The political community in Lagos is in mourning following the death of Oluwakemi Rufai, newly elected councillor for Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.
Rufai, the sole female representative in the council’s legislative arm, died in the early hours of Wednesday after a brief illness—just two weeks after taking the oath of office.
Ibeju-Lekki LGA Chairman Sesan Olowa and Lekki LCDA Chairman Rasaki Kasali described her passing as a devastating loss to both the council and her constituents.
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) also expressed grief, with party spokesperson Seye Oladejo hailing Rufai as a rising star committed to grassroots development.
“Even in her short time in public office, she showed what purposeful leadership should look like,” Oladejo said, praising her courage, vision, and dedication to community growth.
Rufai’s death has shocked residents and colleagues, many of whom describe her as a trailblazer for women in local politics.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, constituents, and supporters.
