Hakeem Muri-Okunola (born 1972), popularly known as HMO, is a high-ranking Nigerian lawyer and public administrator currently serving as the Principal Private Secretary (PPS) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. A veteran of the Lagos State Civil Service, where he served as the Head of Service (2018–2023), he is considered one of the President’s most trusted administrative lieutenants. As of January 9, 2026, he remains a central figure in the management of the President’s private and official affairs in Aso Rock.
Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Hakeem Muri-Okunola |
| Born | January 7, 1972, Lagos Island, Nigeria (Age 54) |
| Current Office | Principal Private Secretary to the President (since Sept 2023) |
| Former Office | 22nd Head of Service, Lagos State (2018–2023) |
| Education | LLB (LASU); LLM in International Business Law (Queen Mary, London) |
| Status in 2026 | Incumbent PPS; dismissed recent rumors of replacing the Chief of Staff. |
2026: Administrative Stability and Palace Rumors
Entering the new year, Muri-Okunola’s role has been at the center of intense political speculation regarding the hierarchy of the “Renewed Hope” administration.
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Rebuttal of Replacement Rumors (Dec 25, 2025): On Christmas Day 2025, the Presidency issued a formal “viral falsehood” alert to debunk claims that Muri-Okunola had replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga clarified that Muri-Okunola remains in his role as Principal Private Secretary, emphasizing that the rumors were a “fabrication” aimed at creating disharmony.
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The “Lagos 2027” Factor: Like his colleague Gbajabiamila, HMO is frequently tipped as a potential successor to Governor Sanwo-Olu in the 2027 Lagos Governorship race. As of January 2026, while he remains focused on his federal duties, political analysts continue to view him as a “blue-blood” candidate with the administrative pedigree and “Tinubu-loyalty” required for the post.
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Administrative Focus: In his current role, HMO is credited with streamlining the President’s private secretariat, focusing on high-level administrative coordination and acting as a discreet liaison for the President’s non-political engagements.
The “Lagos Model” at the Federal Level
Muri-Okunola’s rise is the result of over two decades of proximity to Bola Tinubu:
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The Protégé: His career began in earnest when he served as Personal Assistant to then-Governor Tinubu (2003–2005). He later became the youngest Permanent Secretary in Lagos State history (at the Lands Bureau) and eventually the state’s youngest Head of Service.
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Technocratic Reputation: He is widely respected for introducing technological innovations and reducing bureaucracy during his tenure in Lagos. In the Presidency, he is seen as the “calm, administrative balance” to the more politically focused office of the Chief of Staff.
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Family Legacy: He is the first son of the late, highly respected Justice Muritala Okunola, a heritage that provides him with significant social capital within the Lagos elite.
Professional Profile
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The “Bespectacled Spectacle”: Known for his sharp, bespectacled appearance and disciplined carriage, HMO is often described by those in the Villa as a “workhorse” who prefers the background over the limelight.
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Inter-Governmental Liaison: Because of his deep ties to the Lagos civil service and the Governor’s office, he acts as a vital bridge between the Federal Government and the “Center of Excellence” (Lagos), ensuring alignment on critical infrastructure and land-related federal-state projects.