The Lagos State House of Assembly has thrown down the gauntlet, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to swiftly instruct the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to conduct bye-elections to fill council seats left empty by the deaths of serving councillors.
The call was made on Thursday during plenary, following a motion raised under personal explanation by Nureni Akinsanya, who represents Mushin Constituency I.
Akinsanya lamented that the passing of councillors had created a representation vacuum in Ibeju-Lekki, Somolu and Mushin Local Government Areas, leaving several wards politically orphaned.
He noted that since the demise of the councillors, the affected communities had been left without voices at the grassroots level, a situation he described as unhealthy for local democracy.
He said: “It will be noted that Mrs Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor representing Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki, died on Aug. 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 Aug. 18, 2025, barely 22 days into her tenure.
“In Somolu, Mrs Basirat Mayabikan, Councillor for Ward F, died on Sept. 21, 2025, only 56 days after her inauguration as a member of the 10th Legislative Arm of the council.”
Akinsanya urged the Assembly to rise to the occasion and press LASIEC to organise fresh polls, warning that prolonged vacancies would amount to denying constituents their democratic rights.
Backing the motion, Kazeem Esho of Mushin Constituency II confirmed that his constituency had also lost a councillor, adding that no replacement had been made since the death. He joined in calling for immediate steps to fill the vacant seat.
Kehinde Joseph, representing Alimosho Constituency II, echoed the demand and advised the Assembly to formally write to the governor, urging him to direct LASIEC to kick-start the electoral process.
Joseph also proposed that condolence letters be sent to the families of the deceased councillors, alongside an official notification to LASIEC to begin preparations for bye-elections.
In his ruling, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa asked lawmakers to observe a minute of silence in honour of the departed councillors and the late Oba of Badagry.
Obasa further directed the Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, to formally communicate the Assembly’s resolution to Governor Sanwo-Olu, signalling that the ball is now firmly in the executive’s court.
