Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande being sworn in as the first Executive Governor of Lagos State by the State chief judge Adetunji Adefarasin in 1979
He was a veteran journalist, politician, and statesman. Before venturing fully into politics, he was a respected newspaperman, rising to become the editor-in-chief of the Nigerian Tribune in the 1960s, where he established himself as one of the leading voices of progressive journalism in Nigeria.
In July 1979, as Nigeria prepared to return to civilian rule after years of military government, Jakande contested the gubernatorial election for Lagos State under the platform of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the political movement led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He won the election and, later that year, was sworn in as the first civilian governor of Lagos State.
Fondly called “Baba Kekere” because of his closeness to Awolowo, Jakande quickly distinguished himself as a visionary leader. During his tenure from 1979 to 1983, he launched ambitious low-cost housing projects across Lagos, expanded access to free education, constructed numerous primary and secondary schools, and invested in healthcare and infrastructure. His administration became a model of people-oriented governance in the Second Republic.
In December 1983, following the military coup that ended the Second Republic, Jakande was removed from office. He later returned to public service in the 1990s when he was appointed Minister for Works and Housing under General Sani Abacha’s military regime, a decision that attracted criticism from some of his old allies but which he defended as an opportunity to serve.
Chief Lateef Kayode Jakande passed away on February 11, 2021, at the age of 91. He remains one of the most celebrated governors in the history of Lagos State, remembered for his integrity, humility, and enduring legacy in education, housing, and infrastructure development.
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
TUMBLR
INSTAGRAM
