Some local government chairmen in Lagos state have expressed sadness over the death of their colleague, Bola Shobowale, executive chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), describing it as shocking.

The executive chairman of Egbe Idimu LCDA, Kunle Olowoopejo, described the late council boss as a woman of high repute, a political guru, mother to all and always committed to serving in any capacity she found herself.

“Mama Shobowale in no small way performed exceedingly well toward the infrastructural development of Ayobo Ipaja LCDA.

“Her demise has come as a rude shock to us as she died in the line of duty.

“While praying for the peaceful repose of her soul, we urge her family to draw strength from the fact that she made meaningful impact during her lifetime,” he said.

David Famuyiwa, the executive chairman, Agbado-Okeodo LCDA, also extended his heartfelt condolences to the entire people and community of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA.

According to him, Mama Sho, as fondly called, was an invaluable leader and mother to all.

“Her compassion and steadfast commitment to the well-being of her people, before her departure, provided a beacon of hope and strength to everyone that came in contact with her.

“To the immediate and political families, I offer my sympathies. No words can adequately capture the grief and pain of the moment but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this harrowing time,” Mr Famuyiwa said.

Olabisi Adebajo, executive chairman of Mosan-Okunola LCDA,  recalled Mrs Shobowale’s remarkable legacy and dedication to community development.

“She impacted on Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, where she served as executive chairman, her visionary leadership and commitment to the well-being of her community earned her recognition as a champion of grassroots development.

“Her initiatives and projects continue to inspire and benefit residents of the LCDA,” Mr Adebajo said.

The executive chairman of Isolo LCDA, Olasoju Adebayo, also expressed a deep sense of loss over the passage of Mra Shobowale.

Mr Adebayo described the death as one too many in the league of  Lagos council chairmen,  given the bitter taste the shocking demise of Onigbongbo LCDA chairman, Dotun Olakanle in November 2024, left in the mouth of grassroots administrators.

The council boss said he received the sad news of Mra Shobowale’s death with displeasure, noting that like other council leaders, the report he longed to hear about her was recovery from the protracted illness.

“Mama Sho  was a virtuous woman who redefined grassroots governance in Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA by way of her impactful projects.

“My heart goes out to her immediate family, the government, and the good people of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA in this trying time,” he said.

(NAN)