The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to organise bye-elections in three local government areas.
The appeal followed the deaths of councillors in Ibeju-Lekki, Mushin and Somolu, leaving their wards without representation.
The issue was raised on Thursday during plenary by Hon. Akinsanya Nureni, who represents Mushin I. He said three councillors from the affected areas had died while in office.
Mr Nureni asked the Assembly to intervene and ensure LASIEC conducts fresh elections to fill the vacancies.
His motion was supported by Hon. Esho Kazeem, representing Mushin constituency 2, who confirmed that a councillor in his constituency had died and had not been replaced.
Another lawmaker, Hon. Kehinde Joseph, urged the Assembly to formally write to the governor to direct LASIEC to begin the electoral process.
He also called for a minute of silence in honour of the deceased councillors and suggested that condolence letters be sent to their families.
In response, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, directed lawmakers to observe a minute of silence for the deceased councillors and the late Oba of Badagry. He also instructed the Clerk of the House, Onafeko Olalekan, to write to Governor Sanwo-Olu conveying the Assembly’s resolution.
The Assembly’s request follows the deaths of several councillors within a short period after their inauguration.
Oluwakemi Rufai, councillor representing Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki, died on 13 August 2025, just 17 days after her inauguration.
She was the only female member of the legislative council.
Zainab Shotayo, chief whip and councillor for Ward C3 in Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, died on 18 August 2025, 22 days into her tenure.
In Somolu, Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan, councillor for Ward F, died on 21 September 2025, 56 days after taking office.
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