The first civilian governor of Lagos State, Lateef Jakande, died in the early hours of Thursday, February 11, at the age of 91.
The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed the news on his Twitter handle, @jidesanwoolu.
Sanwo-Olu’s tweet reads:
“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,” the governor added.
Lateef Jakande was a former journalist who became governor of Lagos State from 1979 to 1983. He also served as the Minister of Works under the Sani Abacha military regime from 1993 to 1998.