Adewunmi Onanuga Biography:Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, popularly known as “Ijaya,” was a Nigerian politician and entrepreneur who served as the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives. She represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State until her passing on January 15, 2025.
Born on December 2, 1965, in Hammersmith, London, Onanuga completed her primary education at Yewande Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Lagos and her secondary education at Remo Divisional High School in Sagamu, Ogun State. She earned an Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic and a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. In 2013, she obtained a Master of Business Administration from the Business School of the Netherlands.
Onanuga’s career spanned various sectors, including roles as a systems administrator at Quaker Oats Plc in England and head of systems and engineering at Southgate Technologies in Nigeria. She also served as pageant manager at Daily Times of Nigeria Plc and later became the chief executive officer of events management and environmental advocacy companies.
In 2019, Onanuga was elected to the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC), representing the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency. During her first term, she chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development. She was re-elected in 2023 and subsequently appointed Deputy Chief Whip, making her the only female Principal Officer among nineteen men in both chambers of Nigeria’s federal parliament.
Onanuga was known for her commitment to social justice and human rights. She advocated for the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Senior Citizens Affairs to coordinate social protection services for older persons in Nigeria. Her legislative efforts focused on improving infrastructure, healthcare, and the overall quality of life for her constituents.
Onanuga held the traditional title of Yeye Oba of Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State, conferred in 2020, reflecting her esteemed status in the community.
On January 15, 2025, Onanuga passed away after a brief illness. Her death was confirmed by the House of Representatives, and she was remembered as a dedicated public servant and visionary leader.
Adewunmi Onanuga’s legacy as a trailblazer in Nigerian politics, particularly as a female leader in the National Assembly, continues to inspire many.
The passing of Adewunmi Onanuga, a prominent Nigerian politician and Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, has notable aspects that make her death particularly impactful:
- Trailblazing Leadership in Politics
As the only female Principal Officer among 19 male counterparts in Nigeria’s federal parliament, Onanuga broke barriers for women in politics, setting an example for future generations of female leaders. - Advocate for Social Welfare
She championed policies and legislation focused on social justice, human rights, and the welfare of senior citizens, advocating for the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Senior Citizens Affairs. Her efforts highlighted her deep commitment to societal progress. - Loss of an Experienced Legislator
Onanuga’s death comes during her second term as a representative, a time when her experience and influence were most valuable to her constituents and the nation. Her passing leaves a significant gap in leadership and governance. - Community and Cultural Influence
Beyond her political role, she held the title of Yeye Oba of Makun, Sagamu, symbolizing her strong ties to her community and her role in upholding cultural values. - Suddenness of Her Death
Her untimely demise after a brief illness shocked the political community and the public, sparking widespread mourning and tributes. It serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the importance of impactful service during one’s lifetime.
Adewunmi Onanuga Wikipedia
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga |
| Nickname | Ijaya |
| Date of Birth | December 2, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Hammersmith, London |
| Date of Death | January 15, 2025 |
| Education | – Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication (Ogun State Polytechnic) – Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising (Nigerian Institute of Journalism) – MBA (Business School of the Netherlands) |
| Career | – Systems Administrator (Quaker Oats Plc, UK) – Head of Systems and Engineering (Southgate Technologies, Nigeria) – Pageant Manager (Daily Times of Nigeria Plc) – CEO (Events Management and Environmental Advocacy Companies) |
| Political Career | – Elected to the House of Representatives (2019, re-elected in 2023) – Deputy Chief Whip (2023–2025) – Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development (First Term) |
| Political Party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Achievements | – Only female Principal Officer in Nigeria’s federal parliament (2023) – Advocacy for a Federal Ministry of Senior Citizens Affairs |
| Community Role | Yeye Oba of Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State (conferred in 2020) |
| Key Legislative Focus | Social justice, human rights, infrastructure development, and healthcare |
| Legacy | Trailblazer for women in Nigerian politics and a champion of social welfare |
| Cause of Death | Brief illness |
Early Life
Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, popularly known as “Ijaya,” was born on December 2, 1965, in Hammersmith, London. She spent her early years in Nigeria, where she attended Yewande Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Lagos for her primary education.
She proceeded to Remo Divisional High School in Sagamu, Ogun State, for her secondary education. She later pursued higher education, earning an Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic.
Onanuga’s academic journey also included a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and an MBA from the Business School of the Netherlands in 2013.
Adewunmi Onanuga Age
Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga was born on December 2, 1965. She passed away on January 15, 2025, which means she was 59 years old at the time of her death.
