Lagos, Nigeria — Hon. Oladotun Olakanle, the Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, has died at age 54 following a brief illness.
Olakanle, fondly called “Tant’olorun” by his supporters and community members, passed away on Saturday, leaving a void in Lagos’ political landscape and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sources confirmed that Olakanle made his last public appearance on Thursday during the burial of Dr. Adesola Taiwo, a respected APC chieftain and CEO of Adefemi Taiwo Hospitals.
His sudden death has since sparked waves of sorrow and condolences from political figures and community members alike.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, conveyed his deep sadness over the loss. Sanwo-Olu described Olakanle’s passing as a significant blow to Onigbongbo LCDA, the APC, and the entire Lagos State, noting that Olakanle’s dedication and leadership will be missed dearly.
“On behalf of my family, the people, and the government of Lagos State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the residents of Onigbongbo LCDA on the death of the council Chairman, Hon. Oladotun Olakanle,” Sanwo-Olu stated. “His death was a personal loss to me and a painful loss to his council and Lagos State.”
Remembering Olakanle as a “loyal party man” and “committed democrat,” Sanwo-Olu praised the late chairman’s contributions to local governance and development. “Hon. Olakanle was an invaluable asset to the APC. His dedication to the growth and development of the Onigbongbo LCDA has left a lasting legacy,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
Throughout his four-year tenure, Olakanle’s leadership brought significant progress to Onigbongbo LCDA, focusing on programs aimed at improving the welfare of the community. His initiatives and community-oriented approach earned him respect across political and community spheres, making him a beloved figure in Lagos’ public service landscape.
Sanwo-Olu also extended his sympathy to Olakanle’s family, friends, and associates, as well as to the Lagos APC family and the Conference 57, saying, “I pray that God will grant the soul of our beloved Hon. Oladotun Olakanle eternal rest and comfort his immediate and political family.”
Olakanle’s death has been felt across Lagos State, with tributes pouring in from various sectors of the community. His absence, many say, will create a noticeable void in Onigbongbo LCDA’s political scene and in the local government development community as a whole.