By Oladosu Adebola Oluwaseun
The hallowed Green Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly is set to host a poignant and significant event on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The House of Representatives will dedicate its plenary sitting to a solemn Valedictory Session, a deeply rooted parliamentary tradition aimed at honoring the lives and legacies of members of the 10th Assembly who have passed away while still actively serving the nation. This session, commencing at 11:00 am, transcends routine legislative business; it is a moment of collective mourning, remembrance, and renewed dedication to the ideals of public service.As outlined in the Notice Paper for the week, issued by Rep. Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, the session will pay tribute to five distinguished lawmakers who have left an indelible mark on the legislative landscape. They include the Immediate Past Deputy Chief Whip, Late Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ogun State, who passed in January 2025. Also to be honored are Late Rep. Abdulkadir Jelani Danbuga (Isa/Sabon Birni Federal Constituency, Sokoto State), who passed in October 2023; Late Rep. Isa Dogonyaro (Garki/Babura Federal Constituency, Jigawa State), who passed in May 2024; Late Rep. Olaide Adewale Akinremi (Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State), who passed in July 2024; and Late Rep. Ekene Abubakar Adams (Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State), who also passed in July 2024.
The presence of the families of these departed lawmakers, alongside other dignitaries, will undoubtedly add to the gravity and personal nature of the event. The commemoration will be marked by heartfelt tributes, personal reflections from colleagues, observances of silence, and other ceremonial rites, all designed to underscore the immense contributions of these individuals to the nation. The agenda, circulated to members by the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., specifies that tributes will be led by the Speaker and Principal Officers of the House, followed by remarks from colleagues, party leaders, and invited guests, ensuring a broad representation of voices in their remembrance.
Each of the departed members, despite their relatively short time in the 10th House, made lasting contributions through their legislative activities. Their engagement in motions, bills, rigorous oversight functions, and dedicated constituency engagements played a crucial role in shaping debates and influencing the legislative agenda within various committees, caucuses, and at plenary. Their voices, now silenced, were instrumental in advocating for the needs and aspirations of their constituents and contributing to the overall development of the nation.
The House’s poignant reflection that “the death of a sitting Member is not only a personal loss but also an institutional moment of mourning” highlights the profound impact of such losses. It serves as a stark reminder of the immense burden of leadership and the inherently fleeting nature of human existence. More significantly, it underscores the sacred trust that the Nigerian people bestow upon their elected representatives, a trust that these departed lawmakers diligently upheld until their final moments.
As the 10th Assembly approaches its midterm in June 2025, this Valedictory Session offers a timely moment for both remembrance and a renewed dedication to the core ideals of public service and national representation. It is an opportunity for those who remain to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities, drawing inspiration from the commitment of their fallen colleagues. The public, media, and civil society are encouraged to follow the proceedings through official broadcast and digital platforms, joining the nation in honoring the memory and service of these distinguished Nigerians. This solemn occasion serves as a powerful testament to the human element within the machinery of governance and the enduring impact of those who dedicate their lives to serving their country.
