- Sanwo-Olu, APC mourn
The Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Musibau Asafa, is dead.
Ashafa was said to have died from an undisclosed prolonged illness.
Asafa’s death was announced via a statement shared on Facebook on Saturday by his media aide, Bodunrin Ayodele.
The statement did not disclose when Asafa died.
The statement read in part: “Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area is in mourning following the passing of its Executive Chairman, Prince Musibau Adekunle Asafa.
“Prince Ashafa, a respected politician, leader and dedicated public servant, succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to the people he served.
“According to a close family member, Prince Ashafa’s passing was confirmed after a long battle with illness. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was unable to recover and passed on, leaving his family, friends, and colleagues in shock and grief.
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“As news of his passing spreads, tributes and condolences are expected to pour in from well-wishers, community leaders, and government officials who had the privilege of working with him. Prince Asafa’s leadership was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents, and his contributions to the local government will be deeply missed.
“Oto-Awori LCDA has lost a dedicated servant, and his passing will be felt by many. May his legacy live on, and may his family find solace in the memories of his life and service.”
Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday mourned the passing of Ashafa via a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.
The governor described the passing of Ashafa, who died at age 68, as a great loss to the people of Oto-Awori LCDA, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Lagos State.
The governor commiserated with the deceased’s family, friends, political associates, and members of Conference 57, which is a group of all the council chairmen in Lagos State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also sympathised with the Vice Chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA, Hon. Abiodun Azeez, as well as the management and staff of the council over Ashafa’s death.
The governor said, “I am saddened by the news of Hon. Musibau Ashafa’s death. It is a great loss to the Oto-Awori LCDA, Lagos APC, and the State. We have lost a committed, humble, passionate, visionary, and devoted public servant and grassroots politician.
“He made positive impacts during his tenure as Chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA to deliver dividends of democracy to people at the grassroots level. He was committed to the development of the council in critical sectors.’’
Also, the APC in Lagos State has expressed sadness over Ashafa’s death, describing it as painful.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the chairman of the party, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said: “The news of your passing, dear Hon. Musbau Ashafa, has left me with a heavy heart.
“As a fellow party member and brother, your departure is a painful loss, not just for me, but for our entire party.
“As chairman of Oto-Awori LCDA, you played a pivotal role in shaping grassroots politics, leaving an indelible mark on our community.
“Your dedication, passion, and leadership inspired countless individuals, and your legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Ojelabi added.