Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Vice-Chancellor of LASU
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
A development economist, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, has called for a transparent, corruption-free and visionary leadership at all levels of government to facilitate national development.
Fanimokun, also an administrator and technocrat, made the call while delivering the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU).
The lecture had the theme: `The Practicability of Incorruptibility under a Democratic Dispensation, Bridging a Good Leadership: A Case Study of Alhaji Lateef Jakande in Lagos State (1979 to 1983).”
Fanimokun advocated using the Jakande model (a.k.a Jakandeism) of anti-corruption in public office.
He said that Jakande’s leadership style was ideal and strictly guided by due process.
Fanimokun described the late governor of Lagos State as a legend, saying that he was a role model.
According to him, public office holders should emulate Jakande on effective management, fiscal discipline, financial prudence and compliance with prescribed rules/regulations.
“The administration of Jakande was pronounced corruption-free. He designed in-built measures and control valves against graft in all its ramifications throughout his tenure.
“These are some of the lessons derived from his principles and practice in public administration.
“He was a suitable case study in good governance in Nigeria under democratic dispensation. Good leadership is most essential for ensuring incorruptibility in Nigeria.
“His effective and regular monitoring devices remain instructive for ensuring success in public administration.
“All potential incentives for corruption were blocked under Jakande as a matter of policy, and there was no room for diversion of funds,” he added.
Fanimokun said that Jakande preached transparency and leadership-by-example.
He recommended ‘Jakandeism’ as a concept to be embraced by political office holders and aspirants in Nigeria.
He commended the administration and Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello in LASU. In her remarks, Olatunji-Bello said that the lecture was a tradition of the university aimed at promoting an environment conducive for intellectual growth and cross-disciplinary learning.
She said that the tradition involved inviting accomplished personalities to share invaluable experiences with LASU staff, students and invited guests with the hope of inspiring them to strive for excellence, higher aspirations and increased productivity.
“In a vibrant academic environment like ours, tapping into the power of knowledge and experiences from exceptional individuals, who have made remarkable inputs in their fields, is invaluable.
“The era of Alhaji Lateef Jakande (ALJ) in Lagos State spinning from 1979 to 1983 is often regarded as a golden age in the state’s political leadership. This period was marked with significant development and policies.
“He ran an administration that wholly and evidently committed to social justice, development of infrastructure and educational reform, which engendered the establishment of our university in 1983.”
The vice-chancellor said that Jakande laid a solid foundation for the future development of Lagos, leaving office with enduring legacies and people-centred governance rooted in integrity and frugality.
“LKJ has been the subject of numerous literary and journalistic works that have extensively documented his life and accomplishments.
“However, as the saying goes, behind every successful leader are dedicated team members.
“ This phrase rings true for the Jakande administration which owed its effectiveness to the tireless efforts of individuals behind the scenes, including our distinguished guest lecturer, Chief Tunde Fanimokun,” she said.
Earlier, Prof. Elias Gbolahan, the Chairman of the event, thanked Fanimokun for support for LASU.
He said that Jakande’s achievements in education, housing, transport and infrastructure showed a leadership model of simplicity and accountability.
Gbolahan said that legacies of Jakande proved that incorruptibility was possible in a democratic dispensation.