Lateef Kayode Jakande – first democratically elected governor of Lagos who left lasting legacies

Alhaji Lateef Jakande, a journalist and first democratically elected governor of Lagos state, died on Thursday February 11, 2021, aged 91.

He was a venerable statesman, outstanding politician and public administrator, governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said in a tweet announcing Jakande’s death.

Born in Epetedo, Lagos in July 1929, Jakande is originally from Omu-Aran in Kwara state.

He was elected governor in 1979 and served till December 31, 1983 when Muhammadu Buhari overthrew the democratic government of ex-president Shehu Shagari and jailed Jakande along with other political leaders.

During his time as governor, LKJ, as he was fondly called, built low cost housing estates in different parts of Lagos that are still serving the housing needs of the Lagos populace about 40 years after he left office.

Often described as one of the best to have governed Lagos, he was Editor-in-Chief of the Nigerian Tribune newspaper and also served as Minister of Works under the military regime of Sani Abacha.