Abiodun, Osoba, Daniel, Okei-Odumakin Mourn Jakande

The governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the late former governor of Lagos State, Chief Lateef Jakande, as “statesman of statesmen.”

Abiodun in a statement by Kunle Somorin, Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, said the death of Jakande, as a colossal loss to Nigeria and journalism practice globally.

“Papa Jakande was a statesman of statesmen. He was not just a great disciple of the legendary Obafemi Awolowo, he carried the Awoist traits everywhere he went. Lagos has lost a visioner. The Awoists family has lost a great inheritor and practitioner of the great legacy and Nigeria’s progressive politics has been weaned off a model.

He was an elder statesman as a profound protégé of Papa Awo, an excellent welfarist, democrat and diplomat of the finest pedigree who was not found wanting in character and disposition throughout his professional and political career.

“There is no way good governance will be mentioned in Nigeria without a reference to the cerebral journalist and administrator, Alhaji Lateef Jakande. He was selfless; an embodiment of in excellence in the prudent management of men and resources both as a newspaperman and as governor of Lagos State. Everybody attests to his modesty and exceptional skills in managing the affairs of Lagos State even in the period of austerity measures.

“He simply was the best in his generation of Governors and held in high esteem by succeeding generations of Governors. To live in the hearts of millions even when we are no more here is not to die,”

“Papa LKJ was a great fighter who lived a great and exemplary life. He fought a triumphant battle against dictatorship and tyranny, especially in the colonial era and immediate post-colonial period as a journalist and politician. Many will remember him as the best governor in the Second Republic, renowned for his investment in education, housing and public infrastructure”, the statement continued.

LKJ was the last of the Unity Party of Nigeria-led LOOBO (Lagos, Ondo, Ogun, Bendel and Oyo), as the states were called when the country had a 19-state structure.

“While his role in the days following the annulment of June 12 election can never be forgotten, his achievements as Minister of Works between 1993 and 1998 still stand out till today. He was consistent in standing for truth and integrity throughout his sojourn life on this side of the divide.

“I recall that he stood like a rock of Gibraltar with the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and there is no way the history of democratic struggle in Nigeria can be written without his name not be emblazoned in gold. He may no more be with us physically, but his example of honour and dignity will continue to inspire future generations”, Gov Abiodun further stated.

“Baba Kekere (Junior Awo), truly fought a good fight all round. Glory to the Almighty for your life and for all that you stood (for). The entire country, Africa and the whole world will never forget your footprints on the sand of democracy

“It is my prayer that Almighty Allah grants Mama, the LKJ family, the government and people of Lagos State the fortitude to bear this great loss”, the statement concluded.

Jakande, an Elephant has fallen ― Osoba
Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, remained a political colossus and one of the best personality in journalism practice in the country.

Osoba in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta said Jakande was an astute politician who served at every opportunity both the state and the federal levels.

He said, “Jakande will be remembered in history as a personification of the best in Journalism and a political colossus.

“He singlehandedly founded both the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. He was the first black African Chairman of the International Press Institute made up of Publishers and Editors all over the world.

“He was a foundation member of both the Nigeria Union of Journalists and Guild of Editors.

“An astute politician who left giant footprints wherever he had the opportunity to serve at State and Federal level.

“As governor of Lagos State, he ran a daily “Political Clinic”, where citizens committed him on issues.”

Nigeria has lost one of the hardworking governors in history ― Daniel
Former Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State has said that Nigeria on Thursday, lost one of the hardworking governors in the history of the country.

Daniel in a letter of condolence addressed to Governor Babatunde Sanwolu of Lagos State noted that the late Jakande immortal body remained interred in all the visible projects his administration initiated.

The letter read, “Of course, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande did not die; could not have died as his immortal body remained interred in all the visible projects which dotted the landscape of Lagos, old and New, then and now. He was the ‘Builder’ of the new Lagos as he remains a myth in cosmopolitan administration to successive governments in Lagos state years after him.”

Jakande has left an indelible print in the sands of time ― Okei-Odumakin
President, Women Arise and Centre for Change (WACC), Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, has described the passing of the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande as painful, saying the deceased fondly called ‘Baba Kekere,’ in recognition of his commitment to the ideals of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, had left an indelible print in the sands of time.

Okei-Odumakin said this on Thursday in a press statement titled: “Exit of a legend: Alhaji Lateef Jakande @ 91,” copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, describing the deceased elder statesman as a man with an unequalled match in terms of morals, values and convictions, which she said was far better than silver and gold.

This was just as she recommended that the former governor’s ideals and beliefs were replicated by present-day public servants and political leaders.

“Baba’s death is painful. We recommend that his ideals and beliefs are replicated by present-day public servants and political leaders.

“Baba Kekere, as he was fondly called in recognition of his commitment to the ideals of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, has left an indelible print in the sands of time This is far better than silver and gold,” WACC president said.

The rights activist further described Jakande as a man with an unequalled match in terms of morals, values and convictions, recalling that his legacy and achievements for a period of four years that he served as first civilian governor of Lagos were legendary, spanning education, housing, transportation, and other areas of human endeavours.

“Thus did Jakande immortalise his name in the history of Lagos in particular and Nigeria’s as a whole.

“Jakande governed Lagos without moving to the Government House, making use of his own personal home throughout his tenure.

“He also drove in his own personal car, thereby leading a life worthy of emulation by public servants,” Okei-Odumakin recalled.

“He unequivocally made the point by his personal examples, sacrifices and self-denial that public trust is sacred and should never be abused in whatever guise,” she added.

WACC boss, therefore, prayed God to continue to protect the family the deceased had left behind.

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