Lagos APC Mourns as Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire Loses Only Son After Surgery in Dubai

The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been plunged into grief following the sudden passing of Oluwafemi Olawale Adefulire, the only son of former Lagos State Deputy Governor and senior presidential aide, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

Oluwafemi, a United Kingdom-based medical doctor, was reported to have died in the early hours of Wednesday after complications arising from a surgical procedure in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. His death has sent shockwaves through political circles, especially within Lagos APC, where his mother remains an influential figure.

Although the family has yet to issue an official public statement, a close relative confirmed the loss, describing it as a devastating blow to the Adefulire family. He is survived by his wife and children.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Lagos APC Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, extended the party’s condolences and described the incident as “heart-rending and deeply painful.”

“This unfortunate news is true. It is the kind of loss no parent should ever experience. The entire APC family is in mourning,” Oladejo said.

He added that Princess Orelope-Adefulire has always been a dedicated and compassionate leader, noting that her son’s passing has left a void that will be felt across the party’s structure and beyond. “We pray that God grants his soul peaceful rest and comforts the family during this dark time,” he said.

Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire is widely regarded as one of Lagos State’s most respected political leaders. She served as Deputy Governor from 2011 to 2015 during the administration of then-Governor Babatunde Fashola. Before that, she held the position of Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation from 2003 to 2011, where she championed policies targeting vulnerable groups, gender empowerment, and grassroots poverty reduction.

She currently occupies the role of Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a position she was first appointed to under former President Muhammadu Buhari and retained due to her track record of effective leadership.

Beyond her national assignment, Princess Orelope-Adefulire is also a member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) and the political apex leader of the APC in Alimosho Federal Constituency—one of the party’s most influential blocs in the state.

As sympathies continue to pour in from across the country, supporters, friends, and political associates have been visiting the family residence to commiserate with them. However, as at the time of filing this report, the family has not released details about burial plans or other official arrangements.

The tragic loss has cast a somber mood over Lagos politics, with many describing it as an unimaginable blow to a woman who has spent decades in public service and humanitarian work.