Pix: Lagos State Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu (right), presenting a condolence letter to the wife of late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Alhaja Abimbola during a condolence visit by the members of the State Executive Council, at the family’s residence in Ilupeju, on Sunday.
Three days after the passing of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the late first Civilian Governor of Lagos State literally came back alive, as his widow and other family members shared memories of his last moments and his unfulfilled goals with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Sanwo-Olu led a delegation of top Government functionaries in the State to the Fidau (Islamic funeral prayer) held for the late Jakande at his Ilupeju residence on Sunday, during which the Governor personally conveyed his condolences to the deceased’s immediate and extended family members.
The visit came two days after the Governor attended the burial of the late Jakande at Ikoyi Vaults and Gardens, where the deceased’s remains were laid to rest.
Jakande was the first politician to be elected as Executive Governor of Lagos, governing from 1979 to 1983. He died on February 11, 2021 at 91.
Sanwo-Olu arrived at the deceased’s residence, at 10:23am, in company of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Dr. Wale Ahmed, Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, and the State’s Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN.
Chairman of Odi Olowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Rasak Ajala, joined the widow, Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, and her children to receive the Governor and his entourage.
Before the prayers commenced, Sanwo-Olu held a meeting behind closed doors with the deceased’s family members, during which a close confidant of the late Jakande, Engr. Kamal Giwa, delivered two messages left for the Governor by the deceased. One of the messages is a personal ambition, which the late Jakande wanted fulfilled before his death.
Jakande, the Governor said, was “tremendously outstanding” throughout his public career as the first Executive Governor of Lagos and as federal minister. Sanwo-Olu said Jakande’s achievements remained the guiding light for leaders across political divides, stressing that his “sterling” leadership qualities stood him out as one of the great men Lagos had produced.
Sanwo-Olu urged the families to take solace in the legacy left by the former Governor, which, he said, remained indelible in the minds of the people who benefitted from his policies and programmes. The Governor said the manner in which Jakande passed away showed he led a fulfilled life and had departed to be at peace with his Creator.
Sanwo-Olu said: “We give glory to Almighty Allah for giving Baba Jakande many years to live on earth. No matter how long we stay on the earth, we will leave when our time is up. As humans, we don’t like losing good people, especially a personality like Baba Jakande, who was tremendously outstanding in his service to humanity.
“To have lived for 91 years, Allah has been gracious to him; despite his ripe age, Baba Jakande was not terminally ill or was being carried from one hospital to another before he breathed his last. This is a testimony that he led a good life. He was at peace with humankind and now, given the way he also left us peacefully, he is at peace with his Creator.”
Sanwo-Olu said there could be nothing more consoling for the State Government than the deceased’s enduring legacy projects dotting the State’s landscape, stressing that all Jakande laboured for had remained standing from about 40 years till date.
The Governor described the late Jakande as “a builder”, who laid a foundation for the Lagos Project on which his successors had built. His exit, Sanwo-Olu said, is loss that could not be quantified, noting that the former Governor had been immortalised before his passing and would be duly immortalised.
He said: “With every sense of humility, I can say Baba Jakande was a builder of our time, who laid foundation on which all of us have been building layers on. He was decent, humble and reflected what humanity stands for. His achievements in public service are a legacy that all of us in position of leadership must hold dear and reflect upon.
“The entire citizens of Lagos appreciate the service of this great man, who has just been called to the great beyond. The experience and all values we learnt from Baba Jakande will not be lost on us. He was a great man who lived in our time. We take solace in the fact that he led a life worthy of emulation.”
Alhaja Jakande said the Governor’s presence brought an uplifting moment to the family in their period of mourning. She prayed for the success of the Governor in office, while also urging Sanwo-Olu to protect the legacy of her husband.
She said: “For us, there is nothing more consoling than the legacy of the late Jakande throughout his public service and private life. These achievements must be protected and built upon. This visit by our Governor and members of his entourage in this period of mourning has given us an uplifting effect. It reassures us that the Government and the people of Lagos have continued to appreciate the Jakande family for the legacy my husband left behind.”