By Gloria Ikibah

The Southwest Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, describing her as an exceptional leader and a true Omoluabi.

In a statement jointly signed by the  Chairman of Southwest Caucus, Rep. James Faleke and Secretary, Southwest Caucus, Rep. Taofeek Ajilesoro, it stated that Onanuga was a source of pride to the legislature and a beacon of integrity and leadership.

Rt. Hon. Onnuga, represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State,

It reads in part: “Her colleagues remembered her as a person of honor and humility, whose dedication to service and discipline earned her respect within and beyond the House.

“She was the embodiment of an Omoluabi—humble, principled, and a firm believer in doing what is right,” they said. As Deputy Chief Whip, she ensured order and decorum in the House, displaying intellect and poise that inspired admiration from all”.

The Caucus highlighted her significant contributions to the legislative progress of the Southwest region, particularly her leadership in advocating for the establishment of the Southwest Development Commission.

They noted her strategic efforts in ensuring the region’s voice was effectively represented in the House’s leadership.

During her tenure as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development in the 9th Assembly, Onanuga championed policies aimed at empowering women and advancing social welfare.

“Her track record of service extended to the sub-national level, where she left an indelible mark before transitioning to national leadership”, it added..

Reflecting on her loss, Rep. Faleke said:
“As a colleague and friend, I will forever cherish the moments we shared on the floor and in caucus meetings. Her camaraderie, wise counsel, and infectious smile left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her passion for good governance and commitment to her constituents were second to none. Her passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill.”

The Southwest Caucus extended their condolences to her family, the government and people of Ogun State, and the entire National Assembly. They described her passing as an irreplaceable loss but celebrated her legacy of service, leadership, and dedication.

“May her soul rest in perfect peace”, he said.

The wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has been kidnapped from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State.

Mrs. Odumosu was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Friday by heavily armed men who stormed her home, shooting sporadically.

Confirming the incident to Vanguard in Abeokuta, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, CSP Omolola Odutola, said the command acted swiftly by deploying operatives to secure her release.

“Information was received regarding the kidnapping of Mrs. Odumosu, a female resident of Aminu Street, Arepo, Ogun State,” Odutola said.

“Reports indicate that she was about to enter her home when four masked men attacked her, dragged her from her Lexus Jeep, and took her through swampy areas to an unknown location.”

According to Odutola, the Divisional Police Officer has led a team of officers to the scene, where they are currently combing the swampy bush area in search of the victim.

Local security forces in the reverine areas, including Baale Warewa and Baale Maaba, have also been engaged to assist in the rescue efforts.

Odutola added, “The State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has been briefed, and all covert operations have been deployed to assist with digital intelligence to ensure she is rescued unhurt.”

Efforts are ongoing to locate Mrs. Odumosu and apprehend her abductors.

TikTok to be banned in the US from Sunday, Supreme Court rules

The US Supreme Court on Friday upheld a law that will ban TikTok in the United States, potentially denying the video-sharing app to 170 million users in the United States on January 19.

In a major defeat for TikTok, the court ruled that the law does not violate free speech rights and that the US government had demonstrated legitimate national security concerns about a Chinese company owning the app.