Lagos State has witnessed the deaths of four female elected officers within just two months of their inauguration.
The tragedies, which occurred under varying circumstances, have stirred public concern and speculation across Nigeria’s political landscape.
The officers, all sworn in on 27th July 2025, were part of the newly inaugurated Council Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Councillors across the state.
Their sudden demise has prompted questions, though the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has firmly rejected any political link to the deaths.
Below is a full list of the female councillors and vice chairman whose deaths have shocked the state.
1. Oluwakemi Rufai: Ibeju-Lekki councillor dies
Oluwakemi Rufai, the Councillor representing Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki, reportedly died on 13th August 2025, just 17 days after her inauguration. Rufai was the only woman in the legislative council and was said to have passed away following a brief illness.
Her death marked the first in a series of losses that have since unsettled the state’s political circles.
2. Zainab Shotayo: Odiolowo-Ojuwoye chief whip
Zainab Shotayo, Councillor for Ward C3 in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, died on 18th August 2025, merely 22 days into her tenure.
She had served as Chief Whip of the 6th Legislative Arm and was the only female elected councillor in her LCDA. Her passing, also attributed to a brief illness, came just days after Rufai’s death, intensifying public unease.
3. Oluremi Nutayi Ajose: Badagry West vice chairman
Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose, Vice Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, died on 20th September 2025, 55 days after being sworn in. Ajose was the daughter of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oyekan Possi Ajose, the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom. Her death occurred shortly after she assumed office alongside Chairman Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, popularly known as RIKAY.
4. Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan: Shomolu councillor
Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan, Councillor for Ward F in Shomolu, passed away on 21st September 2025, just 56 days after her inauguration. She had been part of the 10th Legislative Arm sworn in for the council. Her death, like the others, came as a shock to constituents and colleagues alike.
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Lagos APC responds to speculations over deaths
Amid growing speculation, the Lagos chapter of the APC has dismissed claims that the deaths were politically motivated. Party spokesperson Seye Oladejo described such insinuations as “unfounded and insensitive,” urging the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Oladejo emphasised that the APC had prioritised the election of women to political offices across Lagos State, reinforcing the party’s commitment to gender inclusion in governance.
Nigerian politicians who died in first quarter of 2025
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigeria’s political space was shaken in the first quarter of 2025, with many political giants losing their lives to the cold hand of death in the three months.
Death remained a phenomenon that was difficult to understand and more challenging to agree with, yet it was inevitable.
The Nigerian politicians who died in the first quarter of 2025 were individuals whose careers spanned decades and were key in the realisation of major political, economic and social changes in the country.