Lagos State is a south-western state in Nigeria and is often seen as Nigeria’s bustling economic hub. Lagos is known for being “The centre of Excellence” and is the most populous state in Nigeria. Since its creation in 1967, Lagos State has been governed by a diverse group of leaders, each contributing to the state’s development in different ways. Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from 1914 up to 1991. Lagos is home to all; as many people from different ethnic groups are always flowing into Lagos to “hustle” on a daily basis. Here is an overview of all the governors who have led Lagos State from its inception to the present day.
1. Mobolaji Johnson (1967-1975)
Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson was the first Military Governor of Lagos State, serving from 1967 to 1975. Born on February 9, 1936, Johnson was an officer in the Nigerian Army and played a crucial role during the civil war era. His tenure was marked by significant infrastructural developments, including the construction of several housing estates, roads, and the Lagos State Government Secretariat. He laid the foundation for the modern Lagos State and remains one of the most respected figures in its history.
2. Akinwale Wey (1975)
Tenure: July 1975 Background: Commodore Akinwale Wey served briefly as a Military Administrator of Lagos State for a few weeks in July 1975. His short tenure was part of the transition period following the military coup that brought General Murtala Muhammed to power.
3. Adekunle Lawal (1975-1977)
Commodore Adekunle Lawal was appointed as the Military Governor of Lagos State in 1975, following the regime change in Nigeria. Born in 1941, Lawal’s administration focused on maintaining the infrastructural developments initiated by his predecessor. His tenure, however, was relatively short, and he was succeeded by Ndubuisi Kanu in 1977.
4. Ndubuisi Kanu (1977-1978)
Commodore Ndubuisi Kanu took over as Military Governor in 1977. Kanu, born on November 3, 1943, was notable for his contributions to the planning and development of Lagos. He initiated efforts to manage the state’s rapid urbanisation and laid the groundwork for several future developments. Kanu later became a prominent pro-democracy advocate after his military career.
5. Ebitu Ukiwe (1978-1979)
Navy Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe served as the Military Governor of Lagos State from July 1978 to October 1979. Ukiwe’s administration coincided with the transition from military to civilian rule. He is known for overseeing the state’s affairs during the preparation for the 1979 general elections, which marked Nigeria’s return to civilian governance.
6. Lateef Jakande (1979-1983)
Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande was the first civilian Governor of Lagos State. Born on July 23, 1929, Jakande was a seasoned journalist and politician before his governorship. His tenure is often regarded as the “golden era” of Lagos State due to the significant achievements in education, health, and infrastructure. Jakande established numerous public schools, low-cost housing units, and the Lagos State University. His administration’s focus on social services greatly improved the living standards in Lagos.
7. Gbolahan Mudashiru (1984-1986)
Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudashiru became the Military Governor of Lagos State following the 1983 coup that ended the Second Republic. Mudashiru, born in 1945, was a military officer with a background in aviation. His tenure saw continued infrastructural development, including road construction and urban planning initiatives aimed at controlling Lagos’s rapid growth.
8. Mike Akhigbe (1986-1988)
Commodore Michael Okhai Akhigbe succeeded Mudashiru as the Military Governor of Lagos State in 1986. Born on September 29, 1946, Akhigbe was a naval officer who later served as Nigeria’s Chief of General Staff. His tenure focused on enhancing the state’s security and improving public services. Akhigbe played a role in the state’s continued development and the expansion of Lagos’s infrastructure.
9. Raji Rasaki (1988-1991)
Brigadier General Raji Alagbe Rasaki was appointed as the Military Governor in 1988. Rasaki, born on January 7, 1947, was known for his strict military discipline. During his tenure, he introduced the “Operation Sweep” initiative to combat crime in Lagos and focused on urban renewal projects. Rasaki’s administration also witnessed the controversial Maroko slum clearance, which displaced many residents but was intended to make way for urban development.
10. Sir Michael Otedola (1992-1993)
Sir Michael Agbolade Otedola was the second civilian Governor of Lagos State. Born on July 16, 1926, Otedola’s administration was part of Nigeria’s short-lived Third Republic. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve the state’s education and public service sectors. However, his term was cut short by the military coup that brought General Sani Abacha to power in 1993.
11. Col. Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Administrator, 1993-1996)
Following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election and the subsequent military takeover, Brigadier General Olagunsoye Oyinlola was reappointed as the Military Administrator of Lagos State. His second tenure focused on maintaining order during a turbulent political period in Nigeria’s history. He retired as Brigadier General and after his service in Lagos State, he later became the governor of Osun State.
12. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (1996- 1999)
Colonel (later Brigadier General) Mohammed Buba Marwa served as the Military Administrator of Lagos State from August 1996 to May 1999. Marwa, born on September 9, 1953, was a distinguished military officer known for his popular “Operation 250 Roads” initiative, which significantly improved Lagos’s road network. His administration also introduced the “Keke Marwa” tricycles, which remain a prominent mode of transportation in Lagos today.
13. Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1999-2007)
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected as the Executive Governor of Lagos State during Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999. Born on March 29, 1952, Tinubu is one of Nigeria’s most influential politicians. His two-term tenure is noted for the significant reforms in governance, revenue generation, and infrastructure development. Tinubu established the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and initiated various urban renewal projects. His administration laid the foundation for modern Lagos’s economic and infrastructural growth. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently the President of Nigeria.
14. Babatunde Raji Fashola (2007-2015)
Babatunde Raji Fashola succeeded Tinubu in 2007 and served two terms as Governor of Lagos State. Born on June 28, 1963, Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is widely praised for his leadership and transformative policies. His administration focused on improving Lagos’s infrastructure, health, and education sectors. Fashola oversaw the expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, the construction of numerous roads, and the beautification of Lagos through parks and gardens. During his tenure, Babatunde Fashola vowed to rehabilitate the state’s public schools, long being neglected with time. Among the schools being habilitated included the governor’s alma mater, Birch Freeman High School, which is located at a busy metropolis of Surulere
15. Akinwunmi Ambode (2015-2019)
Akinwunmi Ambode was elected as the Governor of Lagos State in 2015. Born on June 14, 1963, Ambode, a former civil servant, is known for his focus on urban development and infrastructure. His administration completed several projects, including the construction of flyovers, road expansions, and the Eko Atlantic City project. Ambode’s tenure also saw the introduction of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
16. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (2019-Present)
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is the current Governor of Lagos State, having assumed office on May 29, 2019. Born on June 25, Sanwo-Olu has a background in banking and public administration, having served in various capacities in Lagos State’s government, including as the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC). His administration has focused on the “THEMES” agenda, which stands for Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance.
