Sanwo-Olu Collects Jakande’s Dying Days Notes

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 collected Jakande’s dying notes at the Fidau prayers for the deceased former governor.

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.

Sanwo-Olu Collects Jakande’s Dying Days Notes From Family Friend

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.

“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.

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.”

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