Political heavyweights, elder statesmen, and prominent leaders across the country have poured encomiums on the multiple-award-winning journalist and political strategist, Idowu Ajanaku who clocked 60 on June 2, 2026.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had in an earlier statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, led a rain of tributes for Mr Ajanaku, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation.
The tributes reflected 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.
Similarly, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, extended his warm felicitations in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adesuyan.
The Governor 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.
He said, “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.
“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 conferences 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.
