The Baba Eto of Lagos and Yorubaland, Chief Nathaniel Folarin Coker is died.
He died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at age 97 , the statement released by the family revealed.
The death of the elder statesman was announced in a statement released by the family on Thursday.
The statement was signed by the deceased’s eldest child, Folorunsho Coker who is the Director-General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and former commissioner for tourism arts and culture in Lagos.
“It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of appreciation to Almighty God that we announce the translation to eternal glory of our beloved father, grandfather, uncle and patriot Chief (Elderman) Nathaniel Folarin Coker OON. He died comfortably and peacefully in his sleep in Lagos on the 12th of August 2020 at the ripe old age of 97 years”.
“His was a life so beautifully lived which deserves to be beautifully remembered. He dutifully and meritoriously served his state and country in his lifetime, and we, his family are very proud of his life and service.
“We are comforted by the fact that his good name is worth more than gold and that his memory will always be a blessing to each and every one of us all. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.”
Folarin Coker was born on the 22nd of July 1923, and was the pioneer Permanent Secretary Lagos State. A prominent socialite and high chief in Lagos who contributed immensely to the development of Lagos State, Coker was a renowned socialite. He was also Bobagunwa of Igede-Ekiti.
The Lagos State Government named the Lagos State Clinic in Alausa after him.
Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in from all over Nigeria. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday, said the late Folarin Coker was one of the front-runners in the race towards making Lagos a leading State in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region.
The Governor said the late Coker’s contributions to the State’s public service as Permanent Secretary in different ministries are exemplary.
He said the deceased combined work and social life in a way that impacted the State positively.
He said, “the late Folarin Coker lived a very good life. His demise, though a great loss to our dear State, should be celebrated. He served Lagos meritoriously as a public servant in various capacities, contributing his quota to the growth narratives of Lagos.
“The late Chief Coker was also a socialite of note. I remember that as a young man, I always admired his candour whenever he spoke at social gatherings. He was a representation of the true spirit of Lagos.
“His service to our dear State as Permanent Secretary took him to various ministries such as Education; Youth, Sports and Social Development, Trade, Mines and Natural Resources as well as the ministry of information and tourism, where he contributed meaningfully to the better and bigger Lagos narrative.
“I pray for his soul to find peace with his creator. May God grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
