Lagos State, a beehive of ambition and politics, has suffered losses that few expected. This year, several women who had just taken up public roles in Lagos’ local government structures have died—some within days, some months into service. Ward councillors, vice-chairpersons, LCDA bosses—names, faces, hope—gone too soon.
Each death came with shock, each loss with questions: about health, about the cost of service, and about how thin the line is between promise and tragedy in the often-relentless pace of Lagos governance.
These aren’t just statistics. They are mothers, siblings, neighbours stepping up to serve—snatched away by illnesses, by the strain of duty, by a system that sometimes expects too much, rewards too little, and offers too little care. When figures that should be building community die, the community breaks a little.
Here are the notable female local government (LG) tragedies that Lagos has witnessed so far in 2025—stories of brief service, sudden demise, and unresolved grief.
1. Oluwakemi Rufai (Ward C, Ibeju-Lekki)
Rufai, the only female councillor in the legislative council, died on August 13, just 17 days after inauguration, following a brief illness.
2. Zainab Shotayo (Ward C3, Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA)
Shotayo, who served as Chief Whip of the 6th Legislative Arm, died on August 18, 22 days after inauguration. She was the only female councillor in the LCDA.
3. Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose (Vice Chairman, Badagry West LCDA)
Ajose, daughter of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekan Possi Ajose, the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom, died on September 20, 55 days after inauguration.
4. Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan (Ward F, Shomolu)
Mayabikan died on September 21, barely 56 days after being sworn in as a councillor for Ward F, Shomolu.
According to The Nation, the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as baseless claims that the deaths were politically motivated.
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APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, urged the public to avoid speculation, stressing that the party remained committed to promoting women in politics.
Mourning, Not Normalizing
These deaths are not simply sad news cycles. They are red flags. When taking public office becomes a risk, especially for women, something is wrong. The city should not wait for bodies to pile up before acting. If vibrant young women, freshly elected, can die shortly after oath, then the systems meant to protect lives have already failed.
For Lagos, action feels overdue. For those who remain, may their service be long, their burden supported, and their health taken as seriously as their politics.
