Lagos lawmakers have urged LASIEC to conduct Lagos bye elections to replace deceased councillors and restore representation in affected LGAs

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for the immediate conduct of Lagos bye elections in three local government areas following the deaths of serving councillors.

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The motion was raised on Thursday by Nureni Akinsanya, who represents Mushin Constituency 01, as lawmakers expressed concern that communities in Ibeju Lekki, Somolu and Mushin have been left without representation at the grassroots level.

Akinsanya said the vacancies arose from the deaths of councillors elected into office in 2025, noting that the affected wards have remained unrepresented since their passing.

He recalled that Oluwakemi Rufai, councillor representing Ward C in Ibeju Lekki, died on August 13, 2025, just 17 days after her inauguration and was the only female member of the legislative council.

According to him, Zainab Shotayo, who served as Chief Whip and councillor for Ward C3 in Odiolowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, also passed away on August 18, 2025, barely 22 days into her tenure.

In Somolu, Akinsanya said Basirat Mayabikan, councillor for Ward F, died on September 21, 2025, only 56 days after she was inaugurated into the 10th Legislative Arm of the council.

He urged the Assembly to intervene by compelling the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission to organise Lagos bye elections, warning that prolonged vacancies undermine democratic participation at the local level.

Supporting the motion, Kazeem Esho, representing Mushin Constituency 02, confirmed that a councillor in his constituency had also died and said no replacement had been made months after the incident.

Another lawmaker, Kehinde Joseph from Alimosho Constituency 02, called on the Assembly to formally write to Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, directing LASIEC to commence the process for fresh elections.

Joseph also appealed for condolence letters to be sent to the families of the deceased councillors as part of the Assembly’s formal response.

In his ruling, the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, directed members to observe a minute of silence in honour of the deceased councillors and the late Oba of Badagry.