The Otto-Awori Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State has been thrown into mourning following the death of its Chairman, Prince Musbau Ashafa, who passed away on Friday after battling an undisclosed illness for several months.
Ashafa, a royal figure from the Ijanikin kingdom, was serving his second term as the chairman of Otto-Awori LCDA at the time of his passing. In recent months, he had been noticeably absent from public functions, with his Chief of Staff and younger brother, Waliu Ashafa, stepping in to oversee the council’s day-to-day affairs.
Before becoming the council chairman, Prince Ashafa had been a prominent political figure in the area. He previously served as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Otto-Awori LCDA and had deep political roots in the Ojo axis of Lagos politics.
His political career spans decades, including a stint as Chairman of the old Ojo Local Government during General Sani Abacha’s military regime in the era of zero-party elections.
Ashafa’s death marks a significant loss for the local APC structure, which has been hit by a series of high-profile deaths in recent times. In the last 12 months alone, the party has lost four serving or former council chairpersons in Lagos State.
In November 2024, the Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Oladotun Olakanle, passed away, a development that shook the political community. Just months later, in March 2025, Mrs. Bola Shobowale, the Chairperson of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, died after a prolonged illness that had kept her away from official duties for nearly a year.
Also, in February 2025, Toba Oke, the immediate past Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, died after a long battle with a terminal illness.
With the passing of Prince Ashafa, the APC family in Lagos has once again been plunged into grief. Party leaders, supporters, and community members are mourning the loss of a seasoned grassroots politician and leader who contributed immensely to local governance and the political stability of the region.
Tributes and condolences are already pouring in from political allies, traditional institutions, and residents of Otto-Awori LCDA, who remember Ashafa not only as a politician but as a bridge-builder and devoted servant of the people.
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