Lateef Kayode Jakande was a Nigerian journalist and politician, notable for serving as the Governor of Lagos State (1979–1983) and later as Minister of Works under the Sani Abacha regime. He is remembered for his housing and educational initiatives, which significantly impacted Lagos State.
Background
- Birth: 29 July 1929, Epetedo, Lagos Island, Lagos State, Nigeria
- Parents: From Omu-Aran, Kwara State
- Early Education:
- Lagos Public School, Enu-Owa (Lagos Island)
- Bunham Memorial Methodist School, Port Harcourt (1934–1943)
- King’s College, Lagos (1943)
- Ilesha Grammar School (1945), where he edited The Quarterly Mirror
Journalism Career
- 1949: Joined Daily Service
- 1953: Moved to Nigerian Tribune
- 1956: Became Editor-in-Chief, appointed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo
- 1975: Founded John West Publications and The Lagos News
- First President of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN)
Governor of Lagos State (1979–1983)
Jakande contested under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and defeated:
- Adeniran Ogunsanya (NPP)
- Ladega Adeniji Adele (NPN)
- Votes: 559,070
Key Achievements
Education and Housing
- Free primary and secondary education programs
- Built new neighborhood schools and Lagos State University
- Constructed over 30,000 housing units across multiple estates:
- Amuwo-Odofin, Ijaiye, Dolphin, Oke-Afa, Abesan, Ipaja, Iponri, Iba, Ikorodu, Badagry
- Established the Nigerian Institute of Journalism
Healthcare
- Completed General Hospitals in Gbagada and Ikorodu
- Built 20 health centers across the state
Local Government Administration
- Created 23 local government councils (later disbanded by the military)
Infrastructure and Transport
- Initiated the Lagos Metroline Project (halted after the 1983 military coup)
Later Career
1983 Military Takeover:
- Arrested, tried, and convicted of treason, later pardoned
Minister of Works under Sani Abacha
- Accepted role under pressure from M. K. O. Abiola and progressive leaders
- Service under Abacha drew political criticism
Political Roles After Military Era
- Senior member of ANPP
- First Chairman of Action Party of Nigeria (APN) (2006)
- Engaged in political disputes with allies like Dr. Adegbola Dominic
Public Recognition
- Celebrated at his 75th birthday by prominent leaders:
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised his commitment to public service
- Achike Udenwa described his life as “resilient, audacious, and excellent”
Later Life and Death
- Died: 11 February 2021, Lagos
- Burial: 12 February 2021, Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos
See Also
- Timeline of Lagos (1980s)
- Lateef Raji
References
- Library of Congress Pamphlet Collection – Flickr (2014)
Retrieved 11 May 2014