The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has been plunged into mourning following the death of Dr Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire, the only son of former Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.
Dr Adefulire was reported to have passed away in the early hours of Wednesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he had undergone a surgical procedure.
He was based in the United Kingdom and is survived by his wife and children.
A family source confirmed the incident to our correspondent, describing it as a devastating blow to the immediate family and the broader political circle in Lagos.
Reacting to the tragedy on Thursday, the APC Publicity Secretary in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, expressed shock and said the party had been deeply shaken by the loss.
“It’s sadly true, the kind of tragedy every parent dreads. The APC is heartbroken. Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire is an exceptionally good person, and the entire party structure has been thrown into mourning by this huge tragedy. May his precious soul rest in peace,” Oladejo said.
Princess Orelope-Adefulire, a prominent political figure in Lagos, served as Deputy Governor between 2011 and 2015 under former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
She currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, a position she also held under former President Muhammadu Buhari before she was reappointed in September 2023.
The former deputy governor, a seasoned administrator and social worker, has held public office for more than two decades, including an eight-year stint as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
She remains a major force in Lagos politics as the APC Political Apex Leader of the Alimosho Federal Constituency and a member of the influential Governor’s Advisory Council.
As of the time of filing this report, the family had yet to announce burial arrangements.