LAGOS — The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of the only son of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and senior party leader. The deceased, Dr. Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire, a medical doctor based in the United Kingdom, died early Wednesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) after undergoing an undisclosed surgical procedure, Vanguard reports.
The tragic development was confirmed by a family source who told Vanguard that Dr. Adefulire’s passing has “unsettled the political circle” across the state and beyond. The younger Adefulire is survived by his wife and children, compounding the grief felt by his immediate family and political associates.
In an official condolence message issued Thursday, the Lagos APC’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, described the loss as devastating for both the family and the party. Oladejo said the news is “the kind of incident most dreadful for parents,” adding: “APC is devastated.” He lauded Princess Orelope-Adefulire as an “exceptionally good person,” whose leadership and service to the party — particularly in the Alimosho Federal Constituency — have been impactful.
Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, a respected figure in national and state politics, served as Deputy Governor of Lagos State from 2011 to 2015 during the administration of former Governor Babatunde Fashola. She is currently the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — a position she was reappointed to in September 2023 after previously serving under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Adefulire’s political career spans over two decades, including service as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (2003–2011) and influential roles within the APC’s governance structure, such as membership of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC). She is also known as the APC Political Apex Leader for Alimosho Federal Constituency.
News of the doctor’s death has triggered an outpouring of sympathy from across the political landscape, with family, friends and colleagues awaiting announcements regarding funeral arrangements. As at press time, details about the burial plans had not yet been released by the Adefulire family.