Lawmakers urge Sanwo-Olu to order bye-elections for deceased councillors

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to hold bye-elections in Ibeju-Lekki, Mushin, and Somolu local government areas following the deaths of three councillors.

The matter was raised on Thursday during plenary by Hon. Akinsanya Nureni (Mushin I), who noted that the wards were now without representation. 

He urged the House to intervene and ensure that LASIEC organises elections promptly.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Esho Kazeem (Mushin II) confirmed that no replacement election had taken place in his constituency since the passing of a councillor. Hon. Kehinde Joseph suggested the Assembly send condolence letters to the families and formally notify LASIEC to commence elections.

Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa directed a minute of silence for the deceased councillors and the late Oba of Badagry. 

He also instructed the House Clerk to write to Governor Sanwo-Olu conveying the Assembly’s resolution.

The late councillors include Oluwakemi Rufai (Ward C, Ibeju-Lekki), who died 17 days after inauguration on August 13, 2025; Zainab Shotayo (Ward C3, Odiolowo-Ojuwoye), who passed on August 18, 2025, 22 days into her tenure; and Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan (Ward F, Somolu), who died on September 21, 2025, just 56 days after taking office.