The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to revisit the Metroline Project in honour of the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.
This call was made by members of the House during plenary in honour of the late former civilian Governor of the State.
Jakande, who ruled the state from October 1979 to December, 1983, died on Thursday 11th February, 2021 at the age of 91.
Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa said that the metroline project, which he said was stalled by the military government that took over power from the civilians on December 31, 1983, would have been part of the achievements of the late Alhaji Jakande.
Obasa stated that the Metroline project would have reduced traffic congestion in Lagos State and that it would have been at a cheaper rate.
“Jakande would have been remembered more if he had been allowed to do the metroline project. But now that he is dead the Federal Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, who led the military junta then in a coup, should remember Jakande with the project or any other befitting project.
“As a House, we will write a condolence letter to the family of the deceased. We will visit the family to condole with them on the death of their patriach,” he said.
The Speaker recalled that the late Jakande provided free education for the people of the state and gave out free textbooks, saying that he was a beneficiary of the gesture.
He added that Jakande built schools, including the Lagos State University, which he said has produced several people that have achieved greatness in life.
Other lawmakers who eulogised Jakande’s achievements during plenary spoke extensively about his legacies and his passion for the masses.
They recalled that they were all beneficiaries of his free education as Governor, saying that he lived his life for the masses.
In his contributions, Hon. Nurein Akinsanya, (Mushin 1), who announced the death of Lateef Jakande on the floor of the House, described him as a true patriot, who he said established first state university in Nigeria.
Also speaking, David Setonji representing Badagry Constituency 2 said that Jakande laid a good legacy for Lagosians.
“The housing estates he built were purchased by civil servants, including those, who were on level 1 but it is unfortunate that the houses we are building now, a level 1 officer cannot afford them,” he said.
Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, representing Eti-Osa Constituency 02 also said that Jakande lived his life for the masses.
“All the houses he built were for the masses. God used him him as a pathfinder for the state,” he said.
He joined his colleagues to say that the House should send delegates to his house and also write a letter of condolence to the family.
In his contribution, Hon. Femi Saheed (Kosofe 2) said that Jakande developed the state and that he was a perfect example to both the young and the old.
He recalled that Jakande provided incinerators in Apapa, Oshodi, Lagos Island and others.
Hon. Fatai Oluwa (Ajeromi/Ifelodun 2) said that Jakande was a journalist, who wrote a book entitled; “Trial of Chief Obafemi Awolowo” on behalf of the late sage.
Also speaking, Hon. Age-Sulaiman Rufai (Amuwo-Odofin 2) said that the late Jakande replaced Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but that he has also gone to be with his creator.
Hon. Ibrahim Layode (Badagry 1) saluted the state house of assembly, which he said celebrated the late Jakande by taking him in a helicopter and that the house bought a car for him then to celebrate his birthday.
“Let us honour people, who have ruled Lagos State in the past. We should celebrate Jakande. God used him to give us free textbooks and exercise books without writing his names on the materials,” he said.
This was corroborated by Hon. Olumuyiwa Jimoh (Apapa 2), who urged the House to have a special session on behalf of the late Jakande, adding that his death was bigger than Mt. Kilimanjaro.
In his comments, the Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade said that Jakande would be remembered for his good deeds, while also condoling with his family.
