₦airaland Forum

The most recent losses are Basirat Mayabikan, who died on 21 September, just 56 days after inauguration, and Oluremi Ajose, who died on 20 September, 55 days into her tenure.

by Folashade Ogunrinde


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Lagos State has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of four female elected officials, barely two months after they were sworn into office.

The most recent losses are Basirat Mayabikan, who died on 21 September, just 56 days after inauguration, and Oluremi Ajose, who died on 20 September, 55 days into her tenure.

Their deaths came a month after the passing of Zainab Shotayo on 18 August, 22 days after taking office, and Oluwakemi Rufai, who died on 13 August, barely 17 days after inauguration.

While the causes of death of the four lawmakers remain unclear, the frequency of the losses has left colleagues and constituents devastated. Many Lagos residents have raised concerns and called for more clarity from the authorities.


How they died, what the records say

The losses began on 13 August, when Ms Rufai, a councillor representing Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, died after a brief illness. Ms Rufai was the only female voice in the legislative council of her community.

Just five days later, tragedy struck again in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), where Ms Shotayo, councillor for Ward C3, died on 18 August. At just 30, Ms Shotayo was one of the youngest councillors in Lagos and the only woman in her council. Reports confirmed she also passed away after a brief illness.

Tragedy struck again on 20 September when Ms Ajose, Vice Chairman of Badagry West LCDA, died suddenly, though no official cause of death has been publicly disclosed.

Barely 24 hours later, on 21 September, Ms Mayabikan, councillor for Ward F in Shomolu Local Government, also died, with the circumstances not publicly confirmed.


Circumstantial or political?

Questions have continued to surface following the deaths of four female elected officials in Lagos State, all of whom died within weeks of assuming office.

The sudden losses, two of which were officially linked to brief illnesses, have unsettled many residents, who say the circumstances appear unusual.

On discussion forums such as Nairaland, several users expressed doubt over the explanation of “brief illness,” especially in the case of Ms Shotayo, the 30-year-old councillor from Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA.

Some described the sequence of events as suspicious and pressed for clearer information about what happened.

However, Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, dismissed suggestions that the deaths of female elected officials in the state reflect political hostility toward women.

He urged the public to resist speculation and misinformation, describing the losses as shocking and painful for the party and the state, the Punch reported.

“It was read in the news that they were indisposed. It has nothing to do with any kind of politics. This is a surprise. Wherever that is coming from demeans humanity if it is being looked at properly,” he stated.

The spokesperson said APC’s track record speaks for itself in promoting women’s participation in governance, adding that the party remains committed to gender inclusion.

“Our women folks are everywhere holding certain positions across the board in our government. There is a deliberate policy that a sizable number of seats should be allotted to women at all levels. How can anybody now insinuate that such a party will be against 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.


Tributes pour in

Council chairmen directly affected by the deaths have also spoken publicly. In Ibeju-Lekki, Sesan Olowa, alongside Lekki LCDA Chairman, Rasaki Kasali, described Ms Rufai’s death as a rude shock that robbed the community of a rare voice for women in local government, the Vanguard Newspaper reported.

Somolu Local Government Chairman, Lateef Ashimi, paid tribute to Ms Mayabikan, describing her as humble, cheerful, friendly, and easy-going. He said her passing had left the entire Ward F in grief, with her family and constituents struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

The broader body of local government leadership has also weighed in. Mr Usman Hamzat, Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye LG and Secretary of Conference 57 Chairmen, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people of Badagry-West and Somolu over the deaths of Ms Ajose and Ms Mayabikan.

He described the twin tragedies as shocking, not only to the immediate communities but also to the local government administration in Lagos State.

The deaths represent a major setback for efforts at increasing women representation in government in Nigeria.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-west/822952-lagos-loses-four-female-elected-officials-within-two-months-of-inauguration.html

Nigerian politics is,the more you look,the less you gon see ....And it's not for the spiritually weak people..

Seems the sophisticated agbero gangsterism baba soope brand of Lagos politics is too strong for them.

Fortify yourself before indulging in politics especially the west. Ask kofo bucknor wetin she see for office.
NB: na only God get supreme powers

Generally, politics is not for the weak one, you can't dine and wine with the devil without a long spoon.

