Hon. Otunba Adewunmi “Oriyomi” Onanuga: A Relentless Advocate for Women’s Empowerment
Born on December 2, 1965, in Hammersmith, London, to Nigerian parents, Otunba Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga—fondly known as “Ijaya”—returned to Nigeria early in life to build a career as an entrepreneur and community leader. Before entering politics, she established herself in business, gaining a reputation for integrity and determination that would later define her public service. Wikipedia
Breaking into National Politics (2019)
In the 2019 general elections, Onanuga stood for the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her campaign emphasized grassroots engagement, women’s economic empowerment, and stronger social-welfare programs. Voters responded: she won her first term in the House of Representatives, becoming one of Ogun State’s few female federal lawmakers. Wikipedia
Once in Abuja, Onanuga was appointed Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development during the 9th National Assembly. In this capacity, she:
- Sponsored and championed policies to expand access to micro-credit for women entrepreneurs.
- Advocated for maternity-leave protections and gender-sensitive workplace reforms.
- Oversaw social-welfare initiatives aimed at reducing poverty among single-mother households.
Her committee’s work earned praise from civil-society groups and set a new standard for legislative oversight of women’s issues. Tribune Online
Re-Election and Leadership in the 10th Assembly (2023)
Riding on her record of tangible outcomes, Onanuga successfully defended her seat in February 2023. Shortly after the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, she was elected Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives—making her the sole female principal officer among 360 members. In this senior role, she helped manage parliamentary business, ensuring discipline during debates and votes. Vanguard News
Even as Deputy Chief Whip, she continued to prioritize her passion for women’s advancement. She worked to:
- Streamline funding for vocational-training programs targeting young women in rural constituencies.
- Promote inclusive policymaking by holding public hearings in every local government area of her district.
- Collaborate with international development partners to secure grants for community health and education projects.
Her blend of procedural acumen and heartfelt advocacy won respect across party lines. Vanguard News
A Sudden Departure (2025)
On January 15, 2025, the nation mourned the passing of Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga after a brief illness. She was 59 years old. Parliamentary leaders from both camps paid tribute to her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and her skill in guiding legislative processes. President Bola Tinubu described her as “a tireless champion for the downtrodden and a beacon of hope for young women in politics.” Tribune OnlineWikipedia
Legacy and Inspiration for the 35% Project
Hon. Onanuga’s journey—from successful entrepreneur to federal lawmaker and principal officer—demonstrates how dedication, expertise, and genuine community engagement can propel women into leadership. Her work with the Women Affairs Committee and as Deputy Chief Whip not only improved social-welfare outcomes but also proved that women can excel in the highest levels of parliamentary responsibility.
As The 35% Project documents Nigeria’s progress toward gender parity, Onanuga’s career stands as both a milestone and a motivator: showing that when women are elected, they advance policies that broaden opportunity for all. Her story encourages us to ask not just “How many women hold office?” but “What more can we achieve when women lead?”