The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and staff across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) have been thrown into panic following the mysterious deaths of five prominent female officials within two months.

The unsettling trend, which has sparked fear and speculation within political and administrative circles, has prompted calls for both spiritual and institutional intervention.

The latest victim, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinola, Council Manager of Coker-Aguda LCDA, died on Monday, September 29, 2025. Her passing marks the fifth similar tragedy involving female council officials in recent weeks.

Akinola’s death followed those of four others:

Hon. Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor for Ward C, Ibeju-Lekki (died August 13)

Hon. Zainab Shotayo, Councillor for Ward C, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA (died August 18)

Princess Oluremi Ajose, Vice Chairman, Badagry West LCDA (died September 20)

Hon. Basirat Mayabikan, Councillor for Ward F, Somolu Local Government (died September 21)

Each death reportedly followed a brief illness, with no official medical explanations released, deepening unease within party ranks.

Until her death, Akinola was the Chairman of the Forum of Council Managers in Lagos State and the administrative head of Coker-Aguda LCDA. Her passing, announced by the Forum, sent shockwaves through the local government community.

“With total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the passing away of our dear Chairman, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinola,” the Forum said in a statement. “She was the Council Manager of Coker/Aguda LCDA until her death.”

She was buried on Tuesday, September 30, according to Islamic rites.

The series of deaths began with Hon. Rufai, the only female Councillor in Ibeju-Lekki Legislative Council, who died barely two weeks after being sworn in.

Five days later, Hon. Shotayo, the only female elected Councillor in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, died under similar circumstances. Her death threw the entire council secretariat in Ilupeju into mourning.

Council Chairman, Hon. Seyi Jakande, described her as “an exemplary leader who inspired many through her resilience and commitment to public service.”

On September 20, Princess Oluremi Ajose, Vice Chairman of Badagry West LCDA and daughter of Oba Oyekan Possi Ajose, the Alapa of Apa Egun-Awori Kingdom, also passed away.
Barely 24 hours later, Hon. Basirat Mayabikan of Somolu Local Government died after a brief illness.

“She was hale and hearty earlier in the week. We still saw her at the council,” a staff member said. “No one understands what’s going on anymore. Everyone is scared.”

The Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Hon. Seye Oladejo, described the spate of deaths as “painful and shocking,” adding that the party is already working on an intervention plan.

“We have a plan in place as a party,” Oladejo told Sunday Vanguard. “We’re only waiting for a reasonable mourning period to pass. A committee is already working on an intervention plan, including both investigative and spiritual measures.”

He described the late Rufai as “a rising star within the APC,” while noting that the deaths of Mayabikan and Ajose “dealt a heavy blow” to the Lagos APC family.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had, on July 27, 2025, sworn in the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the state’s 57 councils following the last local government elections. The event, held at Lagos House, Alausa, was intended to mark a new phase of grassroots governance.

Barely weeks into their tenure, however, the series of deaths has cast a shadow over local government administration in the state, leaving many seeking answers and divine protection.