Venturing into politics without an altar backing you? That's a suicide journey.

Rip! Women this red flags to step aside, so natersha nah strong iron lady

There's a thin line between politics and destruction

Racoon:
Seems the sophisticated agbero gangsterism baba soope brand of Lagos politics is too strong for them.

No mind dem, very fetish people.

15 more characters needed

My people, you see Nigerian politics, especially in the southern parts of Nigeria which includes the West, East and South south, guy, it's either you're deeply in God, or in Satan. Aswear you'll not com out alive if you're sitting on the fence.

Lagos is now the burial ground of female politicians.It is obvious that the female folks are not able to play the dirty,wicked and 'winner takes it all' evil politics of Lagos. Though one or two deaths may be of natural causes but overall,some babalawo male politicians has made the politics dangerous for the innocent female folks.

They've used juju to finish them off ..

Those people are savages

Sophisticated juju people

mastermaestro:
Venturing into politics without an altar backing you? That's a suicide journey.

My brother na de same story even for US and UK. If you nuh strong, or if strong person nuh back you up spiritually, you're a dead man, or woman.

Does this not raise a concern, more so that they are all ladies?
Shouldn't there be a forensic investigation into finding a remote possible cause for the sudden brief illness that terminated their lives?

Definitely not Natural....but we cant prove it maybe their immune system no dey strong enough for politics......make police investigate....others should waka gently inside life

Fear these people.
They play politics of bitterness like amala and ewedu

Go and meet a powerful Babalawo to fortify you if you're ready for politics. Politics in Nigeria isn't for the fainthearted. I already knew this.

I was supposed to be made my ward councilor three years back, but I rejected it cos I wasn't ready. It was zoned to my clan at the time and I appeared to be the appealing to my people. But I ran away.
Also, my local council chairman wanted to knack me, several other contestants within and outside my party weren't smiling at me at all. The odds weren't favorable to me, especially morally and spiritually, so I had to run for my dear life. I can't die like a cockroach cos of ordinary councillor

payloader:
My people, you see Nigerian politics, especially in the southern parts of Nigeria which includes the West, East and South south, guy, it's either you're deeply in God, or in Satan. Aswear you'll not com out alive if you're sitting on the fence.

Very true.

I think it's the whole Nigeria , politics is very deadly , you have to be backed spiritually else you are toast.

Mrs. Akerele Bucknor survived.



Seun will help me with more characters

And they will be protesting at the National Assembly today for more sits for women in politics 😁

Without stating their exact cause of death in each situation, you're simply trying to push superstition.

There is more to this that meet the ordinary eyes.

payloader:
My brother na de same story even for US and UK. If you nuh strong, or if strong person nuh back you up spiritually, you're a dead man, or woman.

I dey tell you. Politics all over the na for strong men and women with solid spiritual backup. In fact, riches, power and position are for the strong.

The game is this:

Elect women to show that your party is "progressive "
Give them men as their "vice" or running mate, etc
Kpai the women
Let the "vice" take over.

Make the rest run o

Hope dem no enter illegally like Tinubu

Commentor:
Without stating their exact cause of death in each situation, you're simply trying to push superstition.

You and I know that the superstition you seek to dismiss in this case is actually true.

APC, Nigerians really need to shun their differences and end APC's evil reign in Nigeria before APC end Nigeria


Just take a look at the vibrant young leaders Lagos APC wasted in their prime, RIP patriots

mastermaestro:
You and I know that the superstition you seek to dismiss in this case is actually true.

You believe in superstition, I believe in logic, science and facts.

Accommodators that can’t accommodate women in politics!
Sophisticstion my foot!
Ancient people

This is no longer new news na. This incidence almost over a week ago why bringing it here today?

I believe the purpose of bringing over a week news here now is to start another tribal jabs and insult by those lousy disrespectful cho cho "Character Deficency Normadic Human" whom all they know is abuse, insult, tribalism, hatred and frustration.

Commentor:
You believe in superstition, I believe in logic, science and facts.

Your doubts will clear someday. I live you to logic and science for now.