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By Jake Clifford | NewsPolitics | September 23, 2025
In a shocking and deeply unsettling turn of events, four newly elected female councillors in Lagos State have died within just two months of assuming office. The tragic development, first reported by Premium Times and confirmed by News Week Nigeria, has sent shockwaves across the state and triggered widespread speculation, anxiety, and demands for an urgent inquiry.
The four women, all elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were part of the new local government administration sworn in on July 27, 2025. Within a span of only eight weeks, their untimely deaths have raised troubling questions about coincidence, health, safety, and possible foul play in Lagos politics.
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Timeline of the Deaths
According to credible reports, the councillors who passed away are:
1. Oluwakemi Rufai – Councillor, Ward C1, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area. She died on August 13, 2025, reportedly after a brief illness.
2. Zainab Adeshewa Shotayo – Councillor, Ward C3, Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, where she served as Chief Whip of the Council. She died on August 18, 2025, also after a brief illness.
3. Princess Oluremi Ajose – Vice Chairman, Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA). She died on September 20, 2025, with her cause of death yet to be publicly disclosed.
4. Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan – Councillor, Ward F, Shomolu Local Government Area. She passed on September 21, 2025, with no official cause of death revealed.
All four were influential grassroots leaders in their respective communities and had been described as vibrant voices in Lagos politics.
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Public Shock and Growing Concerns
The unusual pattern of four councillors—all women—dying in rapid succession has left residents alarmed. Many Lagosians have taken to social media to express suspicion, with some suggesting foul play, ritualistic undertones, or undisclosed health risks.
Civil society organizations and women’s rights groups are now calling on the Lagos State Government and independent agencies to launch a full-scale investigation. Their argument is simple: the public deserves clarity and reassurance, particularly at a time when female political participation in Nigeria faces systemic challenges.
A youth advocacy group in Shomolu stated:
> “These women represented hope and progress at the grassroots. Their sudden deaths must not be brushed aside. Lagosians deserve transparency.”
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APC’s Official Response
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has expressed grief over the losses but strongly denied speculation of foul play. In a statement attributed to a senior party official, the APC said:
> “We are saddened by the sudden loss of these vibrant female leaders. However, we urge members of the public to refrain from unfounded conclusions. These unfortunate events, though tragic, are purely coincidental.”
The party has urged residents to respect the privacy of the grieving families while maintaining confidence in the leadership of the councils.
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Silence from Security and Health Authorities
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force and the Lagos State Ministry of Health have not issued any official statements on the matter. No autopsy results or coroner inquests have been made public.
This silence has only fueled speculation further, with critics accusing the authorities of attempting to downplay or cover up possible connections. Public health experts also warn that if an underlying medical or environmental factor exists, ignoring it could put more people at risk.
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Who Were These Women?
Each of the deceased councillors was a recognized figure in her locality:
Oluwakemi Rufai was known for her tireless grassroots mobilization in Ibeju-Lekki.
Zainab Shotayo was considered a rising star in politics, popular among young voters in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye.
Princess Oluremi Ajose had served in various leadership capacities and was highly respected in Badagry.
Basirat Mayabikan was praised for her role in youth development and women’s empowerment initiatives in Shomolu.
Their deaths are not only personal tragedies for their families but also political setbacks for the constituencies that elected them.
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Calls for Independent Inquiry
Several organizations have demanded an independent investigation into the deaths:
Women’s rights groups argue that the safety of female politicians must be prioritized.
Public health NGOs are calling for medical investigations to rule out disease outbreaks or environmental exposures.
Constituents and local stakeholders want clarity on representation moving forward, as by-elections or appointments are yet to be announced.
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What Happens Next?
With confidence in local governance shaken, pressure is now mounting on the Lagos State Government, APC leadership, and the Lagos State House of Assembly to act decisively. Residents want answers to critical questions:
Were these deaths purely coincidental, or do they point to deeper issues?
Should health authorities test for common illnesses or hazards linked to the councillors’ engagements?
Will by-elections be announced soon to fill the vacant seats?
Until these questions are answered, speculation will continue, and trust in Lagos grassroots governance will remain fragile.
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Conclusion
The successive deaths of four newly elected female councillors in Lagos within two months remain a tragic mystery. Whether coincidental or indicative of a deeper problem, the development highlights the urgent need for transparency, investigation, and accountability in Nigerian politics.
For now, Lagosians mourn the loss of their leaders—women who carried the hopes of their communities—while anxiously waiting for answers that could restore confidence in democracy at the grassroots level
