Mrs Bolatito Shobowale, the Chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja Local Council Development Area in Lagos State, has died.
According to reports, Shobowale had been suffering an unidentified disease for quite some time before passing away.
Ladi Oluwaloni, the acting chairman of Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA, confirmed the news in a tribute on Friday, calling her death “shocking and devastating”.
Oluwaloni stated that her legacy of unselfish service, integrity, and dedication to good governance would continue to inspire future generations.
Oluwaloni extended his condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones.
“As we bid farewell to this remarkable leader, we take solace in the fact that her impact will live on in the hearts and lives of those she served.
“May the Almighty grant her eternal rest and give us the strength to uphold the values she stood for,” he added.
Shobowale was a visionary leader who transformed Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA. During her tenure, she championed infrastructure development, healthcare, and community empowerment initiatives, laying a strong foundation that continues to benefit residents.
Oluwaloni was sworn in as acting chairman by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu after the substantive chairman’s absence.
“Hon. Chief (Mrs) Shobowale was more than a leader; she was a mother, a mentor, and a pillar of strength to many. Her passion for grassroots development, resilience in governance, and deep love for the people of Ayobo-Ipaja will never be forgotten,” he said.
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
