2025: List of Nigerian Lawmakers Who Died Shortly After Being Sworn In
- Nigeria has recently mourned the sudden deaths of several elected officials who passed away mere weeks after assuming office
- These tragic losses have stirred public reflection on the pressures of political life and the fragility of human health in governance
- From federal lawmakers to local councillors, each case depicted the profound impact of brief but dedicated service
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed the untimely deaths of several elected officials who passed away mere weeks after assuming office.
These tragic losses have sparked conversations around public health, political stress, and the fragility of life in public service.
Source: Twitter
Below is a list highlighting Nigerian lawmakers who died shortly after being sworn in, based on verified reports and official statements.
Hon. Olaide Adewale Akinremi: Ibadan North Representative dies
Hon. Olaide Adewale Akinremi, popularly known as "Jagaban," was re-elected in 2023 to represent Ibadan North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He was officially sworn in that June, but tragically passed away on 10 July 2024—barely some weeks into his new term.
His death came as a shock to colleagues and constituents alike, many of whom described him as a dedicated lawmaker with a strong grassroots connection. Akinremi had been a prominent figure in Oyo State politics and was known for his advocacy on youth empowerment and infrastructural development.
Oluwakemi Rufai: Ibeju-Lekki Councillor dies two weeks after election
Oluwakemi Rufai, the councillor representing Ward C1 in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos, died just two weeks after her election. She was the only female councillor recently sworn into the Ibeju-Lekki legislative council and reportedly passed away in the early hours of a Wednesday following a brief illness.
Seye Oladejo, spokesperson for the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), mourned her passing in a public statement, describing Rufai as a “rising star who embodied commitment, grassroots service, and gender inclusion.” He noted that her brief time in office was marked by unwavering loyalty to the party’s ideals and a strong dedication to community development.
Her death was particularly poignant given her role as a symbol of gender representation in local governance.
Zainab Shotayo: Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye councillor remembered
Councillor Zainab Shotayo of the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) died on 18 August, prompting an outpouring of grief from council members and party leaders.
A special plenary session was held in her honour, during which tributes were paid to her legacy as a committed representative and a vocal advocate for her constituents.
Council Chairman Seyi Jakande described Shotayo as a passionate participant in addressing community challenges and praised her active role in local governance. Her death marked yet another loss of a public servant whose tenure was cut tragically short.
Reflections on sudden loss
The deaths of Akinremi, Rufai, and Shotayo have raised broader questions about the pressures of political office and the importance of health and wellness among elected officials.
While each case was unique, the common thread of sudden departure shortly after swearing-in has left communities mourning and reflecting on the fragility of life in public service.
Source: UGC
Lagos lawmaker dies two weeks after swearing in
Legit.ng earlier reported that Oluwakemi Rufai, the councillor representing Ward C1 in the Ibeju-Lekki local government area of Lagos State, has reportedly died, just two weeks after she was sworn in.
The late Rufai was reported to be the only female council member in the legislative chamber of the council. She was said to have died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 13, following a brief illness.
According to Vanguard, her death was confirmed by the chairman of the Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Sesan Olowa, and his counterpart in the Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Rasaki Kasali, in a separate statement. They described her death as a rude shock to the community and the council.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
