Coker died yesterday in Lagos after a brief illness. He was 97.

Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said the late Folarin-Coker was a front-runner in the race to make Lagos a leading state in Nigeria and West Africa.

He said: “The late Folarin-Coker lived a very good life. His demise, though a great loss to our state, should be celebrated. He served Lagos meritoriously as a public servant …contributing his quota to the growth narrative of Lagos. The deceased was also a socialite of note; he was a representation of the true spirit of Lagos. His service to our state as permanent secretary took him to Education; Youth, Sports and Social Development, Trade, Mines and Natural Resources, Information and Tourism… where he contributed 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 loss.”