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 from July 2023 until her death.
She represented the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency in Ogun State and was the only female principal officer in Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly.
Here are six things to know about Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga:
Early Life and Education
Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga was 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 held 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.
Additionally, she earned a Master of Business Administration from the Business School of the Netherlands in 2013.
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Professional Career
Onanuga’s career spans 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.
Political Career
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.
Legislative Initiatives
Onanuga was known for her commitment to social justice and human rights. She was an instrument in advocating 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.
Personal Life
Onanuga held the traditional title of Yeye Oba of Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State, conferred in 2020, reflecting her esteemed status in the community.
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