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IJAYA’s Mourners’ Diary

Gov. Dapo writing a condolence note
Gov. Dapo writing a condolence note

Hon. Hon. Oriyomi Adewunmi Onanuga (Ijaya)’s demise last week Wednessday indeed left an indelible hole in the hearts of a lot of people around the nation and expecially in her immediate constituency, one of the people who were really touched with her demise is the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Prince Abiodun has mourned the passing away of the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives , describing her death as a “colossal loss” to Nigeria ¹. Onanuga represented Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North Federal Constituencies.

During a visit to the Onanuga’s residence in Sagamu, Abiodun praised the late politician as a loyal, dependable, and hardworking individual who made significant contributions to the National Assembly.

He highlighted her intelligence, articulateness, and boldness, as well as her impactful empowerment programs across her constituency.

Abiodun assured the family of his government’s continued support, saying, “We have lost a gem, not just in Sagamu or Remo but in Ogun State and the country at large.” Dr. John Okoh, speaking on behalf of the family, thanked the Governor for his support and promised to uphold Onanuga’s legacies.

Another notable mourner who aired his voice is the REMOVOICE Global Newspaper publisher who in his article

REMOVOICE Global Newspaper Mourns Rt.Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga; retraited her good works in the constituency stating that: Hon. Onanuga was a highly respected figure, serving as the Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Parliamentary Assembly of the Federal House of Representatives and representing the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency ¹.

He wrote that during her tenure, she chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, empowering numerous individuals and communities towards sustainable livelihoods and that her impact was felt across REMO, with various towns and divisions benefiting from her representation through empowerment programs and project facilitation.

According to Removoice, Hon. Onanuga was a community-oriented leader, hailing from the Royal Dynasty of the Ewusi Royal lineage. Her generosity and kindness earned her the nickname “IJAYA,” and her passing has left many sympathizers, who cherished her support, feeling hopeless.

From Sahara Remoters we read that the House of Representatives confirmed her demise but no particular statement or report from any member of the house was noted.

From one Festus Olarenwaju Ojo on Facebook we also gathered a condolence message titled “WE MOURN RT. HON. (DR.) OTUNBA ADEWUNMI ONANUGA (IJAYA)”

In his condolence message, he said “We join the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, fondly known as IJAYA, in mourning her devastating and sudden passing. Her death is an irreplaceable loss to Ogun State and the entire nation.

Until her transition, she served diligently as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency.

Her unwavering courage, loyalty, and commitment to the advancement of women and the well-being of her constituents were exemplary.
members of the Green Chamber.

IJAYA’s contributions to humanity and public service remain a legacy we hold dear.

As we grieve this extraordinary leader, we pray for the repose of her soul and strength for her family to bear this profound loss.
May her memory inspire us to continue working for the good of all.

From ThisDay  The Sage culled out this:

First Lady, Abbas, Onyejeocha, Kalu, APC, Sanwo-Olu Mourn Onanuga…

Ijaya at work

Condolences continued to pour in yesterday for the late Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, who passed on recently.

Onanuga, 59, reportedly died of cancer after many years of battling the scourge.  He represented Sagamu/Ikenne Federal Constituency of Ogun State, and was serving her second term in the House before her demise.

Ogun State Government declared three days of mourning in honour of the late deputy chief whip.

Relatedly, prominent Lagosians mourned former Head of Service of Lagos State and member of the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos, Chief Akinsanya Ajose.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, commiserated with the leadership and members of the House of Representatives, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, her constituents in Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Constituency, and the entire people of Ogun State over Onanuga’s demise.

“Her demise is a great loss to her family, the legislature, Ogun State, Nigeria, and the women folk, in general,” she lamented.

The first lady stated, “Adewunmi Onanuga was an astute politician, who demonstrated her leadership capabilities in no small measure as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives.

“I pray that Almighty God grants her family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and his deputy, Hon. Ben Kalu, described Onanuga as a strong pillar, who would be sorely missed in the House.

Abbas said he had led members of the House in support and prayers for the deceased during her health challenge, lamenting her eventual death as painful.

The speaker, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, recalled 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 ninth House and as principal officer in the 10th House.

The statement said, “Hon. 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 (APC) caucus but also the leadership of the House.

“I remember her roles in the fight for gender-bills since the last Assembly, and how she rallied women from within and outside the chamber to get the support and buy-in of members on issues affecting women and children.”

