Chris Steven, Abuja
Lateef Kayode Jakande, the first elected governor of Lagos State, is dead. He was 91.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos announced the demise of the late politician Thursday afternoon on Twitter.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Describing his death as a colossal loss, Sanwo-Olu said: “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”.
“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,” the governor added.
According to Wikipedia, Jakande was born on July 23, 1929, and was a former journalist who became governor of Lagos State from 1979 to 1983, and later was Minister of Works under the Sani Abacha military regime (1993–98).