Former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande died today at the age of 91.
Jakande who was the first Executive Governor of Lagos died in the early hours of Thursday, today, 11th February.
He was the Governor of Lagos State between 1979 and 1983 and late Minister of Works under the Sani Abacha regime between 1993 and 1998.
He contested as Lagos State Governor under the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria in 1979 defeating his opponents, Adeniran Ogunsanya of the NPP and Adeniji Adele of the National Party of Nigeria.
Governor Lateef Jakande was a renowned journalist who worked with Daily Times in 1949 before joining the Nigerian Tribune.
He was appointed Editor-in-Chied of the Tribune by the Chairman and founder, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was one of the first people to announce the demise of the elder statesman. According to him:
Babajide Sanwo-Olu@jidesanwooluยท “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 collosal 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.”