The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the meeting hall in Sagamu as I recalled that pivotal day in political history. Though Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga—fondly known as Ijaya—is no longer with us, her words that day remain etched in my memory, golden and prophetic.
It was a Sunday gathering of newly elected APC representatives from Ogun East. The air was thick with celebration and gratitude. Ijaya, having just secured her return ticket to the House of Representatives for Remo federal constituency, stood before us with characteristic grace.
“I remember her exact words,” I thought to myself, watching the scene unfold in my mind’s eye.
“In all sincerity and with deep sense of appreciation,” Ijaya had declared, her voice carrying throughout the hall, “we are grateful to Otunba Daniel for joining our party and agreeing to contest for senate in our district.”
The gathered candidates nodded in solemn agreement as she continued.
“If he hadn’t contested, many of us would have lost the election, but because of his aspiration, a lot of people took pity on us and voted for us alongside.”
I recalled how her honest assessment had stunned us all into momentary silence before erupting into appreciative applause. Here was a woman acknowledging the political reality without pretence—that former Governor Gbenga Daniel’s candidacy had been the tide that lifted all our boats.
The candour of her admission was remarkable. While others might have claimed sole credit for their victories, Ijaya recognized the former governor’s dexterity in boosting their collective aspirations, despite what some saw as mere public posturing to the APC.
Now, years later, with Ijaya gone, I often reflect on that moment of political honesty. Her golden words serve as a reminder of how interconnected our political fortunes truly are, and how sometimes, the candidacy of one can determine the success of many.
Her full speech here in retrospect.
“In all sincerity and with deep sense of appreciation, we are grateful to Otunba Daniel for joining our party and agreeing to contest for senate in our district.
“If he hadn’t contested, many of us would have lost the election, but because of his aspiration, a lot of people took pity on us and voted for us alongside.”
