Fmr Lagos Deputy Gov, Orelope-Adefulire loses only son

Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been thrown into deep mourning following the death of the only son of former Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

The deceased, Dr Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire, was said to have died in the early hours of Wednesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after undergoing a surgical procedure.

He was based in the United Kingdom and is survived by his wife and children.

A family source, who confirmed the development to correspondence, described the incident as a devastating blow to the family and the wider political community in Lagos.

Reacting on Thursday, the APC Publicity Secretary in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, expressed shock over the tragic loss, noting that the party was deeply pained by the death of the son of one of its respected leaders in Alimosho and the state at large.

“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 figure in Lagos politics, served as Deputy Governor from 2011 to 2015 under former Governor Babatunde Fashola.

She currently serves as the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, a role she previously held under former President Muhammadu Buhari before being reappointed in September 2023.

A seasoned administrator and social worker, the 65-year-old princess has served in public office for over two decades, including an eight-year tenure as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

She is also a key political force in Lagos, serving as the APC Political Apex Leader of the Alimosho Federal Constituency and as a member of the influential Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC.

As of press time, the family had yet to release details of the burial arrangements.l