By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
The remains of the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, popularly called “Baba Kekere” was on Friday, February 12, laid to rest at Vaults and Gardens cemetery after the pre-burial prayers offered by notable Islamic clerics.
Islamic clerics had earlier in the day offered prayers to God for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late elder statesman at his residence, Number 2 Bishop Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.
The League of Imams and Alfas from Mosques and several personalities attended the pre-burial prayer for the late ex-governor.
Jakande, who was also Minister of Works and Housing under the military regime of late General Sani Abacha, died on Thursday, aged 91.
Among dignitaries at the prayers were former governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun; deputy governor of Lagos, Obafemi Hamzat; Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu; council chairpersons and notable religious leaders.
The Chief Imam Ahmed Olawale, popularly known as Sheu of Prayer Warriors, in his sermon and prayer said Jakande lived his life for the masses.
Mr Olawale, who represented the Association of Chief Imams and Alfas in Odiolowo/Ojuwoye, Mushin said: “My message is that whatever you do today, there is going to be reward and recompense whether good or bad.
“If you do good or bad today, definitely it will be rewarded tomorrow. So, for Baba Jakande, he lived a life worthy of emulation.
“He did a lot that the generations yet unborn will never forget. We have seen the traces of incorruptible life and best legacies from him.
“We have lost one that is like a million to us. May Almighty Allah be pleased with him and reward him with Aljanal Firdau,” he said.
Also in his prayers, Sheilk Mustaphar Al-Mubarak from Surulere Central Mosque, said the good Jakande did made his life long.
“If not for him many would not have been educated. He was a righteous politician,” Sheilk Mustaphar Al-Mubarak said while eulogizing the late former governor who brought education closer to the people of Lagos.
He prayed for the family, friends and all politicians doing the right things like Jakande did.
Other Imams and Alfas came at different times to offer prayers for the late ex-governor of Lagos.
Speaking to journalists, Deji Jakande, one of the children of the deceased, said their father lived his life for the good of others.
“We still don’t believe he is gone, it is as if he is still sleeping. All the guidance he has given to us will remain with us.
“I will miss him for being our father. If I have a million opportunities to come back to the world, I will still choose him to be my father. He was a wonderful and contented father.”
He said the family would sorely miss Jakande.
Jakande, a former journalist, was Lagos State Governor from 1979 to 1983, and later served as Minister of Works under the military government of Sani Abacha.
His administration as Lagos State governor left a legacy of massive infrastructure development during his four-year stint, especially through numerous Jakande estates built across the state as well as his sterling investment in education.