The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been plunged into mourning following the death of Dr. Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire, the only son of former Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
Dr. Adefulire was reported to have passed away in the early hours of Wednesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after undergoing a surgical procedure. He lived in the United Kingdom and is survived by his wife and children.
A family source, who confirmed the incident to correspondents, described the loss as a staggering shock to the family and the larger political circle in Lagos.
Reacting on Thursday, the APC Publicity Secretary in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, said the party was devastated by the development, noting that the death had cast a pall over its members in the state.
“It’s sadly true, the kind of tragedy every parent dreads. The APC is heartbroken. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire is an exceptionally good person, and the entire party structure has been thrown into mourning by this huge tragedy. May his precious soul rest in peace,” Oladejo said.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire, a prominent figure in Lagos politics, served as Deputy Governor between 2011 and 2015 under former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
She currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a position she held under former President Muhammadu Buhari before being reappointed in September 2023.
A respected administrator and social worker, the 65-year-old has held several key roles in public service, including an eight-year stint as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
She also commands significant political influence as the APC Political Apex Leader of Alimosho Federal Constituency and a member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC).
As of press time, the family had yet to announce burial arrangements.