Shock Grips Itire-Ikate as Legal Officer Barr. Omotola Bello Dies — Sixth Lagos Local Govt. Official Lost in Three Months

The Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State has been plunged into mourning following the unexpected death of its Legal Officer, Barrister Omotola Bello (Esq.). Bello’s passing marks the sixth death of a local government official in Lagos State within just three months, igniting fears and deep concerns about the health and welfare standards across local councils.

Barrister Bello was widely respected for his professionalism, humility, and steadfast dedication to upholding the rule of law within the council’s administration. His sudden death, coming shortly after the council’s recent inauguration of a new chairman on July 27, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the community and government circles alike.

Hon. Agbeyangi Olaoluwa Andrew, Leader of the 6th Legislative Assembly, together with the Itire-Ikate Council Chairman, councillors, and legislative staff, released a statement expressing profound grief. They described Bello’s demise as “a painful and irreparable loss” to the council and the entire community.

Bello’s death adds to a troubling sequence of losses primarily involving female local council officials who have died under unsettling circumstances since the inauguration of new council administrations in Lagos State. These officials include:

1.Oluwakemi Rufai, Councillor representing Ward C in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, died on August 13, 2025, only 17 days after inauguration. She was the sole female councillor in her legislative council and died following a brief illness.

2.Zainab Shotayo, Councillor for Ward C3 and Chief Whip of Odiolowo-Ojuwoye LCDA, passed away on August 18, 2025, just 22 days after taking office. She was the only woman elected to that council’s legislative arm and also died after a brief illness.

3.Princess Oluremi Nutayi Ajose, Vice Chairman of Badagry West LCDA and daughter of a royal family, died suddenly on September 20, 2025, after serving only 55 days in office.

4.Basirat Oluwakemi Mayabikan, Councillor representing Ward F in Shomolu Local Government, died on September 21, 2025, barely two months after her swearing-in. The circumstances surrounding her death remain undisclosed.

5.Adebimpe Akintola, Council Manager of Coker Aguda LCDA and Chairperson of the Forum of Council Managers in Lagos State, died on September 29, 2025, after a brief illness. She was a key leader among council managers across the state.

Together with Barrister Omotola Bello’s recent passing, these deaths raise urgent questions about the health environment, welfare provisions, and possible occupational hazards facing local government officials in Lagos State.

Community members, government officials, and stakeholders have called for a thorough investigation into the causes behind this wave of deaths to prevent further losses and restore confidence in the governance framework.

ADVERTISEMENT

While the Lagos State Government has yet to release a comprehensive official statement addressing these developments, there is mounting public pressure for enhanced workplace health and welfare standards in local government councils statewide.

As investigations into Barrister Bello’s death and others continue, the people of Lagos await clarity and decisive action to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of those serving at the grassroots level of governance.