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Kingsley Joshua
The Senate on Wednesday paid glowing tributes to former Senator Anthony Adeniyi, SAN, describing him as a distinguished statesman, accomplished lawyer and committed democrat whose political mobilisation efforts through the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) played a significant role in President Bola Tinubu’s emergence in the 2023 presidential election.
Adeniyi, who represented Ekiti South Senatorial District in the Senate between 2011 and 2015, died on June 24, 2026, at the age of 75. Until his death, he served as the Ekiti State Chairman of SWAGA, the political movement that campaigned for Tinubu’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The Senate’s tribute followed a motion sponsored by its spokesman, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), who described the late lawmaker as an exemplary public servant whose integrity, commitment to democracy and contributions to the legal profession earned him widespread respect across the country.
Adaramodu said Adeniyi’s leadership of SWAGA in Ekiti was instrumental in galvanising grassroots support for Tinubu’s presidential bid, noting that his unwavering commitment contributed significantly to the political mobilisation that culminated in the President’s electoral victory.
He also recalled Adeniyi’s active legislative career, during which he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Market, describing him as a legislator whose passion for democratic governance remained unwavering throughout his public life.
Contributing to the debate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (LP, Abia South) remembered the late senator as a dedicated parliamentarian whose interventions enriched legislative proceedings.
Abaribe also recalled Adeniyi’s lively sense of humour, saying colleagues fondly nicknamed him “the 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 a hardworking legislator who made invaluable contributions, particularly as a member of the Constitution Review Committee, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North) also praised Adeniyi’s leadership of SWAGA in Ekiti, saying his mobilisation efforts strengthened support for Tinubu’s successful presidential campaign.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the late senator as a loyal party stalwart and committed lawmaker whose political contributions extended beyond the National Assembly to the successful actualisation of Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
As a mark of honour, Akpabio directed senators to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the deceased.
The Senate President also constituted a high-powered delegation, led by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, to pay a condolence visit to Adeniyi’s family in Ekiti State.
Other members of the delegation include Senators Yemi Adaramodu, Cyril Fasuyi, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Sunday Karimi, Abdul Ningi, Babangida Hussaini and Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.
The Senate said Adeniyi’s legacy of public service, legislative excellence and political leadership would remain a lasting reference in Nigeria’s democratic history.
