Meet New Go-To-Person For President Tinubu Backed By The First Lady

A new go-to person for those who want things from President Bola Tinubu has emerged.

He is Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the newly appointed appointed Principal Private Secretary to the President.

The long-term favored son of President Tinubu is edging out Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila from this role.

Those who should know disclosed that the influence of First Lady Remi Tinubu is also aiding Muri-Okunola to settle into this role.

“The First Lady pushed for the appointment of HMO (Hakeem Muri-Okunola) as Principal Private Secretary and she continues to back entrusting him with tasks meant for only the most loyal” according to those in the know.

Digs revealed that Muri-Okunola’s appointment results from the alleged actions and inactions of Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, especially during the appointment of ministers.

“The talks were that HMO would handle the administrative tasks while Gbajabiamila remains the general overseer of everything relating to the President but it is not turning out that” insiders disclosed.

Muri-Okunola is reportedly being increasingly entrusted with tasks that make it clear he was not brought in to be a “desk person”.

And the discerning in the corridor of power have taken note and started adopting Muri-Okunola as the new go-to person for the President.

Fondly addressed as “H” by those close to him, Muri -Okunola is not new to roles that keep him very close to President Tinubu.

The lawyer, public administrator, and technocrat was one of those labeled the original “Golden Sons” of Tinubu during his time as Governor of Lagos state from 1999 to 2007.

The Golden Sons were a formidable unit of four with far-reaching influence at the time and their positions were Folorunsho “Folly” Coker ( Personal Assistant later Deputy Chief of Staff ), Gbolahan Lawal (Aide-De-Camp), Ademola Elegushi (Special Assistant), and Hakeem Muri-Okunola (Personal Assistant). Coker was named the leader of the pack.

The keep-fit enthusiast who is a big fan of Soccer, Athletics, Polo, Boating, Squash, and Basketball is the immediate past Lagos State Head of Service.

The appointment of Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the son of late respected Justice Murtala Okunola, as a major player in the presidency continues the teleguiding of his career by President Tinubu.