The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has expressed his condolences on the death of the first elected Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who passed away on Thursday, aged 91.

The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, described Jakande as a selfless leader, statesman and a role model who utilised public service effectively for the development of the people.

Fayemi described Jakande as a leader with uncommon accomplishments, one of the founding fathers of progressive politics in Nigeria and a committed Awoist who elevated service to the people above other consideration.

The Governor who described Jakande’s death as an irreparable loss to Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, said the late statesman spent his life as a committed and diligent public servant and a leader who loved his people dearly.

He said the late elder statesman had immortalised himself in the hearts of the people through numerous impactful programmes and projects he executed while in office.

While noting that the deceased made his mark in the media before venturing into politics, Dr. Fayemi said the " Action Governor" excelled as a reporter, editor, Publisher and administrator, adding that his public service record was untainted.

According to him, the late statesman used his profession as a journalist to fight colonialism to a standstill paving the way for the independence achieved on 1st October, 1960.

The Governor said the urge to serve the people motivated the deceased to join partisan politics as a member of the Action Group (AG) and later the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the platforms on which he was elected as the first civilian Governor of Lagos State in 1979.

Dr. Fayemi said Alhaji Jakande laid a solid foundation for the development of Lagos State, adding that his legacies include the Lagos State University (LASU), Radio Lagos, Lagos Television, Housing Estates, Industrial Estates and many road networks.

“Baba was humility and simplicity personified, a pacesetter, torchbearer, trailblazer and a servant leader who served Lagos State and Nigeria to the best of his ability.

"We are not mourning. We are celebrating a life well spent in the service of humanity. Our consolation and that of the children and entire family is that baba lived well and earned a good name. He will continue to live in the hearts of the people. May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he added.

On his part, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State also bemoaned the passage of Jakande, describing him as one of the honest, selfless and faithful leaders Nigeria has produced.

Recalling the life and times of the former governor of Lagos State, Governor Uzodimma said Lagos Sate in particular and Nigeria in general will sorely miss Jakande because of his populist programmes that stood him out as governor endeared him to the people.

Uzodimma regretted that Nigeria has lost such a humble, sincere, committed progressive leader whose legacies, both tangible and intangible, are there for everyone to see, when his wise counsel was still needed.

The Imo State governor therefore commiserated with the Government and people of Lagos State over the loss and encouraged them to be consoled by the fact that Alhaji Jakande, popularly called Baba Kekere, left imprints that today's generation and generation yet unborn will point to and learn lessons from.

Uzodimma also prayed God Almighty to console the widow and children of the deceased as well as all that he has left behind to mourn his death.

He specifically prayed God to grant the soul of Alhaji Jakande a peaceful repose.

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