More Tributes As Lateef Jakande Is Buried

The remains of the First Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who died on Thursday at the age of 91, have finally been interred.

The late Minister of Works and Housing and renowned journalist was buried at the Ikoyi Vaults and Garden shortly after a Janazal prayer held at his residence, No. 2 Bishop Street Ilupeju, Lagos.

In attendance at the Janazal prayers were the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, a former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, among other dignitaries.

At the Ikoyi Vaults and Garden, several Islamic scholars offered special prayers for the deceased.

The Mufasir of Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Shakirudeen Abdulgaffar, who represented the Chief Imam, Sheikh Sulaimon Abu-Nolla, led the prayers.

Other Islamic clerics in attendance were the National Missioner and Chief Imam of Ansarudeen Society, Imam Abdulrahman Ahmad, Sheikh Abdullateef Ayinla, Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa, among others.

The body of the late politician and elder statesman was laid to rest at around 6 pm.

‘Death, means to another end’

The representative of the Chief Imam in a short sermon before the body was interred, described death as the means to another end and asked every living being to be conscious of the last day.

According to him, Nigerian politicians should take a cue from the late politician whom he described as an epitome of good governance and selflessness.

“Those are the messages we should take home from here,” he said, adding: “Returning to Allah is not an easy task for anybody not worshipping Allah.”

He challenged the present-day politicians to emulate the pro-masses initiatives of late Jakande, saying under his tenure many social amenities were provided to the citizens for free.

Sympathizers storm Jakande’s residence

Dignitaries and sympathizers have continued to storm his residence to pay condolence to the families.

Apart from Amosun, who visited his residence, some former members of the National Assembly, including Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye, Sen. Anthony Adefuye, among others were also in his residence.

Senator Amosun (APC-Ogun Central) noted that the current crops of politicians were still struggling to catch up with Jakande’s huge legacies and love for the masses.

“It was a life well-spent, a life that was lived for others. A life that is practically devoted to serving the masses.

“What he did while he was Governor [of Lagos State], the performance and the hard work are all speaking for him.”