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Summary

The tragic death of four female elected officials in Lagos within two months of their inauguration is a profound blow to gender equality in Nigerian politics. This setback underscores a systemic problem, serving as a wake-up call for political parties, electoral bodies, and civil society to better support and protect women in public office.

In a democratic landscape where women’s representation remains a persistent struggle, the recent and tragic loss of four female elected officials in Lagos within two months of their inauguration is more than a sad coincidence; it is a profound blow to the fight for gender equality in Nigerian politics. The deaths of these four women , who had just begun their tenures at the local government level,  underscore a deeper, more systemic problem that often goes unaddressed in national political discourse.

The officials who passed away were:

• Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor, Ward C, Ibeju-Lekki, died on 13th August 2025 (17 days after inauguration)
• Zainab Shotayo, Councillor, Ward C (Chief Whip), Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, died 18th August 2025 (22 days after inauguration).
• Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose, Vice Chairperson, Badagry West LCDA, died on 20th September 2025 (55 days after inauguration).
• Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan, Councillor, Ward F, Shomolu, died 21st September 2025 (56 days after inauguration).

At the time of this tribute, no concrete cause of their death has been disclosed.

Women’s Underrepresentation at the Polls

In a country where 49.4% of the population is women, and only 3 out of 109 senators, 17 out of 360 members of the House of Representatives, and 7 out of 48 ministers are women, these women were not just names on a ballot; they were trailblazers who had navigated the male-dominated political field to secure their positions. Their victories, hard-won as a result of community service and rigorous campaigns, represented a small but crucial step forward for women in Lagos and Nigeria. With women holding only a fraction of elected offices at the local, State, and federal levels, every female official is a vital symbol of progress and a testament to the immense work that remains to be done.

The Nigerian political space is notoriously difficult for women to navigate. From primary elections, party structure, patriarchal cultures, and religious beliefs to the final ballot, female aspirants face financial, cultural, and political hurdles that often sideline them before the race even begins. This harsh reality is reflected in the dismal numbers of women in political office. 

According to results from the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), the State has made progress in women’s representation in grassroots politics but still falls drastically short of the 35% affirmative action target recommended by Nigeria’s National Gender Policy, serving as a sobering reminder of the long road ahead for female political aspirants.

While the loss of any elected official is tragic, the cumulative effect of losing four women in such a short period is a severe setback for the egalitarian movement in politics. It doesn’t just reduce a number; it removes a voice, a perspective, and a potential role model from the corridors of power. It shrinks the already small pool of women who can advocate for gender-sensitive policies, influence legislative priorities, and inspire a new generation of female leaders.

Beyond the Ballot Box: A Turning Point for CSO and Parties

This tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for political parties, electoral bodies, civil society organisations and citizens. The conversation must shift from simply encouraging women to run for office to actively supporting them and ensuring their well-being once they are elected.

• Political Parties must re-evaluate their internal structures to be more inclusive and supportive of female candidates. This includes providing adequate resources and creating a safe and equitable environment for them to thrive.
• Electoral Bodies, like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also have a critical role to play beyond simply conducting free and fair elections. They should actively work to create an inclusive environment for female aspirants and voters by implementing gender-aware policies, running targeted voter education campaigns, and using their platform to advocate for legislative changes such as gender quotas or affirmative action.
• Civil Society must continue to advocate for legislative reforms that promote gender-balanced representation and hold political institutions accountable for their commitments to gender equality.

The memory of Hon. Oluremi Ajose, Hon. Zainab Shotayo, Hon. Oluwakemi Rufai, and Hon. Basirat Mayabikan should not just be a footnote in a tragic news report. Their lives, brief but meaningful service, must galvanise a renewed commitment to the crucial work of ensuring that every woman who seeks to serve her community has the opportunity to do so safely and without disproportionate barriers. Their sacrifice in the pursuit of public service serves as a sombre reminder of how much is at stake in the fight for true political equality.