By Ghazali Ibrahim
Lagos State has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of four female elected officials within a short span of two months.
All four women, who were sworn into their respective offices on July 27, 2025, tragically passed away between August and September, raising public concern and grief over female representation across the state.
The first to die was Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor representing Ibeju-Lekki Ward C1, who passed on August 13. Just five days later, Zainab Shotayo, a young and vibrant Councillor from Odi-Olowo Ward C, died on August 18.
The state suffered a fresh blow in September with the death of Princess Oluremi Ajose, the Vice Chairman of Badagry West, who died on September 20.
Barely 24 hours after, Basirat Kemi, Councillor representing Somolu Ward F, also died on September 21.
While the specific causes of death have not been officially made public in all cases, the sequence and frequency of the losses have sparked sorrow and speculation among citizens, political observers, and women’s advocacy groups.
