In this interview with MOTUNRAYO JOEL, one of the sons of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Olusegun, talks about his father, a former governor of Lagos State
Please introduce yourself?
I am Olusegun Lateef-Jakande. I am the last child in the family. I am the Secretary of Oduduwa Descendant World Assembly. I run a sports programme for orphanage homes in our society; it is called Hope Sports Competitions.
The aim of ‘Hope Sports Competitions’ is to use sports to unite and instil a sense of hope amongst the less privileged and orphans in our society, thereby providing them with a sense of belonging. I also use the programme to bring out hidden talents and expose them to national and international opportunities. Our slogan is “One Game, One Society”. My dream is to become a greater man than my father and achieve much more than what he could achieve when he was much younger. I am a positive thinker; I like to see the bright side in every situation I face in life.
Where did you have your education?
My primary education was at Ilupeju Primary School while my secondary was at Immaculate Heart Comprehensive High School, Maryland and Victory College, Ikeja. I studied Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Lagos. I’m currently running an MBA programme in the same university.
How was your childhood with your father?
My father was a very busy politician at that time so I didn’t have much time with him. I should also add that I’m not upset about the fact that I didn’t spend much time with him. His absence was justified.
Did he have time to visit you while you were in school?
There was no need for him to visit me in school because I never went to boarding school during my primary and secondary education.
How did your teachers and mates treat you knowing who your father was?
I was treated like every other child, there was no preferential treatment and I didn’t even allow it. That is just my nature, I believe everyone should be treated equally. I also like to be free amongst my friends because I believe we are all one, despite the fact that we are all from different parents.
At a time, your father was imprisoned. How did your family cope during his imprisonment?
To be honest, we were shocked when they came to arrest him at home but after some days, we took it in good fate and returned to our normal lives. We could afford to look at the bright side because we believed he stood for a good cause and would be released soon.
He lost one of his daughters, how did he cope with the loss?
I can’t really talk about that because I was very young then, I don’t know how he dealt with it.
When he was governor of Lagos State, how was life with him, did office change him?
I was born during his time as governor of Lagos State so I knew nothing about his personality prior to his appointment as governor, but I can say that my father is one person who doesn’t allow his status change him, he is down-to-earth and humble.
Did he have time for his family?
He always had time for his family, he doesn’t joke with his family.
When he was appointed minister, did the family go with him to Abuja?
Nobody went with him to Abuja because he never for once moved to Abuja. He was always shuttling between Lagos and Abuja. I also remember that he told his family that he didn’t want to see anyone in the ministry.
How did your family live?
We weren’t affected, we carried on with our normal lives only that we were not free at home. We were always having visitors waiting to see him and judging by the type of person he is, he always made sure that he attended to everyone. I’m proud to say that my father is a great man. I have great respect for him. During his days as Minister of Works and Housing, he used to attend to over 200 people on a Sunday and he still does that, at least the number has reduced to like 10 or15 daily.
Anytime your father was contesting an election, what was the mood of the family?
I was opportune to witness one. That was in 1991 when he was contesting for the Presidency. I don’t think anyone of his children was anxious.
People believe he has many wives. How many are they and how did he maintain unity among his wives?
My father has only one wife but he has been married three times. The first one died, the second left when he was arrested for treason with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and he is currently living with the third wife. In terms of unity, it was never an issue because he is a one man, one wife type of man. He has never been married to two women at the same time; it’s not in his nature.
How many children does he have?
He has eight children.
How has his name helped you?
I can’t begin to recount instances when his name helped me, but bearing the name ‘ Lateef Jakande’ has helped me in so many ways and I’m really grateful.
How did your father enforce discipline on any child who misbehaved?
His own way of instilling discipline in any of his children who erred was done the traditional way. He believes in the saying “spare the rod and spoil the child.” Though, after scolding you, he would call you back afterwards to let you know the reason you were punished.
How close are you to him?
We are very close, he is like my best friend and we have a close bond.
What is his favourite dressing style?
He likes to dress in his traditional buba and sokoto.
What values did you learn from him?
I learnt that honesty is the best policy and I also learnt how to be a selfless person. He is a selfless person and also humble in nature.
Outside, he seems to be a people’s man, how is he at home?
He is the same man at home, a loving, caring and compassionate father and husband, the best father I could ever have wished for.
How many of your father’s children are journalists considering the fact that he was once a journalist?
(laughs) None of us is a journalist. We all have passion for different professions.
How does he relax?
He does not relax.
Does he have any special meal?
His favourite meal is pap and anything to go with it which I don’t think is anything special, he isn’t picky about food.
What is his favourite drink?
His favourite drink is tea.
Which is your favourite among your father’s many nicknames?
(Smiles) LKJ
What was his best game?
He isn’t a sports person and he does not play games.
How is his schedule like?
Considering the fact that he is into politics, he is definitely bound to have a tight schedule. He is always up and down travelling, attending meetings and all that.
How sociable is he?
He is not that sociable, he isn’t someone you would see here and there or in gatherings.
Who are his friends?
He has many friends.
Has he changed from the Jakande we know?
Not really. He is still the same Jakande we all know, only that he is now old.
What are the changes you’ve noticed in him?
No changes per se, just his old age looks.
How does he act whenever he is angry?
He doesn’t really get angry, he is a calm person.
What are your dad’s hobbies, likes and dislikes?
He loves reading and writing. Two things he dislikes are dishonesty and back biting.
What are some of the things Nigerians don’t know about your father?
I don’t think there is anything Nigerians don’t know about, he is like an open book, he has nothing to hide.
How many houses does your father own in each the Jakande Estates?
He does not have any.
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