‘He always gave me fatherly advice’ — Ambode mourns Jakande’s demise

Akinwumi Ambode, immediate past governor of Lagos, has described Lateef Jakande, first civilian governor of the state, as a man whose life symbolised humility, uprightness and honesty.

Jakande, who ruled the state from 1979 to 1983, died on Thursday at the age of 91.

In a statement on Thursday, Hunsu Peter, Ambode’s executive assistant, said the news of Jakande’s death came to the former governor as a rude shock.

“The news of the demise of Baba Jakande came to me as a rude shock. He was ripe at age, but we had hoped he would live to celebrate a centenary,” Ambode was quoted to have said.

“His life symbolised humility, uprightness and honesty. He was an exemplary leader, a perfect gentleman and a man of integrity and character. Lagos will forever be grateful to him for his unparalleled service.

“When I was in office, I always looked forward to his fatherly advice and encouragement. Apart from that was his visible presence at state events, even with his health condition, never deterred him from giving his support. This shows how he lived a very humble and upright life throughout his sojourn here on earth.

“This is a big loss to Lagosians and Nigerians in general. But we take solace in the fact that he left huge footprints that will remain indelible in the minds of progressive Lagosians.”