Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described the death of the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, as a colossal loss to the country.

Hon. Onanuga, who represented Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North Federal Constituencies, died on Wednesday after a brief illness.

The Governor, during a visit to the Sagamu residence of the Onanugas, said that her death was shocking, sad, devastating, and a painful one to accept.

He described the late politician as very loyal and a dependable ally, adding that she was reliable, very consistent, and extremely hardworking.

The Governor promised that the state government would stand by the family.

“She was very loyal, very dependable, very consistent, very reliable. She was extremely hardworking, and besides the fact that this has come untimely, this has happened in the wrong order.

“We have lost a gem of a woman, not just in Sagamu or Remo, but the state and the country. She was one of our shining stars; she has impacted so many lives.

“She was the Deputy Chief Whip and contributed her own in the National Assembly. She sponsored bills; she was very intelligent, articulate, eloquent, bold, and audacious,” he said.

The Governor also described the late lawmaker as very tenacious, adding that when she believed in anything, she saw such a task to a logical conclusion.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. John Okoh thanked the Governor for standing by the family during this sad moment, noting that the family would continue to live up to her legacies.

The Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Adewunmi Onanuga, has died.

Her passing was confirmed in a statement issued by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi, on Wednesday evening.

“It is with profound sorrow that the House of Representatives announces the passing of Rt Hon Adewunmi Onanuga, who, until her demise, served as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, representing the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State. She passed away earlier today, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness,” the statement read.

Onanuga, born on December 2, 1965, was a dedicated public servant and visionary leader. She was first elected to the House in 2019 on the platform of the All Progressives Congress. As Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, she championed policies to empower women and advance social welfare.

The statement further highlighted that she was re-elected in 2023 and appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Assembly, where she showed exceptional leadership and commitment to legislative discipline.

Affectionately known as ‘Ijaya,’ Onanuga was admired for her intellect, humility, and drive for excellence. Her legacy of service and dedication to improving Nigeria’s political landscape will continue to inspire future generations.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by her family. May her soul rest in peace.

The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, on Wednesday escaped harm when angry students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta (MAPOLY) attacked her convoy, denting and demobilising her vehicle.

The irate students who were on road protest over tuition fees hike by management of the institution, armed themselves with sticks and other objects, causing the Deputy Governor to momentarily suspend her itinerary for some time after the unruly students had blocked the travel route of her convoy.

The students were emboldened the more to surge forward to attack the convoy on discovering it was that of the Deputy Governor.

it was learnt that the incident occurred when Mrs Salako – Oyedele, an engineer,  was on her way to 35 Artillery Brigade Alabama, Abeokuta to represent  Governor Dapo Abiodun at the reception marking the year 2025, Armed Forces Remembrance day Celebrations.

A release by Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, also confirmed the incident.

“The office of the Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele this Wednesday, 15th January 2025, escaped an attack by the representatives of Student Bodies during a protest in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital.

“According to a released signed by Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Deputy Governor’s convoy was on its way to 35 Artillery Brigade Alabama, Abeokuta, Ogun State to represent the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the reception marking the year 2025, Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations, when her convoy met the protesting students.

“The irate protesting MAPOLY students, were armed with Sticks and other dangerous projectiles, all efforts to allow the convoy pass proved abortive as immediately the students realized it was the Deputy Governor, they became even more restive and rushed to attack her convoy with of demobilising it, despite her security operatives as well as other police officers on grounds persuasion to stay calm and allow the convoy pass

“This informed her Convoys decision to make an immediate detour to her lodge for the protesting students to pass peacefully before she left for the function she was slated to attend.

“Noteworthy is that there was obstruction of Vehicular movement, while some of her security vehicle was damaged and her Security operatives, were also hurt in the process of maintaining law and order contrary to the news making rounds in the press,” Akinmade stated.