There is a death scare among female elected officials in the last local council election in Lagos State.
The concern stems from the death of four female elected officials who died two months after they were sworn into office.
A total of 114 women councillorship and 10 chairmanship candidates secured the tickets to run under the All Progressives Congress in the council elections in the state.
However, tragedy started on August 13, 2025, when the councillor representing Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Council, Oluwakemi Rufai, died after a brief illness.
Five days later, Councillor for Ward C3 in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Zainab Shotayo, died at the age of 30 years on August 18, 2025, after a brief illness, among others.
Lagos APC Spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, dismissed suggestions that the death of the female elected officials in the state reflects political hostility toward 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.
Also, Chairman, Ibeju-Lekki Local Council, Sesan Olowa, described Rufai’s death as a rude shock that robbed the community of a rare voice for women.
