Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker was born on July 22, 1923, in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended the prestigious Church Missionary Society (CMS) Grammar School from 1934 to 1941, where he excelled academically and served as Senior Prefect.
In 1948, he proceeded to the University of Exeter, England, graduating in 1950 with a Diploma in Public Administration. He later studied law at London’s Court Inns and was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in July 1960.
Civil Service Career
Coker began his professional life as an Information Officer in the colonial service, later working in both Northern and Western Nigeria before joining the Lagos State Civil Service after the state was created in 1967.
Key Appointments
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources / Trade and Industry (1968–1970)
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Community Development (1970–1972)
Chairman, Lagos State Scholarship Board (1970–1972)
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Tourism (1972–1975)
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Social Development (1975–1978)
He retired in August 1978 at the statutory age of 55, leaving behind a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and administrative excellence.
Cultural and Social Engagement
Chief Coker was more than a civil servant; he was a cultural figure and historian. He was conferred with the chieftaincy title “Baba Eto of Lagos” by the Oba of Lagos for his contributions to the city’s cultural and social life. He was later honored as “Baba Eto of Yorubaland” and also held the title of Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti.
An active member of Lagos’ social circles, he served as president of both the Yoruba Tennis Club and the Island Club.
Contributions to Literature and Heritage
A passionate historian, Chief Coker authored several significant works, including:
A Nigerian Hero: Sir Adetokunbo Ademola
Iya Eko: Oyinkan Abayomi
The Life of Bishop Kale
These writings reflect his deep commitment to documenting Nigeria’s history and celebrating its icons.
Recognition and Honours
Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Port Harcourt (1993)
Lagos State Government named a clinic in Alausa in his honor.
Final Years and Passing
Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker passed away on August 12, 2020, at the age of 97. Tributes poured in from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, and numerous institutions, all honoring his exceptional contributions to public service and cultural life.
Chief Coker’s life bridged the colonial and post-independence eras of Nigeria. He exemplified the ideals of service, culture, and historical preservation. His legacy remains woven into the civic and cultural fabric of Lagos and beyond.
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
TUMBLR
INSTAGRAM
