Since the inauguration of the present council administration on July 27, 2025, Lagos State has witnessed an alarming and heartbreaking trend -the untimely deaths of five female council officials within just two months. These women set to serve their communities, passed away suddenly, raising a lot of concerns.
5 Female elected political leaders died within 2 months in Lagos
1. Adebimpe Akintola
2. Oluwakemi Rufai
3. Zainab Shotayo
4. Princess Oluremi Ajose
5. Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabika
Adebimpe Akintola was the administrative head of Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area. She is reported to have met her untimely demise on Monday, 29th of September, 2025 after a brief illness. She also served as the Chairman of the Forum of Council Managers in Lagos State.
She is known for her dedication and leadership. She was laid to rest on Tuesday, 30th September according to Islamic rites.
Oluwakemi Rufai died on August 13, 2025. She was Councilor of Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki
Local Government Area; and passed away only two weeks after her inauguration.
Oluwakemi, who was the only woman in the legislative council, reportedly passed away
following a brief illness making her death a major blow to women’s representation in her
community.
Zainab Shotayo died just five days after Oluwakeni on August 18, 2025. Zainab
Shotayo was councillor for Ward C3, Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, and Chief Whip of the 6th
Legislative Arm. She also reportedly died after a brief illness.
Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose died on September 20, 2025. Princess Oluremi Nutayi
Ajose is the daughter of His Royal Majesty Oba Oyekan Possi Ajose, Alapa of
Apa-Egun-Awori Kingdom. She died just two months after being sworn in as the Vice
Chairman of Badagry West LCDA. Her death shocked the political community, given her
royal lineage and recent election into office.
Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan: The following day, September 21, 2025, Basirat Mayabikan,
councilor of Ward F in Shomolu LGA, also passed away. Like the others, her death
occurred within weeks of her assumption of duty.
The deaths of these five female council officials within such a short period have cast a shadow over Lagos politics and left their communities in mourning.
Each of these women had only just begun their journey of service, making their loss even more profound.
While the circumstances surrounding their deaths may differ, what remains clear is the need to honor their contributions and preserve their legacies.
And even though their passing is a sobering reminder of the value of women’s voices in governance and the importance of continually encouraging and supporting more women to step into leadership roles; it also leaves a growing concern about the safety, health, and welfare of women in politics especially elected leaders.
Nsikak Amos,
Abuja Nigeria.
