By Abiola Olawale
Concerns have escalated as Lagos State is reeling from the sudden deaths of four prominent female Local Government Area (LGA) officials, all within two months of their swearing-in ceremony.
The rapid succession of these losses—occurring between August 13 and September 21—has ignited public outcry over the cause of their deaths.
The New Diplomat reports that Basirat Mayabikan, councillor for Ward F in Shomolu LGA; Oluremi Ajose, vice-chairman of Badagry West LCDA; Zainab Shotayo, councillor for Ward C3 in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA; and Oluwakemi Rufai, councillor representing Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki LG; all died in succession.
The deaths came after the two female politicians won their elections in the just-concluded Lagos State local government election.
Recall that on July 12, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of all 20 LG chairmanship positions and 37 local council development area (LCDA) chairmanship polls conducted a day earlier.
According to reports, Mayabikan died on September 21, just 56 days after assuming office. Ajose passed away a day earlier on September 20.
Their deaths followed those of Shotayo who died on August 18, and Rufai, who passed away on August 13 — 17 days after her swearing-in.
Rufai, the only female voice in her legislative council, reportedly died after a brief illness.
Five days later, Shotayo, one of the youngest councillors in Lagos and the sole woman in her council, also passed away following a brief illness.
The causes of the deaths of Ajose, the daughter of Oyekan Possi Ajose, the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom, and Mayabikan were not publicly stated.
Reacting to the widespread speculations, Oluseye Oladejo, spokesperson for Lagos APC, described the situation as unfortunate, dismissing allegations of foul play.
Oladejo stated: “As much as the situation is most unfortunate, it smacks of disrespect to the memories of the departed to insinuate anything untoward.
“All of them happen to be from different local governments and local council development areas, so it can’t be pinned down to any internal crisis.
“We should allow the families, friends, party, and well-wishers to mourn them in peace. There’s absolutely nothing to investigate.”
