THE South-West Zonal Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Arabirin Yetunde Shakirat Adesanya, has died at her residence in Lagos, throwing the ruling party into mourning across the region.
Family sources confirmed that Adesanya passed away on Friday evening, 29 May 2026, after a prolonged illness. She was a prominent political figure within the APC, particularly in Ogun State and the wider South-West, where she was widely regarded as a strong voice for grassroots mobilisation and women’s political participation.
Party insiders said her death came as a shock, with official statements from APC chieftains expected in the coming hours.
Adesanya had built a reputation as a committed party stalwart who worked closely with women’s wings across the six South-West states, advocating increased inclusion and participation in governance and party structures. Colleagues described her as a unifying force within the progressive fold and a dependable organiser at the grassroots level.
In a condolence message, the senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, expressed deep shock over her death, describing her as a courageous and selfless political leader whose contributions to the APC would be deeply missed.
He said, “Her death is not just a loss to the Adesanya family or the APC—it is a grievous blow to our party, our region, and indeed our entire nation.”
Salisu praised her long-standing dedication to the progressive movement, noting that she consistently worked for party unity and the empowerment of women in politics. He also described her as a “grassroots mobiliser par excellence” who prioritised service over recognition.
He added, “She fought daily to ensure that the voices of our mothers, sisters, and daughters were not only heard but counted. Her vacuum will be deeply felt across every political structure we have built.”
The senator further described the late APC leader as a bridge-builder and mother figure within the party, saying her influence extended beyond formal party structures into communities across the South-West.
He extended condolences to her immediate family, political associates, and members of the APC nationwide, praying for Allah to grant her Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort those she left behind.
Adesanya’s passing marks another significant loss for the party’s women’s leadership structure in the South-West, where she played a key role in mobilisation, coordination, and political engagement up until her death.
