Lagos Governor's 40-Year Legacy Still Inspires Nigeria

When a military official accidentally praised a ousted governor in 1984, he lost his job within days. But the truth he spoke about Lateef Jakande, Lagos State's first civilian governor, proved impossible to erase.

Retired University of Lagos professor Lai Olurode recently honored Jakande's memory five years after the beloved leader's death in 2021 at age 91. His tribute reminds Nigeria what truly exceptional leadership looks like.

During his single four-year term from 1979 to 1983, Jakande transformed Lagos with a simple philosophy: serve the masses, not political cronies. He built schools, hospitals, roads and affordable housing for ordinary citizens who needed them most, not those with connections.

His lifestyle matched his values in ways that seem almost unbelievable today. Jakande drove his old Toyota Crown to official duties, never traveled abroad during his entire term, and visited construction sites at odd hours without fanfare or security parades.

Critics called some of his buildings "cowsheds" because they prioritized affordability over luxury. More than 40 years later, those structures still stand serving communities across Lagos.

The governor made himself remarkably accessible to everyday people, earning him the nickname "Action Governor." Citizens loved him so much they named landmarks after him, a rare honor in Nigerian politics.

His administration introduced free primary and secondary education and founded Lagos State University, opening doors for thousands of students. He spent public money as carefully as his own, drastically cutting government waste.

Why This Inspires

Jakande proved that ethical leadership isn't just idealistic talk. In a country where materialism often defines success, he chose service over personal gain and need over nepotism.

His story matters because it shows what's possible when leaders truly see themselves as public servants. The military government that overthrew him in 1983 couldn't justify their coup when even their own officials admitted Jakande's excellence.

Professor Olurode acknowledged that Jakande wasn't perfect, but his overall record towers above his peers. As the Bible verse he quoted states, "The greatest among you shall be their servants."

Today's Nigerian leaders operate in Jakande's shadow, measured against standards he set decades ago. His wife and children marked the fifth anniversary of his passing surrounded by a nation that still remembers what real leadership looks like.

Jakande's legacy proves that servant leadership isn't outdated or naive; it's the gold standard that never goes out of style.