DOUBLE TRAGEDY IN LAGOS: COUNCIL VICE CHAIRMAN, FEMALE COUNCILLOR DIE WITHIN 24 HOURS — Fifth Female Administrator To Die In Just Two Months

LAGOS — Grief and shock have once again enveloped Lagos State as two serving female political leaders—Vice Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Oluremi Ajose, and a Councillor in Somolu Local Government, Basirat Mayabikan Bajulaiye-Folagoro—were reported dead within the space of 24 hours.

The deaths, which occurred barely two months after their swearing-in, have deepened concerns over the rising spate of sudden losses among female political officeholders in the state.

Ajose, daughter of the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom, Oba Oyekan Ajose, reportedly passed away after a brief illness on Saturday. Her remains have since been deposited at a morgue pending burial arrangements.

Barely hours later, on Sunday, tragedy struck again in Somolu as Councillor Basirat Mayabikan Bajulaiye-Folagoro, who represented Ward F, died unexpectedly in the early hours of the morning.

Announcing her passing, Somolu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Lateef Ashimi, described Bajulaiye-Folagoro as “a humble, cheerful, friendly, and easy-going representative whose death has sent shockwaves through the community.”

Ashimi added:

> “Indeed, God giveth and taketh. On behalf of the good people of Somolu, the Management Staff, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), we commiserate with her family, the 10th Legislative Arm, and the people of Ward F. We pray Almighty Allah forgives her shortcomings and grants her eternal rest.”



A Disturbing Pattern of Losses

The double tragedy marks the fifth death of a female elected administrator in Lagos this year alone, sparking deep unease across the political class.

In July, Oluwakemi Rufai, a councillor in Ibeju-Lekki, died barely two weeks after her swearing-in. Days later, Zainab Shotayo, councillor for Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, also passed on unexpectedly.

Observers say the frequency of these deaths is unprecedented in the state’s recent political history, raising concerns over health, stress, and welfare issues confronting women in grassroots politics.

Condolences Pour In

Reacting to the devastating news, the Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government and Secretary of Conference 57 Chairmen in Lagos State, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat (UAH), described the deaths as “a monumental loss not only to their families and councils but to the entire local government administration in Lagos.”

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Lateef Salaam, Hamzat praised the late Ajose and Bajulaiye-Folagoro as “exemplary leaders who dedicated their lives to grassroots governance, community upliftment, and service to humanity.”

He urged their families and communities to “take solace in the impactful legacies they left behind.”

A Dark Cloud Over Lagos Councils

The recurring loss of female council leaders has cast a heavy pall over Lagos State politics, with many calling for urgent attention to the health and well-being of political officeholders.

For now, Lagos mourns—grappling with questions and a growing sense of unease as yet another pair of promising leaders are laid to rest too soon.