By Abiola Olawale
Deji Jakande, son of the late governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakinde, has recounted how his father passed on peacefully on Thursday.
The news of the death of Jakande, who was the first civillian governor of Lagos State, broke out early Thursday.
Following the demise of his father, Deji stated that Jakande was never ill before his death.
He said his father was physically strong and there was no sign that anything was going to happen to him before his demise.
In his words, “We thank God for his life. He was not sick. He took his pap and crayfish yesterday. He was stil reading his newspapers without glasses. We had stopped visitors from going to him because of COVID-19 because he liked shaking hands with people…Usually, my dad returned to sleep after breakfast and so, when he finished taking his breakfast (pap) yesterday, he went back to sleep. It was around 11am that an aide checked on him and discovered he wasn’t breathing.
“We called a doctor and it was confirmed he had passed on. He died in his sleep. There was no sign that anything was going to happen to him. After breakfast, he went back to sleep to wake up for lunch. He was fond of reading newspapers. He never got tired of reading. Baba’s idea of governance is totally different from what is obtained today. Dad was a selfless leader. He believed in service to humanity. He displayed that throughout his life. He did everything he could possibly do in every given capacity to help others. He lived the Lagos of his dream. He was governor and did his best in that capacity and like he always said, everything is by the grace of the Almighty Allah not by his power.”
Deji also stated that the late governor will be buried on Friday in line with his Islam faith which he practiced before his death.
“He will be buried tomorrow (today) after the Jumat Service, before 4pm at the Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi.” The junior Jakande said.
Similarly, Mrs Omololu Osunnuga, Jakinde’s sister relived her last moment with her brother.
In her words, “He was a good brother to us. I was coming from the U.S. on Thursday and from the airport my mind was here. Even my children said I should see him because I have been having dreams about him. I came here straight from the airport but his wife said because I was coming from U.S., she would not allow me to see him immediately. So, I came back the next day and spent so much time with my brother.
“I was with him when they gave him pap and moi-moi. I even told them the food was too much but his wife laughed and said he would finish it. I took pictures with him. He didn’t look sick at all. His death is painful. I will miss him so much. I lived in this house with him for over 20 years. Today’s politicians should learn sincerity, honesty and dedication from my brother,” Jakande’s sister added.
