The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to conduct bye-elections to replace councillors who died in office in Ibeju-Lekki, Mushin and Somolu Local Government areas.
The matter was raised under personal explanation on Thursday during plenary by Hon. Akinsanya Nureni, representing Mushin I. He noted that three councillors from the affected councils had passed away, leaving their wards without representation.
Hon. Nureni appealed to the House to intervene by urging LASIEC to organise fresh elections to ensure the affected communities are not left without representatives.
He stressed that the vacancies affect Ibeju-Lekki, Somolu and Mushin.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Esho Kazeem, also from Mushin constituency 2, confirmed that a councillor in his constituency had died and said no replacement election had been conducted since then. He joined in calling for immediate action.
Another lawmaker, Hon. Kehinde Joseph, urged the Assembly to formally write to the Governor to direct LASIEC to conduct the elections. He also suggested that the House observe a minute of silence in honour of the deceased councillors.
Similarly, he called on the Assembly to send condolence letters to the families of the deceased and to formally notify LASIEC to commence the process for fresh elections.
In his ruling, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa directed lawmakers to observe a minute of silence in honour of the deceased councillors as well as the late Oba of Badagry. He further instructed the Clerk of the House, Onafeko Olalekan, to write to Governor Sanwo-Olu conveying the resolution of the Assembly.
Recall that Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor representing Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki, died on August 13, 2025, just 17 days after her inauguration.
She was the only female member of the legislative council.
Also, Zainab Shotayo, Chief Whip and Councillor for Ward C3 in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, passed away on August 18, 2025, barely 22 days into her tenure.
In Somolu, Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan, Councillor for Ward F, died on September 21, 2025, only 56 days after her inauguration as a member of the 10th Legislative Arm of the council.
