Hakeem Muri-Okunola, born 7 January 1972, is a lawyer, public administrator, technocrat and currently the Principal Secretary to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria. He also served as the 22nd Lagos State Head of Service. He is the first son of the late respected Justice Muritala Okunola.
HMO’s appointment as Principal Secretary to President Bola Tinubu in 2023 was no coincidence but a reflection of his steadfast service. With over two decades of meritorious contributions, this role, which he still occupies today, is a testament to his exceptional capacity to handle the complexities of Nigeria’s executive machinery with precision and grace.
HMO started his education at ADRAO International School and Ireti Primary School for his primary school.
He subsequently attended The Nigeria Navy Secondary School, Lagos, between 1982 and 1987 for his secondary school education.
He proceeded to Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State where he studied Law and obtained his Bachelor’s degree and Nigeria Law School between 1989 – 1995.
He went further to obtain his Masters degree in International Business Law (LLM) from The Queen Mary and Westfield College,University of London, England between 1998 – 1999.
Okunola had served as the Personal Assistant to President Bola Tinubu when he was governor of Lagos State, and later Head of Civil Service of Lagos State.
He was also Company Secretary / Legal Adviser at Ibile Holdings Limited and later served as the Executive Secretary of the Land Use and Allocation Committee in Lagos State.
HMO at a time, a prominent Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Civil Service, working in a number of ministries.
Prior to his current job in Aso Rock, he was appointed the 21st Head of Service of Lagos State in December 2018.
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