Speaker Mudashiru Obasa swears in Adenike Abolanle Oshinowo as Lagos Assembly Clerk, the first female to hold the position, while celebrating the distinguished retirement of Olalekan Onafeko.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday, June 22, 2026, swore in Adenike Abolanle Oshinowo, a distinguished lawyer and legislative draftsman, as the first female Clerk of the Assembly in a colourful ceremony held inside the Assembly chamber in Lagos.
The event, which doubled as a valedictory service for the outgoing Clerk, Olalekan Onafeko, was graced by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, lawmakers, top government officials, members of the Judiciary, family representatives and staff of the Assembly.
Speaker Obasa praised Mr Onafeko for his exemplary service since joining the House in 2000 and rising to 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,” Obasa stated.
The Speaker highlighted Onafeko’s broader contributions as a philanthropist and community leader, noting his receipt of the Annual Best Officer Award and multiple nominations for the National Merit Award.
He wished the retiring clerk a fulfilling retirement filled with joy, good health and continued community impact.
In administering the oath to the new Clerk, Speaker Obasa expressed strong confidence in Mrs Oshinowo’s capabilities. “Mrs. Oshinowo embodies excellence, integrity, and resilience. She has devoted over two decades to the Lagos State Public Service,” he said.
He added that she brings “a wealth of experience and a clear vision for strengthening parliamentary administration,” describing her appointment as a significant moment of continuity and strength for the 10th Assembly.
Speaker Obasa urged all staff and management to extend full cooperation to the new Clerk, emphasising unity of purpose in advancing legislative excellence and efficient service delivery to the people of Lagos State.
This landmark appointment of the first female Clerk underscores the Assembly’s commitment to progressive leadership and gender inclusion while building on the solid foundation laid by dedicated public servants like Olalekan Onafeko.
The smooth transition promises to sustain the institution’s pivotal role in deepening democracy and good governance in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