Kalu, also described Onanuga as a shining example of dedication, compassion, and a selfless lawmaker whose service to her constituents and the nation was outstanding.

The deputy speaker, in a statement by his media office, noted Onanuga’s unwavering commitment to peace

Kalu said, “Onanuga was a dedicated and committed lawmaker, renowned for her unwavering commitment to peace. Her passion for promoting harmony and understanding was truly commendable.

“But beyond her legislative accomplishments, Onanuga’s compassion, humility, and simplicity inspired countless individuals. Her warm and infectious smile, coupled with her empathetic nature, endeared her to everyone she met, making her a beloved figure in the lives of many.”

APC expressed shock and sadness at the passing of Onanuga.

Spokesperson of the party, Felix Morka, in a statement, said she distinguished herself as a vibrant lawmaker.

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

He said the party’s thoughts and prayers were with Onanuga’s family, the leadership and members of the House of Representatives, constituents, the government and people of Ogun State at this difficult time.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, acknowledged Onanuga’s remarkable contributions to the ninth and 10th House.

She highlighted the deceased lawmaker’s tireless advocacy for inclusion, equity, and women’s rights, adding that her legacy would undoubtedly continue to inspire and empower future generations.

The minister stated, “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, whose untimely demise has left an unfillable void in the lives of those who knew her.

“As her predecessor in the role of Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives, I have followed her remarkable contributions to the 10th assembly, where she represented the good people of Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State with unflinching dedication and passion to her duty.

“She would be remembered for her tireless advocacy for inclusion, equity, and women’s rights, and her influence will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. As a strong voice for gender bills and other legislation impacting women, she has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.”

Ogun State Government announced a three-day mourning period in honour of Onanuga.

“The mourning period commenced on Thursday and concluded on Saturday, allowing the citizens of Ogun State to reflect on her impactful legacy.”

The statement further said the mourning period served as a fitting homage to a leader, who embodied integrity and service. It added that Onanuga left behind a profound void in the state, and it was imperative for the citizens to come together to honour her memory during this time of loss.

Remotv on its online page posted:

The Remo Constituency is in mourning as news of the passing of Honorable Mrs. Otunba Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, popularly known as Ijaya, filtered in this evening.

According to reliable sources, Hon. Onanuga passed away in London after a brief illness. This is despite earlier social media rumors suggesting that she was still alive.

Hon. Onanuga, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Remo Constituency, was a renowned politician and entrepreneur who was deeply loved and respected by her constituents.

Her death has sent shockwaves throughout Remo land, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to her memory.

The family of Hon. Onanuga has not officially released a statement, but sources close to the family confirm that she has indeed passed on.

As the news of her passing continues to spread, the people of Remo Constituency are united in their grief, mourning the loss of a true leader and champion.

Societynow shared some emotional pictures in its post on

Abiodun In “Profound Shock & Sorrow” Over Passing Of Loyal Ally Adewunmi Ijaya

Abiodun consoling the family

Pulse Nigeria representation:

House of Reps loses ‘Ijaya’

deputy chief whip to illness

Death has struck for the fourth time in the 10th House of Representatives as Adewunmi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip, has been reported dead.

Akin Rotimi, Spokesperson of the Green Chamber, announced Onanuga’s passing in a statement on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The deceased, popularly known as Ijaya, was born on December 2, 1965, and represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo north federal constituency in Ogun State until her death on Wednesday.

The two-term lawmaker was first elected to the lower legislative chamber in 2019 on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

She chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly.

After her reelection in 2023, Ijaya bagged the appointment of the deputy chief whip of the 10th House of Representatives.

“It is with profound sorrow that the House of Representatives announces the passing of Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga,” the statement reads.

“Affectionately known as ‘Ijaya’—Rep’. Onanuga’s intellect, passion, humility, and drive for excellence earned her admiration among her colleagues and constituents alike.”

“Her impactful contributions to Nigeria’s political landscape reflected her passion for creating a better society and her tireless dedication to public service.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, associates, the government and people of Ogun state—particularly the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North constituency—and the entire membership of the National Assembly.

“As we mourn the loss of this vibrant and committed lawmaker, whose life was devoted to improving the lives of Nigerians—especially her constituents—her legacy of service and dedication will continue to inspire future generations,” Rotimi stated.

Her death has now brought the number to four, House of Representatives members who have died in the 10th assembly.

 

 

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