Hakeem Olayinka Muri-Okunola: Profile of a Distinguished Administrator
Hakeem Olayinka Muri-Okunola, born on January 7, 1972, in Lagos Island, Nigeria, is a seasoned lawyer and public administrator. He earned his law degree from Lagos State University in 1995 and a Master’s in International Business Law from the University of London in 1999.
He began his career as an Associate Solicitor at Adepetun, Caxton-Martins, and Agbor (1996-1999) and later served as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser at Ibile Holdings Limited (2000-2003). Joining the Lagos State Civil Service in 2001, he held pivotal roles, including Personal Assistant to then-Governor Bola Tinubu and Executive Secretary on the Land Use and Allocation Committee. By 2011, he became Permanent Secretary, overseeing the Lands Bureau and the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
In December 2018, Muri-Okunola was appointed the 22nd Head of Service for Lagos State, the youngest to hold the role. He served until September 2023, when he became Principal Secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Known for his administrative reforms, he introduced the Electronic Certificate of Occupancy and the Electronic Data Management System, enhancing Lagos State’s ease of doing business.
Beyond work, he is active in social clubs and enjoys soccer, polo, and water sports. Married with children, Muri-Okunola resides in Lagos, contributing to the state’s growth and development.
On the occasion of the 53rd Birthday of HMO, the National Patriots is honoring him with an award as a National Patriot per Excellence. We wish him a successful tenure in this administration and brighter future in serving Nigeria beyond as a Patriot per Excellence and distinguished Administrator.
We extend our heartfelt wishes to Hakeem Muri-Okunola (HMO) for many more years of health, productivity, and success in governance. May Allah (SWT) guide and guard him, granting him wisdom, courage, and strength to fulfill his divine destiny. Amen.
Dr. G. A. Fraser. MFR
Founder, The National Patriots.
