The Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area is mourning the sudden loss of its Chairman, Oladotun Olakanle, who passed away at the age of 54. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed. Olakanle’s final public appearance was at the burial ceremony for Dr. Adesola Taiwo, a prominent All Progressives Congress member and CEO of Adefemi Taiwo Hospitals, on October 31, 2024.
This tragic event marks the second time a sitting Council Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA has died in office during their second term. Olakanle’s predecessor, Babatunde Oke, also succumbed to COVID-19 complications while in office.
Oladotun Olakanle had been sworn in as Chairman by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in August 2020, following Oke’s demise. During his tenure, Olakanle presented a budget estimate of N3.8 billion for the 2024 fiscal year, tagged “Budget of Advancement”. He also commissioned various projects, including a five-in-one project, as part of his administration’s accountability.
The late Chairman’s passing has undoubtedly left a void in the council, and the community will deeply feel his absence.“We were at a party together on Thursday. His death is still devastating to me,” a close friend told journalists.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his condolences over the passing of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Chairman, Oladotun Olakanle, describing it as a monumental loss to the council, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the state. Sanwo-Olu praised Olakanle as a dedicated party member, passionate democrat, and seasoned public servant with in-depth knowledge of local government operations and the complex political landscape.
In his condolence message, the governor wished Olakanle eternal peace and extended his sympathies to the chairman’s family and the people of Onigbongbo LCDA. This sentiment echoes the governor’s previous acknowledgment of Olakanle’s predecessor, Babatunde Oke, whom he described as an affable and committed party man with fantastic dreams for his people.
“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.
“I am saddened by the death of this fine gentleman, a loyal party man and committed democrat and public officer who had a deep understanding of local government administration and the political landscape.
“Hon. Olakanle was a loyal politician and an invaluable asset to the All Progressives Congress (APC). There is no doubt that he would be missed by the entire political class, particularly the Onigbongbo LCDA, the Lagos APC family, and the state as a whole.
“As the Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Olakanle was deeply committed to the progress and well-being of the council, and this was evident in every programme he championed and the remarkable performance of his administration in the last four years.
“He would be remembered for creating a lasting legacy and for his positive contributions to the growth and development of the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area,” the governor said.
“I pray that God will grant the soul of our beloved Hon. Oladotun Olakanle eternal rest and comfort to his immediate and political family of the deceased, as well as the people of Onigbongbo LCDA,” he prayed.
Source: https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/
