* Dismisses insinuations of politically-motivated deaths
In the past few weeks, death has snatched four elected female officers in Lagos State.
There were different circumstances surrounding their death.
On July 27, 2025, newly elected Council chairmen, vice chairmen and councilors were inaugurated across Lagos State.
Shockingly, within the short period, four of them — all women — have passed away.
They are:
1. Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor, Ward C, Ibeju-Lekki — died on August 13, 2025 (17 days after inauguration).
The councilor, who was the only woman in the legislative council, reportedly passed away, following a brief illness.
2. Zainab Shotayo, Councilor, Ward C (Chief Whip), Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA — died on August 18, 2025 (22 days after inauguration).
She was the only female elected councilor in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA. She passed away following a brief illness.
She was inaugurated just after three weeks and served as Chief Whip of the 6th Legislative Arm, representing Ward C3.
3. Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose, Vice Chairman, Badagry West LCDA — died on September 20, 2025 (55 days after inauguration).
Princess Ajose, the daughter of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekan Possi Ajose, the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom, died barely two months after she was sworn in alongside the Badagry West LCDA Chairman, Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, popularly known as RIKAY.
4. Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan, Councillor, Ward F, Shomolu — died on September 21, 2025 (56 days after inauguration).
Mayabikan’s demise comes barely two months after she and other lawmakers for the council were sworn in as the legislatures for 10th Legislative Arm.
But Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed claims that the deaths of female councilors in the State were political, describing such insinuations as unfounded and insensitive.
Lagos party’s spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, urged the public to refrain from spreading speculation and misinformation on the matter.
He noted that the party prioritised the election of women to political offices across the State.