The Senate on Wednesday expressed condolences to the family of former Senator Anthony Adeniyi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who represented Ekiti South Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015. Adeniyi died on 24 June at the age of 75. Until his death, he served as the Ekiti State chairman of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA), a political movement that mobilised support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2023 general election.
Motion and tributes in the Senate
The Senate considered a motion on Adeniyi’s death moved by Senator Yemi Adaramodu, who represents Ekiti South and serves as the Senate spokesperson. Adaramodu described the late senator as a respected lawyer and politician whose dedication to public service, integrity, and the legal profession earned him widespread admiration. He praised Adeniyi’s role in coordinating SWAGA in Ekiti State, saying his efforts significantly contributed to the mobilisation that preceded Tinubu’s emergence as president in 2023.
Adaramodu noted that Adeniyi’s passion for democracy inspired his active political participation, during which he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market. He urged the Senate to honour Adeniyi for his contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and his role in the emergence of President Tinubu. The motion received overwhelming support from senators.
Colleagues remember Adeniyi
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, described Adeniyi as a committed legislator who made meaningful contributions during his time in the Senate. Abaribe recalled Adeniyi’s sense of humour, saying colleagues fondly referred to him as a “herbalist” because he often joked that he would turn anyone who disturbed him into a bird.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin described the deceased as an active and dedicated lawmaker, particularly for his contributions to the Constitution Review Committee. He prayed for the peaceful repose of Adeniyi’s soul. Senator Cyril Fasuyi, representing Ekiti North, commended Adeniyi for his role in coordinating SWAGA in Ekiti State in support of Tinubu’s presidential bid.
Senate President's directives
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Adeniyi as a dedicated legislator who contributed to the success of Tinubu’s political journey before and after his emergence as president. Akpabio directed senators to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the deceased. He also constituted a Senate delegation, chaired by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, to pay a condolence visit to Adeniyi’s family.
Other members of the delegation are Yemi Adaramodu, Cyril Fasuyi, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South). Akpabio directed the delegation to report back to the Senate after the condolence visit.
Earlier condolences
President Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier condoled with the family of the deceased. Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji also mourned the former senator.
