LAGOS: Sanwo-Olu mourns, says ‘venerable statesman’ Jakande will be sorely missed

THE incumbent governor of the State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has confirmed the death of one of his predecessors in office, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

Sanwo-Olu also penned a moving tribute to the nonagenarian who he described as a “venerable statesman”.

He wrote, “With gratitude to God for a worthy life well spent in the service of Lagos State, Nigeria and humanity, I announce the death of a venerable statesman, outstanding politician, public administrator and the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.

“Baba Jakande’s record of service as a journalist of repute and a leader of remarkable achievements as governor of Lagos State will remain indelible for generations to come.

“His death is a colossal loss and he will be missed.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Baba Jakande.

“May Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus, Aamin.”

Jakande, the first civilian Governor of the Lagos, reportedly died at the early hours of Thursday at the age of 91.

A journalist by training, he became governor of Lagos State in 1979 and served till 1983 when the regime of General Muhammadu Buhari booted him from office and ended the second Republic.

He was also one of the few civilians co-opted into the military regime of the late Sani Abacha, in which he served as Minister of Works.

Popularly called “Baba Kekere” because of his closeness to the late political sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo whom his loyalists referred to as “Baba”.

His administration as governor of Lagos state is still revered for the massive infrastructural development recorded during his four-year stint especially the numerous Jakande Estates built across many local governments in the State as well as sterling investment in schools.

Jakande’s death comes just about a month after a former Military Governor of Lagos, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu also passed away.