The death of the late House Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga continues to send shock waves across the political landscape since it was made public early this week.

Rep. Onanuga died on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.

Reacting for the first time since her demise, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen and his Deputy, Benjamin Okezie Kalu expressed sadness over her death.

They expressed sadness over her death in two separate condolence messages signed by their media aides on Thursday.

In his condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the speaker described her as a strong pillar who would be sorely missed in the House.

He said, “Hon. Onanuga was a brilliant woman, experienced politician, resourceful lawmaker and a dependable ally in the legislative business. She was a dogged, dedicated, loyal and patriotic Nigerian. She was not just a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caucus but also the leadership of the House.

“I remember her roles in the fight for gender bills since the last assembly, and how she rallied women from within and outside the chamber to get the support and buy-in of members on issues affecting women and children,” the speaker said in the condolence message.

On his part, Speaker Abass consoled with the Onanuga family, constituents and the people and government of Ogun State for the loss.

Similarly, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Okezie Kalu in a condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu, described her as a shining example of dedication, compassion and selflessness to her constituents and the nation.

The deputy speaker noted Onanuga’s significant contributions to the peace project in the South East and Nigeria as a whole.

He acknowledged her support for the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P), which demonstrated her passion for defeating insecurity in Nigeria.