The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has rejected claims linking the recent deaths of two female councillors in the state to politics, describing such suggestions as baseless and insensitive.
The deceased councillors are Oluwakemi Rufai, who represented Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, and Zainab Shotayo, the only female councillor in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Ilupeju. Both women died within the same week, less than a month after taking office, sparking public speculation about possible political undertones.
Responding to the insinuations, the Lagos APC spokesperson, Seye Oladejo, cautioned against spreading misinformation and politicising the deaths.
He said: “It was reported that they were indisposed. Their deaths had nothing to do with politics. Wherever such insinuations are coming from demeans humanity if properly considered. Death is inevitable, and it can occur at any time, in any profession or sector.”
Oladejo noted that the APC in Lagos has consistently encouraged women’s participation in governance and had made deliberate efforts to ensure inclusivity in political representation.
“Our women occupy key positions at various levels of government. There is a deliberate policy to allocate a substantial number of seats to women across the board. How then can anyone allege that a party with such policies is against women?” He asked.
He added that the Lagos APC remained committed to promoting gender inclusiveness in politics, stressing that any attempt to interpret the councillors’ deaths as politically motivated is both unfair and inhumane.
Death of two female councillors not political – Lagos APC
