By Lukman Olabiyi
In a somber turn of events, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State is mourning the loss of another sitting council chairman, Oladotun Olakanle.
This tragic event marks the second time a sitting council boss in Onigbongbo LCDA has died in office during his second term.
Olakanle’s predecessor, Babatunde Oke, also passed away due to Covid-19 complications while serving his second term in August 2020.
According to people close to Olakanle, the chairman died after a brief illness in the early hours of yesterday, November 2, 2014. The death occurred just a few months to his 55th birthday.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries in the state have expressed sadness over the sudden death of Olakanle, popularly called Tant’olorun, at 54.
The governor sympathised with the immediate family of the deceased, his friends and associates, members and leaders of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC), Conference 57, and the entire people of Onigbongbo LCDA over the death of the late council chairman.
He said: “On behalf of my family, the people, and the government of Lagos State Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the residents of Onigbongbo LCDA on the death of the council Chairman, Hon. Oladotun Olakanle. His death was a personal loss to me and a painful loss to his council and Lagos State.”
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, LGA, Usman Hamzat, has expressed sadness and commiseration over the sudden death of Olakanle, saying he would be missed.
The vice chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, Otunba Ladi Oluwaloni, also expressed sadness over the sudden death of Olakanle,
He described Olakanle as deeply committed to the progress and well-being of the council.