Murtala Muhammed’s Legacy Still Guides Public Service 50 Years On – Sanwo Olu
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the legacy of former Head of State Murtala Ramat Muhammed remains a moral guide for leaders, fifty years after his death.
In a commemorative statement, Sanwo-Olu noted that although Muhammed’s time in office was brief, his leadership left a lasting mark defined by courage, discipline and decisive action.
“Fifty years after the passing of General Murtala Muhammed, his example still weighs heavily on our sense of duty as public servants,” he said.
The governor praised the late leader’s firm governance style and strong international posture.
“He led with clarity and firmness. He expected discipline from the civil service and carried Nigeria’s voice with confidence beyond our borders,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He added that Muhammed’s life proves leadership is measured by impact, not tenure.
“His life remains a reminder that leadership is not about time spent in office, but about resolve and the courage to act when called upon,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged current public officials to uphold the values of discipline, integrity and national commitment, stressing that honouring Muhammed’s memory requires sustained dedication to principled governance.
“Government must be principled, focused, and united in purpose… The most meaningful way to honour his memory is to keep working toward a nation that lives up to those values,” he concluded.
