President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has led a rain of tributes for Idowu Ajanaku, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, as he celebrates his landmark 60th birthday today, June 2, 2026.
Political heavyweights, elder statesmen, and prominent leaders across the country poured encomiums on the multiple-award-winning journalist and political strategist, reflecting on his decades of dedication to democracy, media excellence, and the progressive movement.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, congratulating the celebrant on his diamond jubilee, President Bola Tinubu rejoiced with Ajanaku, commending his courage, vibrancy, and unwavering dedication to the noble profession of journalism over many decades.
The President acknowledged Ajanaku’s immense contributions to democracy and good governance in Nigeria, recalling his “valiant efforts against tyranny” during the dark days of military rule.
Lauding the skilled analyst’s commitment to strengthening the progressive movement in the South West, President Tinubu highlighted Ajanaku’s stellar track record.
He noted his impactful service as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs and later as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy in Lagos State, before successfully heading the media campaign for the former Governor of Ondo State, the late Rotimi Akeredolu.
Furthermore, President Tinubu commended Ajanaku for deploying his vast media experience and network to project the milestones of both national and state governments, effectively bridging the communication gap to foster a deeper understanding of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The President offered prayers for the continued well-being of the devoted media expert.
Similarly, the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, extended his warm felicitations in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adesuyan.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described the attainment of age 60 as a remarkable milestone that calls for deep gratitude to God and reflection on a life of purpose and impactful service.
“Mr. Ajanaku has distinguished himself as a seasoned communications professional and committed public servant whose wealth of experience continues to add immense value to the governance process in Ondo State,” Governor
Aiyedatiwa stated: “Since assuming office as Commissioner for Information and Orientation, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening the state’s information management architecture and deepening government-citizen engagement through effective and strategic communication.”
The Governor also acknowledged Ajanaku’s steadfast commitment to the progressive cause in the state, wishing him continued good health, wisdom, and many more years of happiness and service to humanity.
Elder statesman and former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, eulogized the celebrant for his integrity.
In his goodwill message, the former Osun State Governor wrote: “Idowu, you have used journalism as a tool to shape and help the people, and you have served with dignity and integrity.”
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, focused on Ajanaku’s fearless role in the enthronement of democracy.
He recalled Ajanaku’s contributions at The Guardian newspaper during the NADECO era, particularly the struggle to actualize the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election mandate won by the late Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola. Fayemi also praised Ajanaku’s robust reporting and tactical support during the legal battle to retrieve the stolen progressive mandate in Ekiti State.
Adding his voice to the tributes, Chief Ayo Opadokun, the Secretary-General of Afenifere and NADECO during the pro-democracy struggle, commended Ajanaku’s lifelong bravery and commitment to the progressive path.
Reflecting on Ajanaku’s international contributions to the ruling party, Mr. Dele Alade, the APC-USA National Leader, recalled with nostalgia their joint involvement in Egbe Omo Yoruba xonferences in Atlanta, Georgia and Texas, where Ajanaku used his media prowess to promote the progressive struggle.
Alade recalled that Ajanaku was part of the official delegation that represented the then-national leader Bola Tinubu at the historic inauguration of the APC-USA chapter in 2014 in Virginia, alongside Senator Ajayi Borofice. This marked the foundational phase of the APC, which has now successfully held the reins of federal governance in Nigeria for 11 years.