Educational Background
| Level of Education | Institution | Qualification | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Education | Yewande Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Lagos | Primary School Leaving Certificate | Not Specified |
| Secondary Education | Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu, Ogun State | Secondary School Certificate | Not Specified |
| Tertiary Education | Ogun State Polytechnic | Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication | Not Specified |
| Postgraduate Education | Nigerian Institute of Journalism | Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising | Not Specified |
| Advanced Education | Business School of the Netherlands | Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 2013 |
Career Path
| Sector | Role/Position | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Sector | Systems Administrator | Worked at Quaker Oats Plc in the United Kingdom. |
| Head of Systems and Engineering | Held the position at Southgate Technologies in Nigeria. | |
| Pageant Manager | Managed events at Daily Times of Nigeria Plc. | |
| CEO | Led events management and environmental advocacy companies. | |
| Political Career | Member, House of Representatives | Elected in 2019 to represent Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency (Ogun State). |
| Chairperson, House Committee on Women Affairs | Held this position during her first term in the House of Representatives. | |
| Deputy Chief Whip | Appointed in 2023, becoming the only female Principal Officer in Nigeria’s federal parliament. | |
| Community Role | Yeye Oba of Makun, Sagamu | Conferred with this traditional title in 2020, reflecting her community impact. |
Her career spanned technology, event management, and politics, with significant contributions to governance and community development.
Personal And Social Life
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga |
| Nickname | Ijaya |
| Date of Birth | December 2, 1965 |
| Place of Birth | Hammersmith, London |
| Family | Details about her immediate family are not publicly disclosed. |
| Cultural Role | Held the title of Yeye Oba of Makun, Sagamu, conferred in 2020, recognizing her contributions to the community. |
| Social Advocacy | Championed causes such as social welfare, human rights, and the empowerment of women. |
| Community Engagement | Actively involved in infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and other initiatives within her constituency. |
| Reputation | Known for her humility, leadership skills, and dedication to improving the lives of her constituents. |
| Hobbies and Interests | Information on hobbies and personal interests is not readily available, but her public service was a central focus. |
| Legacy | Remembered as a trailblazer for women in politics, a committed advocate for social justice, and a community builder. |
Onanuga balanced her personal, cultural, and professional responsibilities with a focus on uplifting her community and breaking barriers for women in leadership.
Dead And Cause Of Dead
Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, popularly known as “Ijaya,” passed away on January 15, 2025, after a brief illness. The exact nature of the illness was not publicly disclosed. Her death was confirmed by the House of Representatives, and it left many in shock, as she was an active and prominent political figure. Onanuga’s passing marked the loss of a dedicated leader, an advocate for social justice, and a trailblazer for women in Nigerian politics.
Political Influence
Adewunmi Onanuga, a prominent Nigerian politician, significantly influenced the political landscape through her roles and advocacy efforts:
- Breaking Gender Barriers
- As the only female Principal Officer in Nigeria’s federal parliament during her tenure as Deputy Chief Whip, Onanuga set a precedent for women’s leadership in Nigerian politics.
- Her position served as an inspiration for women aspiring to hold political offices in a male-dominated system.
- Championing Social Justice
- She advocated for social welfare, human rights, and improved living conditions for marginalized groups.
- Her push for the establishment of a Federal Ministry of Senior Citizens Affairs highlighted her commitment to addressing the needs of older persons in Nigeria.
- Legislative Achievements
- As a member of the House of Representatives, she prioritized legislation focusing on infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and women’s empowerment.
- She chaired the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development during her first term, influencing policies aimed at improving the lives of women and children.
- Constituency Development
- Representing the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, she was instrumental in bringing attention to the needs of her constituents.
- Her initiatives included promoting community development and addressing local infrastructural challenges.
- Role Model for Young Politicians
- Onanuga’s political journey served as a blueprint for younger politicians, particularly women, demonstrating that determination and dedication could lead to impactful leadership roles.
Her political influence extended beyond her immediate constituency, making her a respected and admired figure in Nigerian politics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, fondly known as “Ijaya,” was a trailblazing Nigerian politician, entrepreneur, and advocate for social justice. Born on December 2, 1965, in Hammersmith, London, she built a remarkable career in the corporate world before transitioning into politics. Representing the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State, she was a two-term member of the House of Representatives and served as Deputy Chief Whip, the only female Principal Officer in Nigeria’s federal parliament during her tenure.
Her commitment to improving the lives of marginalized groups, her advocacy for women’s empowerment, and her dedication to infrastructure and healthcare development earned her widespread respect and admiration. Onanuga’s legacy as a champion of social welfare and a role model for women in politics remains a significant part of her story.
Her untimely death on January 15, 2025, marked the loss of a visionary leader whose contributions to governance and community development will continue to inspire future generations.
