Newly elected councillor dies 2 weeks after taking office

Barely two weeks after assuming office as Councillor for Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, Oluwakemi Rufai has passed away.

Rufai, who was the only female member of the council’s legislative arm, died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after a brief illness.

In separate statements, Ibeju-Lekki LGA Chairman, Sesan Olowa, and Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Rasaki Kasali, expressed deep sorrow over her death, describing it as a devastating loss to the council and the community she served with dedication.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, also mourned Rufai’s passing.

Party spokesman, Seye Oladejo, paid tribute to her as a “rising star within the APC” whose leadership reflected “commitment, grassroots service, and gender inclusion”.

Oladejo noted that, despite her short time in office, Rufai made a lasting impression through her dedication to community development and loyalty to the party’s principles.

He extended condolences to her family, constituents, and the Ibeju-Lekki community, adding: “Her legacy of service, courage, and vision will not be forgotten.”