Lagos state loses four female elected officials within two months of inauguration
The Lagos State has lost four female elected officials, barely two months after they were sworn into office while the causes of death of the four lawmakers remain unclear, as at the time of filing this report.
Penpushing reports that the victims include Oluremi Ajose, who died on September 20, 55 days into her tenure, Basirat Mayabikan, died on September 21, just 56 days after inauguration, while Oluwakemi Rufai, died on August 13, barely 17 days after inauguration and Zainab Shotayo passed on August 18, 22 days after taking office,
The frequency of the losses has left colleagues and constituents devastated, while many residents of the state have raised concerns and called for more clarity from the authorities over the incidents.
Penpushing further reports that records showed that the losses started on August 13, 2025, when Ms Rufai, a councillor representing Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, died after a brief illness.
The records also showed that about five days later, Ms Shotayo, councillor for Ward C3 in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), lost her life on 18 August. 18, 2025 after a brief illness.
Penpushing also reports that the on September 20, 2025 when Vice Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ms Ajosedied suddenly died, but no official cause of death has been made public.
The councillor for Ward F in Shomolu Local Government, Ms Mayabikan in a similar shocking development gave up the ghost on September 21, 2025, while cause of death yet to be known
Penpushing reports that reacting to the ugly development, spokesperson of All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State Seye Oladejo, dismissed insinuations that the deaths of female elected officials in the state reflect political hostility toward women.
The party image maker urged the public to resist speculation and misinformation, describing the losses as shocking and painful for the party and the state, describing it as a surprise
“It was read in the news that they were indisposed. It has nothing to do with any kind of politics. This is a surprise. Wherever that is coming from demeans humanity if it is being looked at properly,” he stated.
Penpushing further reports that he said the party’s track record speaks for itself in promoting women’s participation in governance, adding that the party remains committed to gender inclusion.
“Our women folks are everywhere holding certain positions across the board in our government. There is a deliberate policy that a sizable number of seats should be allotted to women at all levels. How can anybody now insinuate that such a party will be against women?
“Our government encourages women to come on board; we are gender-friendly and sensitive. It is unfortunate if anybody is thinking in that line. It is really sad. If this is coming from certain quarters, it is inhumane’, he said.
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