Why Reps Member Adewunmi Ijaya’s Demise Is Labelled A Big Deal

Many politicians are still grappling with the shocking news—Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, whose self-adulation earned her the famous nickname “Ijaya,” is no more.

Ijaya means “fearsome” in the Yoruba language. The politician, who departed the world as a sitting member of the Federal House of Representatives, was famous for praising herself as “Ijaya to ni fokanbale” (the fearsome one with peace of mind) because of the strong street following she commanded in her constituency, particularly her primary base—Sagamu.

The shocking demise of the federal lawmaker from Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, described as the best in over twenty years, changes the equation in the already tense political atmosphere of Ogun State, according to insiders.

The second-term House of Representatives member, who passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, was one of the strongest allies of Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Governor Abiodun is engulfed in an intense political rivalry with fellow party chieftain, Senator Gbenga Daniel.

At stake are the senatorial seat of Ogun East—occupied by Daniel—and who becomes the next Governor of Ogun State in 2027.

Daniel, a former two-term Governor, owns one of the strongest political structures in Ogun State.

While Daniel’s political structure dwarfs that of Abiodun, the Governor is relying on the tremendous influence of his office and the political clout of key loyalists like Adewunmi Ijaya to gain an edge over the Senator.

Abiodun, Daniel, and Ijaya are from the same senatorial district, Ogun East—with raging claims that the Governor wants to take over the senatorial seat of the area in 2027 thrown into the mix.

While Abiodun is from Iperu, Adewunmi Ijaya and Daniel operate from Sagamu, which is the heart of the division.

“The implication of the shocking demise of a strong ally like Ijaya is pretty obvious. Many are naturally touting it as a big deal,” according to information making the rounds.

This is particularly so because Adewunmi Ijaya, who was, at the time of her death, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, had expanded her support base with high-impact projects across her constituency.

“It is really sad. Ijaya passes on at a time she is being touted as the next big thing in the politics of Ogun State,” close watchers of events lamented.

Aside from the senatorial seat, Abiodun and Daniel are also at odds over who becomes the next Governor of Ogun State