The political landscape in Lagos State has once again been thrown in mourning after the death of Hon. Zainab Kosoko, the Councillor for Ward C3 in the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and the Chief Whip of the Legislative Chamber.

Kosoko, who had taken her oath of office less than a month ago, reportedly passed away on Monday night after struggling with complications from malaria.

According to reports, the councillor fell ill last week and was initially admitted to Mushin General Hospital before being transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where she unfortunately died despite the medical team’s best efforts to save her.

Her passing comes just a week after Badagry Today reported the death of Hon. Oluwakemi Rufai, the only female councillor in the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, who represented Ward C1. Rufai died on August 13, less than two weeks after her swearing-in, following a brief illness.

The sudden loss of two newly elected female councillors in such a short span has left the grassroots political community in Lagos deeply shocked.

Confirming the death of Kosoko, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Sesan Olowa, along with the Chairman of Lekki LCDA, Hon. Rasaki Kasali, expressed their condolences and described her passing as a major setback for the council system in Lagos.

In his condolence message, Hon. Prince Nureni Ayinde Akinsanya, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Mushin Constituency I, called the incident a heartbreaking loss for the community.

“With great shock and sadness, I learned of the passing of our dear sister, Hon. Zainab Kosoko. Her death, occurring less than a month after her inauguration, is not only a painful event but also a significant loss for the people she was so passionate and dedicated to serve,” Akinsanya remarked.

He further honored her as a dedicated and selfless leader, committed to the progress and development of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, while offering prayers for comfort and strength for her family and loved ones.

As tributes continue to pour in from political figures and constituents alike, many have noted that Kosoko’s untimely death is not just a personal loss but a collective sorrow for the community she represented.

The atmosphere in Mushin and across Lagos is somber as they reflect on how fast life goes by and how quickly things can change in public service.