New Lease of Life for Bunmi Ariyo

Former Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has continued to feature in newlines and blogs. The man’s legacies clearly extend beyond his political ambitions. This time, it is not Ambode that is the subject of this gist, but another one of his legacies—his Personal Assistant, Bunmi Ariyo. With bountiful harvest after bountiful harvest, Bunmi Ariyo has finally decided to rest from public and political operations, taking respite from his family and home, and private ventures.

When Ambode was the main authority in Lagos, there was a cache of individuals who assisted him to bring his ambitions to light. Bunmi Ariyo was one of such people, and he thrived under Ambode, working in the capacity of a Personal Assistant.

However, it is alleged that Ariyo’s employment was so profitable to Ambode that he began to function as Chief of Staff.
Regardless of the insinuations, Bunmi Ariyo became a semi-independent personality, winning to himself the acclaim and support characteristic of inherently influential people. However, his role in Ambode’s administration was a launching pad that Ariyo put to use. There’s almost no other figure that emerged from Ambode’s council of assistants who has been able to solidify his influence and affluence in recent times.

The most remarkable of Ariyo’s ventures after his service in Lagos State government is the acquisition of high-profile properties and land. Although only reportedly in his mid-40s, Ariyo has purchased choice properties all around Lagos. These include the ones he allegedly acquired in Ikeja, Lagos: the extensive property from Opebi; the several he purchased in GRA, especially the massive one from a popular family —situated on a major street in GRA. What’s not to like about property acquisition and development?

This is why Ariyo can afford to take a hike from the public scene, and spend more time on private businesses—that is, on both his immediate family, and his immediate enterprises. This is a man that has it all going for him.
His new low-profile status is not without significance. Unlike those who take this path because they have no other choice, Bunmi Ariyo is still very relevant, and has only decided to take a step back to savour the extent and beauties of family life and the widening horizon of his businesses.