Senator Solomon Adeola (APC, Ogun West), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief (Mrs.) Adenike Ebunoluwa Oyagbola, Nigeria’s first female cabinet minister and an esteemed daughter of Ogun West Senatorial District.
Oyagbola, a native of Igan Alade in Yewa North Local Government Area, made history as Nigeria’s first female minister, serving as Minister of National Planning between 1979 and 1983. Reflecting on her legacy, Senator Adeola described her as an exceptional figure whose contributions to governance and public service remain significant.
“I received the news of the passage of one of Ogun State’s foremost women with great sadness. Ma Oyagbola was not only a woman of virtues and a loving mother but also a role model in public service, a federal minister, and an ambassador of Nigeria on the international stage. She will be greatly missed,” Adeola stated.
He emphasized that her demise is a profound loss, not only to her immediate family and Ogun West Senatorial District but also to Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, Oyagbola’s life story remains a testament to the possibilities available to the girl child, showing that with determination and excellence, women can reach the highest levels of leadership.
Senator Adeola offered prayers for the peaceful repose of her soul and for strength for her family to bear the irreparable loss.
