Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga was a prominent Nigerian politician and entrepreneur, born on December 2, 1965, in Hammersmith, London, to Nigerian parents. Her life was marked by a strong educational background that laid the foundation for her successful career in both the public and private sectors.
Profile Summary
Full Name | Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga |
Date of Birth | December 2, 1965 |
Place of Birth | Hammersmith, London |
Date of Death | January 15, 2025 |
Occupations | Politician, Entrepreneur, Pageant Manager, Events Manager |
Spouse | Not publicly disclosed |
Children | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Education
Onanuga’s educational journey began at Yewande Memorial Nursery and Primary School in Lagos, followed by her secondary education at Remo Divisional High School in Sagamu, Ogun State.
Onanuga furthered her studies with an Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic, a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations and Advertising from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, and a Master of Business Administration from the Business School of the Netherlands.
Career
Professionally, Onanuga had a diverse career, holding positions at Quaker Oats Plc and Southgate Technologies. She also ventured into pageant management and events management, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Political Career
In 2019, Onanuga entered politics and 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, where she championed policies aimed at empowering women and advancing social welfare.
Onanuga was re-elected in 2023, and was appointed Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, a role that highlighted her leadership skills and commitment to legislative discipline.
Passing and Legacy
On January 15, 2025, Adewunmi Onanuga passed away at the age of 59, following a brief illness. Her death was met with widespread grief from the political community, including the House of Representatives.
She was remembered as a dedicated public servant, a visionary leader, and a passionate advocate for her constituents. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described her passing as devastating and shocking, acknowledging her significant contributions to women’s empowerment and the well-being of her constituents.
The Minister of Women Affairs also praised her as a champion of women’s empowerment, highlighting her lasting impact on Nigerian society. Onanuga’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of leaders and public servants.