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.
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