Mobolaji Johnson, Nigerian statesman, true father of Lagos ― Tinubu

National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday described the first military governor of Lagos State, Brigadier-General Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson, who died on Wednesday, an essential Nigerian statesman and one of the true fathers of the state.

Brigadier-General Johnson died at 83. Tinubu, who was also a former governor of Lagos, also described the late elder statesman as a man of high integrity who served Lagos with dedication and determination.

“Brigadier-General Mobolaji Olufunso Johnson who died on Wednesday at 83 was an important national statesman and one of the true fathers of Lagos.

“First military Governor of Lagos, Johnson embodied the true spirit of Lagos. He served Lagos with dedication and determination. He contributed immensely to the state, developing the civil service. His tenure in Lagos also witnessed the building of major infrastructure in the state,” Tinubu said in a condolence statement issued by his Media Office.

According to him, “The late military governor was always available to advise and extend a helping hand to successive regimes in Lagos and particularly to me during my time as governor.”

ALSO READ: Mismanagement of pension: 203 ex-staffs drag bank to court

“Johnson made laudable contributions to the unity of the country as one of those who fought for Nigeria’s indivisibility. A committed nationalist, he laid the foundation for the development of the Federal Capital Territory as the first administrator of the former Federal Territory of Lagos in 1966.

“He was a man of high integrity. Johnson was one of the two-state governors (along with Brigadier-General Oluwole Rotimi) who was given a clean bill by the three-man panel commissioned to investigate the various allegations of corruption among the state governors who served under General Gowon,” he said.

Tinubu, while commiserating with the deceased wife, children and other family members of the late elder statesman, said his condolences also go to the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state government over the transition, declaring that the state and the country would miss him.

“Nigeria will miss him; Lagos will miss him. We will all miss him. I commiserate with his wife, children and other family members. My condolences also go to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state government over the transition.

“We thank God Brigadier Johnson lived to advanced age and left behind good children and significant legacies. May his soul rest in peace,” Tinubu said.