Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode Monday expressed shock over the death of a Commissioner of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Mr. Abdullateef Raji.

Raji, who was a former Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to former Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, died at about 4am on Monday at the age of 54 after a prolonged battle with throat cancer.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, described the late Raji as a seasoned media strategist who was always committed to serve in any capacity he found himself.

“Raji in no small way contributed to the success of the last local government elections in Lagos where he served as one of the LASIEC Commissioners. He was ever committed to contribute his quota in any office he was appointed to serve.

“His demise has come as a rude shock to us as he died in the line of duty. He was a brilliant scholar and an astute writer of repute, who used his pen to enhance the narrative of rule of law and democracy in Nigeria,” Ambode said.

While praying for the peaceful repose of his soul, the Governor urged his family to draw strength from the fact that he made meaningful impact during his lifetime.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Lagos state, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the family of Lateef Raji on this great and irreparable loss. He will be sorely missed”, he said.

Raji was born on October 12, 1962. He attended Ireakari Grammar School, Idoani, between 1974 and 1978. He also attended New Church High School, Owo, Ondo State in 1978 and obtained his Ordinary Level School Certificate in 1980.

He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Lagos in 1997 and also a Master’s degree in the same course from the same University in 2000. Between 1996 and 2000, he worked as an Editor with Ahrada West African Publishing Ltd. and was later elevated to the post of the Editor- in – Chief of the company in which capacity he worked between 2000 and 2003.

He also served as Nigeria’s representative at the World Education Resources Centre, United Kingdom between 2003 and 2007. Between 2007 and 2011, Raji was the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Thrazel Nigerian Ltd.