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Ramota Bankole, a chieftain of the Lagos Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away while performing her Hajj rites in Saudi Arabia due to extreme heat.
Bankole, a former Welfare Secretary of Lagos APC and the former Epe LGA women leader and state welfare officer, was among the pilgrims who succumbed to the severe heat in the holy land.
Saudi Arabia had issued a warning about a significant temperature rise in Mecca as Muslim pilgrims concluded the Hajj amidst scorching conditions. At least 550 pilgrims have died during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, highlighting the challenges posed by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 51.8°C (125.2°F).
The politician’s death was confirmed on Thursday by the council chairpersons of Epe Local Government, Eredo, and Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
Bankole’s passing has thrown the Lagos APC into mourning as she recently celebrated her 60th birthday.
Surah Animashaun, the Executive Chairman of Epe Local Government, in a statement, expressed her condolences, noting that the deceased was in good health before embarking on the pilgrimage.
The statement reads, “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna layhi Raji’un. It is with great sadness that I received the news of Alhaja Ramota Bankole’s passing. She died in the holy land of Mecca during the holy pilgrimage. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Bankole family, APC members, and the entire people of Epe on the loss of our dear Sister and Mummy. May God grant her family the strength to bear this loss.”
