See facts about late Reps’ deputy chief whip

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Fondly known as ‘Ijaya,’ Onanuga represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State. She held the distinction of being the only female principal officer in the 10th National Assembly.

Born on December 2, 1965, in Hammersmith, London, Onanuga’s educational journey began at Yewande Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Lagos before continuing at Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu, Ogun State. She obtained a diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic and later pursued a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. In 2013, she earned a Master of Business Administration from the Business School of the Netherlands.

Her professional career spanned multiple sectors, including roles as a systems administrator at Quaker Oats Plc, UK, and head of systems and engineering at Southgate Technologies, Nigeria. She also worked as a pageant manager at Daily Times of Nigeria and became the CEO of event management and environmental advocacy firms.

Onanuga ventured into politics in 2019, winning a seat in the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC). During her first term, she chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development. Her re-election in 2023 saw her elevated to the position of Deputy Chief Whip, where she became the only female among 19 principal officers across both chambers of the National Assembly.

A passionate advocate for social justice and human rights, Onanuga championed the creation of a Federal Ministry of Senior Citizens Affairs to oversee welfare services for older persons in Nigeria. Her legislative agenda prioritized infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and enhanced living standards for her constituents.

In 2020, she was honored with the title of Yeye Oba of Makun, Sagamu, a reflection of her significant contributions to community development and leadership.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by her family in due course.