Tayo Ayinde At 60: The Unseen Pillar Behind Lagos Government’s Success Story

By Okunade Adekunle

Every August 24th marks a significant day in the life of a quintessential leader known for his diligence, integrity, instinct, and love for good governance in Lagos State. No one fits this description better than the enigmatic strategist, administrator, and Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tayo Ayinde, widely known as BUFFALO in Lagos political circles, especially within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

August 24th is the day this astute politician was born, destined to better mankind and add immense value to the pursuit of a better society. A mission he has been committed to since joining the State Security Services (SSS) in 1993 and continuing until his retirement in 2009, after which he ventured into the private sector. As a member of the secret security agency, Ayinde honed his expertise in security management, covering a broad spectrum of experience including investigations, operational duties, and guard force management.

The knowledge he accumulated has been effectively utilized to positively impact people in various capacities. This makes his appointment as Chief of Staff to the visionary Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu a well-deserved recognition.

Before 2019, BUFFALO served as the Chief Security Detail to the then Governor of Lagos State, now President of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from 1999 to 2007. He executed this role with extraordinary zeal and passion, coordinating intelligence gathering and security needs for the State House and the Governor, while working with other executives and security consultants.

Many may not know that BUFFALO’s expertise extends beyond the security industry; it includes professional accounting and public policy implementation. In the government of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ayinde, as Chief of Staff, is one of the unseen pillars behind the unfolding success story of Lagos.

For a man destined for greatness, working closely with a political heavyweight like Tinubu has likely prepared him for even bigger roles in the future. Whether or not this potential will manifest is yet to be seen, but his political involvement since 2014 has demonstrated his maturity and sportsmanship. Despite an initial setback in his political career, Ayinde showed grace and pledged his allegiance to his party.

Ayinde, who was born into a family at Alausa in Ikeja, is also known for his God-fearing nature, trustworthiness, reliability, sincerity, and commitment to his principles. He loves people wholeheartedly and strives to help them at every step.

As the Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Ayinde effectively serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Lagos State. His responsibilities include ensuring that the governor’s vision and programs are well-understood, advanced, and implemented. He also focuses on making sure the governor’s staff, administration officials, and state employees prioritize the governor’s agenda.
He also plays a critical role in the governor’s emergency management plans, including developing standard processes for crisis management and forming ad hoc teams to handle specific emergencies.

Ayinde acts as the Chief Policy Adviser to the governor, providing advice on a wide range of policy issues and ensuring that the governor receives the necessary information and analysis to make informed decisions. He also contributes to developing the governor’s budget and legislative messages, all of which he executes with excellence, helping steer the government in the right direction towards achieving its Greater Lagos mantra.

Despite his significant responsibilities, Ayinde is a natural philanthropist, empathetic towards others’ struggles, constantly empowering widows, and supporting young men and women. This distinctive trait sets him apart as a true emerging leader who is committed to universal human values and supports the less privileged. He is involved in various charities and initiatives to help the poor and the sick and is dedicated to mentoring young people.

Ayinde is a prominent donor to SOS Health Response in Lagos State. His philanthropic efforts and dedication to education for all Lagosians have earned him the title of Patron of the School and Community Library Project, Lagos State. He is also a member of the Education Support Group in Lagos.

As Chief of Staff, Ayinde continues to ensure the governor’s vision and programs are effectively communicated and implemented.

He maintains a formal role in emergency planning and crisis management for the governor’s office.

A graduate of Harvard Business School with training as a Strategic Financial Analyst, Ayinde has positively impacted many lives and remains a committed supporter of universal human values.

One thing that stands out about Ayinde is his unwavering enthusiasm for giving back and his dedication to making the world a better place.

Lagos and its residents look forward to more of your service in the near future, possibly in an even bigger role.

Okunade Adekunle,  a Journalist and Political Scientist, writes from Ejigbo, Lagos State.