APC, Abiodun, Sanwo-Olu, lawmakers mourn Reps deputy chief whip

The ruling All Progressives Congress, the House of Representatives and the governors of Lagos and Ogun states, Dapo Abiodun and Babajide-Sanwo-Olu, respectively, joined many others to mourn the death of the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Rep, Adewumi Onanuga.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the spokesperson for the House, Akin Rotimi, Onanuga passed away in a London hospital, where she was receiving treatment for an undisclosed sickness. She was aged 59.

In his condolence message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, described Onanuga as a pillar who would be sorely missed in the Green Chamber.

The Speaker,  who said he led members of the House in support and prayers for the deceased during her health challenge, described her eventual death as painful.

A statement issued on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi lauded Onanuga’s campaigns for gender equality, women empowerment and inclusion in politics and governance, especially as Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare in the 9th House and as principal officer in the 10th House.

“Honourable Onanuga was a brilliant woman, experienced politician, resourceful lawmaker and a dependable ally in the legislative business. She was a dogged, dedicated, loyal and patriotic Nigerian. She was not just a key member of the All Progressives Congress caucus but also the leadership of the House,” Abbas said.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, in a statement described Onanuga as a shining example of dedication, compassion, and selflessness and a leader whose service to her constituents and the nation remained outstanding.

Ogun State Governor Abiodun described the passing of the late lawmaker, fondly called Ijaya, as devastating, shocking and a monumental loss to Ogun State and Nigeria, as a whole.

The governor eulogised the deceased as a “fearless leader, a loyal party member, and a great mobiliser who contributed immensely to the advancement of women and the general well-being of her constituents until her final days.”

 Governor Sanwo-Olu, on his part, said Onanuga contributed her quota towards nation-building and, hence, would be missed by ”the political class, particularly her constituents whose lives she had impacted positively in numerous ways while serving as a member of the House of Representatives.”

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, particularly commiserated with the immediate and political family of Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, her friends, colleagues, and associates, especially the people of Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, where she represented.

On his part, the senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, said Onanuga’s loss was colossal.

“She was not just a politician, but one with a remarkable difference, making her impact felt wherever she found herself,” Daniel added.

The senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Solomon Adeola, lamented the loss of a competent parliamentarian who will be missed not only by her family and constituents but the entire people of Ogun State and Nigeria.”

Also, the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party governorship in the state, Oladipupo Adebutu, through his media aide, Afolabi Orekoya described the late lawmaker as an exceptional leader whose dedication to public service and commitment to her people were evident in her remarkable contributions.

Furthermore, the All Progressives Congress, both national and the Ogun State chapter, mourned Onanuga.

In a condolence message issued in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, decried that Onanuga would be sorely missed.

“Onanuga, fondly called ‘Ijaya’ by friends and associates, distinguished herself as a fine and vibrant lawmaker, serving as chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development until her elevation as Deputy Chief Whip in 2023.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her immediate family, the leadership and members of the House of Representatives, constituents, the government and the good people of Ogun State at this difficult time. May her soul find eternal rest,” the APC said.

Also, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, the Ogun APC hailed Onanuga as a politician who served as a beacon of hope not only to female party members but to the entirety of the party.

A businessman and philanthropist, Olanrewaju George, also expressed sadness over the demise of the House of Representatives member representing the Remo Federal constituency, Mrs Adewunmi Onanuga.

George who is the Executive Director of Olanrewaju Omo George Foundation in the Remo area of Ogun state said Onanuga served with selflessness and integrity.