Lagos Assembly calls for Bye-elections to Replace Deceased Councillors
Lagos Assembly calls for Bye-elections to Replace Deceased Councillors
The Lagos State House of Assembly has formally called for the conduct of bye-elections to fill vacant seats in three local government areas following the deaths of several councillors.
During a plenary session held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, the lawmakers expressed concern that the affected wards have been without legislative representation for several months, hindering the democratic process at the grassroots level.
The motion for the elections was moved by Nureni Akinsanya, representing Mushin Constituency 01, who highlighted the vacancies in Ibeju-Lekki, Somolu, and Mushin Local Government Areas.
He pointed out that the loss of these representatives has left a significant gap in the local government councils, depriving the communities of their voices in governance.
Detailed reports presented during the session revealed that the deceased officials passed away shortly after their inaugurations.
Among those mentioned was Oluwakemi Rufai of Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki, who died just 17 days after taking office. As Nureni Akinsanya noted, “It will be noted that Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor representing Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki, died on August 13, 2025, just 17 days after her inauguration. She was the only female member of the legislative council.”
Other vacancies were created by the deaths of Zainab Shotayo, the Chief Whip and Councillor for Ward C3 in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, and Mrs. Basirat Mayabikan, who represented Ward F in Somolu. Shotayo passed away 22 days into her tenure, while Mayabikan died 56 days after her inauguration, further depleting the ranks of the 10th Legislative Arm of the councils.
In support of the motion, lawmakers Kehinde Joseph and Kazeem Esho urged the Assembly to take decisive action by notifying the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). Joseph suggested that the Assembly should formally write to the state governor to facilitate the process, ensuring that condolence letters are sent to the bereaved families while simultaneously initiating the steps for fresh polls.
Following the deliberations, the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, directed the lawmakers to observe a minute of silence in honor of the departed councillors. He subsequently instructed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit the Assembly’s resolution to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to prompt LASIEC to begin preparations for the necessary bye-elections.
