The Lagos State House of Assembly has appointed its first female Clerk as Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa swears in Adenike Abolanle Oshinowo. The landmark transition marks a significant moment of continuity and excellence in parliamentary administration
Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, swore in Adenike Abolanle Oshinowo as the first female Clerk of the Assembly on Monday, 22 June 2026, during a special ceremony held at the Assembly chamber in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
The swearing-in took place alongside a valedictory service honouring the outgoing Clerk, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, who voluntarily retired after a remarkable career spanning more than two decades in the Lagos State civil service.
Speaker Obasa praised Mr Onafeko for his exceptional service, noting that he joined the Assembly in 2000, rose through the ranks, and became Clerk in 2020.
“From his deployment to this House in 2000, he rose through the ranks to become Clerk in 2020. He pioneered the establishment of the Service Delivery Unit, championed accountability, and inspired colleagues with his humility and integrity,” the Speaker said.
He further highlighted Mr Onafeko’s broader contributions, describing him as a philanthropist and community leader who had received the Annual Best Officer Award and was twice nominated for the National Merit Award.
While wishing the retiring clerk a fulfilling retirement, Speaker Obasa prayed: “May your years ahead be filled with joy, good health, greater impact in community service, and continued fulfilment with your dear family. We wish you Godspeed, sir.”
In administering the oath to Mrs Oshinowo, a seasoned lawyer and legislative draftsman with over two decades of public service, Speaker Obasa expressed strong confidence in her leadership.
“Mrs Oshinowo embodies excellence, integrity, and resilience… We are confident that under her stewardship, this Assembly will continue to thrive as a pillar of legislative excellence,” he stated.
The high-profile ceremony was attended by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, lawmakers, senior government officials, members of the Judiciary, and Assembly staff.
This appointment of the Lagos first female clerk represents a significant milestone for gender representation in the state’s legislative bureaucracy while ensuring smooth continuity and institutional strength.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
