Overview of the Burial Event
Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the first civilian Governor of Lagos State, was laid to rest on the evening of 12 February 2021 at the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos. He passed away at the age of 91 on 11 February 2021. The burial ceremony attracted high-profile dignitaries, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and a large gathering of the public, reflecting the enduring legacy of his impactful political and social reforms.
📅 Date & Time Highlights
| Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | 11 February 2021 | — |
| Burial Date | 12 February 2021 | — |
| Arrival at Cemetery | 12 February 2021 | 17:11 (5:11 PM) |
| Final Interment | 12 February 2021 | Approx. 17:19–18:00 |
Location Details
- Venue: Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
- The ceremony included both Islamic funeral rites and traditional honors performed at the graveside.
Attendees and Dignitaries
- State Government
- Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu
- Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat
- Head of Service Hakeem Muri‑Okunola
- Security Leadership
- Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu
- Religious Leaders
- Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abou‑Nolla
- Traditional Authority
- Staff of office from Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos
- Family
- Sons: Deji Jakande, Seyi Jakande
- Widow: Abimbola Jakande
- Former Governors & National Figures
- Ibikunle Amosun
- Olusegun Osoba
- Other past governors, senior public officials, and trusted aides
- Citizenry & Media
- Hundreds of onlookers, sympathizers, and members of the press
Ceremony Sequence & Timeline
| Step | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Islamic Prayer at Residence | Early Evening | Led by Chief Imam; held at Ilupeju home before departure |
| Procession to Cemetery | ~17:00 | Procession included state officials, royal staff, religious leaders |
| Arrival at Vaults and Gardens | 17:11 (5:11 PM) | Body received with official protocol and prayers |
| Lowering of Casket | 17:19–18:00 | Casket lowered; attendance from high-profile dignitaries; emotional farewells |
| Final Islamic Rites & Honors | 17:19–18:00 | Final prayers, traditional blessings, applause |
| Ceremony Closure | Shortly After 18:00 | Official conclusion of burial rites |
Key Moments Captured in Photos
- Remains Arrival (17:11) The body of Lateef Jakande was brought into the cemetery; greeted with state honors.
- Prayer at Residence A solemn Islamic prayer session was held at his Ilupeju residence prior to the procession.
- Emotional Farewell Family members, including sons Deji and Seyi, stood around the casket as it was lowered into the vault.
- Final Interment Attendees, including government leaders and traditional chiefs, oversaw the final rites around 17:19–18:00.
Attendance Estimates
- Government Officials: More than 20 senior state and national public office holders
- Family & Inner Circle: Immediate family members and close aides
- Public & Media: Hundreds gathered, including journalists and sympathizers
Legacy in Focus
- Governorship (1979–1983)
- Instituted free education across Lagos State
- Delivered over 30,000 housing units in estates at Amuwo‑Odofin, Dolphin, Ikorodu
- Laid the foundation for Lagos State University and multiple general hospitals
- Ministerial Role (Nov 1993–Mar 1995)
- Served as Federal Minister of Works under the Abacha administration
- Journalism & Media
- Former Editor‑in‑Chief of the Nigerian Tribune
- Founding president of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN)
- Infrastructure Vision
- Advanced proposals for a Lagos city metroline
- Prioritized infrastructure with multiple housing estates and educational institutions
Commemorative Final Burial (40-Day Ceremony)
- Date: 23 March 2021
- Location: Police College, Ikeja, Lagos
- Highlights: Religious observances, traditional rites attended by his widow, Lagos State government, religious leaders, chiefs, and representatives from across the state
Photos Summary Legends
- Photo 1: Governor Sanwo‑Olu arriving at Vaults and Gardens Cemetery
- Photo 2: Sons Deji & Seyi standing by the casket, surrounded by family
- Photo 3: Islamic prayers led at graveside by Chief Imam
- Photo 4: Traditional chiefs representing Oba of Lagos paying final respects
❓ FAQ
Who was Lateef Jakande?
He was Lagos State’s first elected governor (1979–1983), journalist, educator, and later Minister of Works.
When did he die and get buried?
He died on 11 February 2021 and was buried on 12 February 2021.
Where did the burial take place?
At the Vaults and Gardens Cemetery in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
What time did the burial ceremony begin?
His remains arrived at 17:11 (5:11 PM) and final burial rites occurred between 17:19 and 18:00.
Which leaders attended the ceremony?
Notable attendees included Governor Sanwo‑Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, Chief Imam, police commissioner, royal envoys, former governors, and family.
Were Islamic funeral rites observed?
Yes; prayers were held first at his residence and then at the graveside.
Was there a follow-up ceremony?
Yes; a 40-day commemorative burial ceremony occurred on 23 March 2021 at Ikeja.
