LATE CHIEF J.K. RANDLE (MBE; M.V.O) THANKSGIVING AND MEMORIAL SERVICE HOLDS 17TH DECEMBER

Bashorun JK Randle (Son of Late Chief J.K Randle)

The annual Thanksgiving and Memorial Service for late Chief J.K. Randle MBE; M.V.O. Lisa of Lagos will hold on Sunday 17^th December, 2017 at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos at 11:15 a.m. He died on 17^th December 1956 at the age of 47 years, shortly after his return from Melbourne, Australia. 

He was the Chief-de-Mission of the Nigerian Olympic Team to Melbourne, while the Captain of the team was Alhaji K.A.B. Olowu.  The 10 athletes on the trip were captain and 100m and long jump athlete, K.A.B. Olowu, R.A. Oluwo, a pole vault athlete; J.O. Chigbolu, V.O. Gabriel, the late E.A. Ajado, 100m and 4x100m relay; T.A. Erinle, T. Obi, A.K. Amu, P. Esiri (deceased) and former Attorney-General, P.B. Enigo, who participated in the triple and long jump events of the 1956 Games.

The accompanying officials, all deceased, were Randle, (Chef-De-Mission), A.A. Ordia (coach), J.A. Enyeazu (assistant coach) and Arthur Cooper, Nigerian Attache, Melbourne.

Chief J.K.  Randle was also the Chairman of Lagos Island Club and the Lagos Racing (Horse Racing) Club as well as a member of Lagos Town Council and member of the Lagos Executive Development Board.

He was a businessman, politician, philanthropist and outstanding all round sportsman (cricket, football, boxing, athletics, draughts etc).   While still a student at King’s College he played cricket at the international level as a member of the Nigerian team against Ghana (then known as Gold Coast) in 1929.

Chief J.K.  Randle belonged to a generation of Nigerians whose influence cut across ethnicity, religion, race or whatever.   Patriotism and selfless service were the hallmark of their commitment to building a great nation that would command the respect of the international community.   Several streets are named after Chief J.K.  Randle in Lagos, Apapa and Surulere.   Also, the Chief J.K. Randle Memorial Hall at Onikan, Lagos was built in his memory.  Furthermore, Randle Secondary School, Apapa and Randle General Hospital, Surulere, Lagos are named after him. He has bequeathed a huge legacy of goodwill and sportsmanship.  

He is survived by Mrs. I.M. Adelaja and Bashorun J.K. Randle a past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Lagos State University.