The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday paid tribute to former Senator Anthony Adeniyi, describing him as a distinguished lawyer, committed legislator and political leader whose contributions to Nigeria’s democracy and the legal profession left a lasting legacy.
Adeniyi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who represented Ekiti South Senatorial District in the Senate from 2011 to 2015, died on June 24 at the age of 75.
During plenary, senators unanimously adopted a motion in his honour following its presentation by the senator representing Ekiti South, Yemi Adaramodu.
Leading the debate, Adaramodu, who also serves as the Senate spokesperson, praised the late lawmaker for his integrity, commitment to public service and outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
He noted that Adeniyi’s passion for democratic governance inspired his active involvement in politics, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market during his tenure in the National Assembly.
Adaramodu also highlighted the late senator’s political role as chairman of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) in Ekiti State, saying he played a significant part in mobilising support that culminated in President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.
He urged the Senate to formally recognise Adeniyi’s contributions to democratic development and his efforts in strengthening the political movement that backed Tinubu’s emergence as president.
The motion received overwhelming support from lawmakers across party lines.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) described Adeniyi as a dedicated parliamentarian who made meaningful contributions during his time in the Senate.
Abaribe also recalled the late senator’s lively personality and sense of humour, noting that colleagues affectionately nicknamed him a “herbalist” because he often joked that anyone who troubled him would be turned into a bird.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin remembered Adeniyi as an active legislator who made notable contributions to the Senate Constitution Review Committee and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Also speaking, Senator Cyril Fasuyi, who represents Ekiti North Senatorial District, commended the deceased for his leadership of SWAGA in Ekiti State, describing his role in rallying support for Tinubu’s presidential ambition as significant.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described Adeniyi as a devoted public servant whose contributions extended beyond legislative duties to supporting the political success of President Tinubu before and after the 2023 election.
Akpabio directed senators to observe a minute’s silence in honour of the former lawmaker.
He also announced the constitution of a Senate delegation, headed by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, to pay a condolence visit to Adeniyi’s family.
Other members of the delegation include 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).
The Senate President further directed the delegation to report back to the chamber after the condolence visit.
Before Wednesday’s Senate tribute, President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji had separately mourned the former senator, acknowledging his contributions to public service and politics.
