In a shocking series of events that has gripped Nigeria’s political circles, four female elected officials in Lagos State have passed away within just two months of their inauguration. All sworn in on July 27, 2025, as part of the newly elected council chairmen, vice chairmen, and councillors, their sudden deaths have raised eyebrows and sparked widespread mourning across the state.
Lagos State, Africa’s most populous city and a hub of economic activity, saw these women—councillors and a vice chairman—take office amid celebrations of increased female representation in local governance. Yet, in under 60 days, tragedy struck, leaving communities devastated and prompting calls for investigations into the circumstances, though the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed any political motives behind the losses.
The Inauguration and the Swift Tragedies
The July 27, 2025, inauguration marked a milestone for gender inclusion in Lagos, with unprecedented female participation encouraged by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), which waived nomination fees for women candidates. These officials were set to drive grassroots development in their wards and councils, focusing on community welfare, infrastructure, and inclusive policies.
However, the joy was short-lived. The deaths, occurring between August 13 and September 21, 2025, have been attributed to brief illnesses in some cases, with others remaining undisclosed. No foul play has been officially confirmed, but the rapid succession has fueled public speculation on online forums like Nairaland, where users question the “brief illness” narrative, especially for younger victims.
Full List of the Deceased Officials
Here is the complete list of the four female Lagos local government officers who died in 2025, based on verified reports from multiple news outlets:
| Name | Position | Local Government Area (LGA)/LCDA | Ward (if applicable) | Date of Death | Days After Inauguration | Reported Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oluwakemi Rufai | Councillor | Ibeju-Lekki LGA | Ward C1 | August 13, 2025 | 17 | Brief illness |
| Zainab Adeshewa Shotayo | Councillor (Chief Whip, 6th Legislative Arm) | Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA | Ward C3 | August 18, 2025 | 22 | Brief illness |
| Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose | Vice Chairman | Badagry West LCDA | N/A | September 20, 2025 | 55 | Undisclosed |
| Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan | Councillor | Shomolu LGA | Ward F | September 21, 2025 | 56 | Undisclosed |
These women were trailblazers in their roles. Rufai was the sole female councillor in Ibeju-Lekki’s legislative council, known for her dedication to community service. Shotayo, at just 30 years old, was the only woman in her LCDA and served as Chief Whip, embodying youth and vigor in politics. Ajose, a princess from Badagry’s traditional community, worked alongside Chairman Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren to advance local development. Mayabikan was part of Shomolu’s 10th Legislative Arm, advocating for ward-level improvements.
Public Reactions and APC’s Response
The deaths have elicited profound grief and concern. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), posts mourning Rufai highlighted her as a “rising star” in the APC, with users sharing tributes to her brief but impactful tenure. Constituents in affected areas, from Ibeju-Lekki to Badagry, have held prayer vigils, while political analysts decry the setback to women’s representation in Lagos’ 57 councils (20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs).
Lagos APC spokesperson Seye Oladejo firmly rejected insinuations of political foul play, calling them “unfounded and insensitive.” He emphasized the party’s commitment to gender inclusion, noting that APC prioritized women’s elections and urged focus on celebrating their legacies rather than speculation. Council chairmen, including Sesan Olowa of Ibeju-Lekki and Rauf Yemaren of Badagry West, issued statements expressing shock and condolences, vowing to honor the women’s visions through continued service.
Experts and residents alike have called for thorough medical inquiries, especially given the pattern of “brief illnesses.” One commentator on Legit.ng noted, “This isn’t just personal loss—it’s a blow to grassroots democracy in Lagos.”
Impact on Lagos Governance and Women in Politics
These tragedies underscore vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly for women breaking barriers in male-dominated local government. Lagos, with its 20 official LGAs and additional LCDAs, relies on such officials for vital services like waste management, health, and education. The losses disrupt ongoing projects in wards like C1 in Ibeju-Lekki and F in Shomolu, potentially delaying community initiatives.
Broader implications touch on health and stress in public service. Amid Nigeria’s rising disease burdens—like Lassa fever, which saw 162 deaths nationwide in 2025—these cases highlight the need for better healthcare access for officials. Politically, it tests APC’s gender agenda, as Lagos recorded historic female turnout in the 2025 elections, yet now faces representation gaps.
For U.S. readers with ties to Nigeria’s diaspora or investments, this signals stability concerns in Lagos’ administration, a key economic driver generating billions in revenue. It also resonates with global pushes for women’s safety in politics, echoing challenges in emerging democracies.
Users searching for this list often seek closure or tributes; resources like APC’s statements and local vigils provide outlets. Geo-targeting highlights Lagos-specific grief, while AI tools could track health trends for officials to prevent future losses.
Conclusion: Honoring Legacies Amid Calls for Accountability
The deaths of Oluwakemi Rufai, Zainab Shotayo, Oluremi Ajose, and Basirat Mayabikan represent not just personal tragedies but a stark reminder of the fragility of public service in Nigeria. As Lagos mourns, their short tenures leave blueprints for inclusive governance that successors must uphold.
Looking ahead, enhanced health protocols for elected officials and transparent probes could restore trust. The APC’s affirmations of support for women in politics offer hope, but actions— like filling vacancies swiftly and bolstering medical resources—will define the response. In a year already marked by broader Nigerian health crises, these losses urge a recommitment to protecting those who serve at the grassroots level.