The member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Hon Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, has described the death of the House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, as devastating and shocking.
Akande-Sadipe, in a condolence message she personally wrote today in Abuja, noted that her death is a monumental loss to the 10th Assembly and Nigeria as a whole.
The lawmaker said her demise has shaken her deeply, giving the kind of closeness they shared as colleagues at the House.
She said her late colleague is a fierce, brilliant, and determined woman, saying, “she was not just a colleague but a sister in the shared struggles we both faced, both politically and personally”.
She eulogized the deceased as a fearless lawmaker, as her nickname, ‘Ijaya’ connotes, adding that she contributed immensely to the advancement of women and the general well-being of her constituents until her final days.
She wrote, “Words fail me, and my heart is heavy as I write this. The news of the passing of Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, fondly known as “Ijaya,” has shaken me deeply. A fierce, brilliant, and determined woman, she was not just a colleague but a sister in the shared struggles we both faced, both politically and personally”.
“We stood side by side, overcoming challenges, breaking barriers, and pushing forward against the odds. Together, we shared the pains and the triumphs that define our journey as women in leadership, and now, I find myself lost for words, grappling with this profound loss.”
“Hon. Adewumi was more than just a lawmaker; she was a pillar for women in politics, a trailblazer in the fight for equality, and an inspiration to many. Her passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her beliefs made her a force to be reckoned with, a warrior in the realm of political warfare. Her absence leaves a void, women of the House, the National Assembly, and indeed our entire nation have lost a shining light.”
“My heartfelt condolences go to her family, her children, who meant the world to her, her loved ones, and all those whose lives she touched. I also commiserate with the women of the House and the broader National Assembly family, who will undoubtedly feel this immense loss.”
“May God, in His infinite mercy, grant her eternal rest and send comfort to all those she has left behind. May her legacy of strength, courage, and dedication continue to inspire us all, and may a bright beam of hope shine over her loved ones as they navigate this difficult time.”
“Our bonding time in France, we created memories, your visit to me in October, little did I know you had come to say goodbye. Rest peacefully, my dear sister and colleague, Hon. Onanuga Adewumi (Ijaya). You fought valiantly, lived passionately, and left an indelible mark on all of us.”