know About Touted Next Gov Of Lagos Making Others Scramble
one of the original “golden boys” of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
The most popular name in the political circle of Lagos, especially with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as the next Governor of Lagos State is Hakeem Muri Okunola.
Muri-Okunola, a lawyer, public administrator, and technocrat is the Lagos state Head of Office (HOS).
He assumed the position as a 46year old in December 2018.
Here are ten things you should know about the man whose rising profile as a strong contender for the position of Governor is giving backers of 2nd term seeking incumbent Babajide Sanwo-Olu sleepless nights.
….Not New To Talks Of Guber Ambition
The 50yr old son of respected Justice who died in Mecca on Thursday, January 29, 2004, when he went to perform Hajj ( Muritala Okunola ) is not new to talks of gubernatorial ambition.
He was one of those touted as a possible successor to Babatunde Fashola “on the low” ahead of the 2015 election.
Muri-Okunola was better talked about as possible Governor of Lagos State in the search for the successor of Akinwunmi Ambode before Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “anointment” as successor ahead of the 2019 election caught many by surprise.
….Member Of Innermost Caucus Of Asiwaju
The graduate of Law from the Lagos State University and holder of master’s degree in International Business Law from the Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London has been a member of the inner circle of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu political family far longer than Governor Sanwo-Olu.
He was a former Personal Assistant to Asiwaju Tinubu between 2003 to 2005.
Asiwaju Tinubu was the Governor of Lagos state from 1999 till 2007.
HMO (as Hakeem Muri-Okunola is fondly called) started the journey that made him a Personal Assistant and took him into the innermost recess of the Tinubu political family when he joined Ibile Holdings Limited – the Investment Company of Lagos State Government – in 2000.
…One Of The Original Golden Boys
“H” as some others prefer to call the “always cool” Lagos Head of Service is one of the original “golden boys” of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
The “Golden Boys” is a close-knit unit of four that was like a shadow to Asiwaju Tinubu when he was the Governor of Lagos State.
The formidable unit of four with far-reaching influence – and their positions – were Folorunsho “Folly” Folarin-Coker ( Personal Assistant later Deputy Chief of Staff ), Gbolahan Lawal (Aide-De-Camp), Ademola Elegushi (Special Assistant), and Hakeem Muri-Okunola (Personal Assistant).
Folarin- Coker was adjudged the leader of the pack.
…Habitually Reserved
Folorunsho Folarin – Coker as the leader of the pack ensured that the unit members stayed low profile and this greatly helped Hakeem Muri-Okunola (and others).
This has helped HMO generally labeled very friendly off the public glare to build his connections and network away from unwanted attention.
He is particularly tagged habitually reserved when in public but given to acts of kindness.
…….How Sanwo-Olu Celebrated HMO’s 50th Birthday
The Lagos State Head of Service (HOS) clocked 50 on January 7, 2022.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was one of those that massively celebrated the HOS.
Sanwo-Olu released a statement on January 6, 2022, to signpost HMO’s golden moment.
The statement reads in part “You have played critical roles in the growth and transformation of Lagos State Civil Service, thereby setting examples for other States’ civil service to emulate…I pray that God will continue to preserve and grant you good health to enable you to render more service to humanity, Nigeria, and our beloved State, Lagos,”
…Whiff Of How Comfortable He Is
What seems a whiff of the kind of comfort HMO luxury in seeped out about ten years ago.
There was said to be a party. The party was to celebrate big money status.
Tags of “billionaire” and “multimillionaire” were bandied about.
The claims were disputed by some, others grin in seemingly hidden knowledge.
There were just talks. The talks were well before “H” celebrated his 40th birthday.
….He Is The Opposite Of His Brother
While Hakeem Muri-Okunola is habitually reserved, the same can not be said for his younger brother – Rasheed.
Rasheed Muri-Okunola makes friends more easily than his elder.
And is more on the beat than his brother.
The younger Muri Okunola is described as a jolly good fellow and very outgoing – unlike his senior brother.
There is said to be about seven years gap between the two brothers.
….His Social Clubs
The 50-year-old may be regarded as habitually reserved, SocietyNow.Ng confirmed he is a member of a handful of social clubs.
And some of them are Ikoyi Club 1938, Lagos Motor Boat Club, Lagos Polo Club, and F’s Club
“H” or “HMO” or “Hakeem ” as the touted gubernatorial aspirant is addressed by friends and fans is described as “loves to keep fit.”
And he appears to be a walking signboard of his preferences.
And his preferences are defined by his hobbies which include “soccer, athletics, polo, boating, squash, and basketball “
…Why He May Become Next Gov Of Lagos
It is an open secret in Lagos State – and beyond.
The oracle of Lagos politics, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a very large extent determines what is what.
And he has continued to confound political watchers with how he does his things with the emergence of Babatunde Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Governors serving as testaments.
The fight before Fashola got a second term gave notice and Akinwunmi Ambode’s one term, irrespective of the prevailing circumstances, confirmed second term ticket is not automatic for a Governor in Lagos State.
“All those interested in the position, named and unnamed including the incumbent know it is anybody’s game.” SocietyNow.Ng learned.
