CoS Reappointment: How Tayo Ayinde’s Loyalty, Diligence Paid Off in Lagos Politics
By THECONSCIENCEng
Cornel West, an American philosopher, political activist and social critic was spot on when he said, “We have to recognise that there cannot be relationships unless there is commitment, unless there is loyalty, unless there is love, patience, persistence.”
The Lagos political milieu, infact, bears a resounding testament to West’s thought.
While the political atmosphere is notoriously characterised by mudslinging, outmanoeuvuring, wit, betrayals and chicanery, a few personalities like meteors bestride the space in a different class of their own, charting paths and blazing trails with profound sense of duty, commitments, integrity, diligence and uncanny loyalty.
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Everybody knows Buffalo in the Lagos political arena not because he’s the Governor’s chief of staff but because of his unique personality as a dedicated individual who understands that the price of success is hard work, loyalty, humility and commitment.
Ayinde doesn’t just tower above his peers with his physique but his humility, charisma and listening ears, all of which are core ingredients for genuine leadership.
Against all odds and wild speculations, he has again emerged as the Chief of Staff for the second term in office. Those who are keen observers of the Lagos polity are however not surprised as it’s a well deserved appointment.
Tayo Ayinde who was first appointed in 2019 as Lagos Chief of Staff has been dedicated to the Lagos state political cause with finesse and devotion.
In the last few years, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the progressive structures of the Lagos polity remains solid and in the firm grips of the rulling All progressive congress (APC).
Undaunted by moves from fifth columnists and political opponents within the APC to undo him, but instead like an enigma and proverbial phoenix, Ayinde has reinvented himself and further warmed his way deeply into the hearts of the progressives.
Ayinde who served as the chief security detail to the former Governor of Lagos State now Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from 1999 to 2007, remains an astute leader who can not be ignored in the core political nucleus of Lagos because of his relevance and valuable contributions to the progressive ideals.
His untainted long streak of loyalty and dedication has earned him accolades and trust, and entrenched him in the system.
Ayinde, an alumnus of Havard Business School, Boston, USA, and the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom is a trained accountant, and former security and intelligence personnel who served the state to the Zenith of his career.
He has also served as the Director General of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu Independent Campaign Groups on various occasions where he brought his understanding of political leadership and people management to bear to loud applause of his principals.
As success attracts accolades, it also attracts envy and hate. Some of his political foes are of the opinion that he’s growing to be too powerful in the political setting and did everything possible to halt his re-emergence in the political settings in lagos, however, Tayo Ayinde who is one of the most humane and humble leaders in Lagos political arena held on to his winning formula of relentless commitments, loyalty, diligence and resilience which has made him emerged victorious yet again. He’s proven to be a blessing to the state as an astute manager of people, process and other resources.
As he takes on the tedious role again with profound sagacity, many observers are keen to see Tayo Ayinde sustain his winning streak and formula for the purpose of good governance and benefits of residents.