By James Ogunnaike
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has paid glowing tribute to the late South-West Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief (Mrs.) Yetunde Shakirat Adesanya, describing her as a loyal political associate, respected grassroots mobiliser, and distinguished leader whose life was devoted to the service of humanity and the growth of progressive politics.
The governor spoke on Thursday at a Day of Songs and Tributes organised in honour of the late APC South-West Women Leader at the Cinema Hall of the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun said Chief Adesanya was deeply passionate about the advancement of women and the strengthening of the APC, noting that she combined unwavering loyalty with uncommon humility, selflessness, and dedication to public service.
According to him, her tireless grassroots engagements inspired countless women to participate actively in the democratic process and contributed significantly to the consolidation of the party’s structure across the South-West region.
“Chief Adesanya possessed remarkable strength of character, uncommon humility, and an enduring passion for public service. She was a compassionate leader who believed in uplifting others, offering guidance, encouragement, and support to those around her,” the governor said.
He added that her death represents a painful loss not only to her family but also to Ogun State, the APC, the South-West region, and the numerous communities she impacted through decades of selfless service and purposeful leadership.
Governor Abiodun noted that the late women leader’s exceptional ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and mobilise support at the grassroots level distinguished her as one of the party’s most effective leaders.
“Through her strategic engagement, persuasive advocacy, and genuine concern for the welfare of others, she contributed significantly to the growth and strengthening of the APC in Ogun State and across the South-West,” he stated.
The governor observed that her passing has created a significant vacuum within the party’s women leadership structure at a time when her wealth of experience, wise counsel, and mobilisation capacity remained invaluable.
He stressed that her legacy of service, loyalty, and commitment would continue to inspire party members, women leaders, and younger generations seeking to make meaningful contributions to society.
Speaking on behalf of the National Chairman of the APC, Hon. Tolu Bankole described the late Chief Adesanya as “an institution and a movement,” who served the party with integrity, dedication, and unwavering commitment.
He noted that she remained a strong advocate for women and the girl child while contributing immensely to the growth and stability of the APC.
Representing the National Woman Leader of the APC, the South-West APC Ex-Officio, Mrs. Bunmi Orileowo, described the deceased as a selfless and hardworking party stalwart whose contributions played a pivotal role in the party’s successes across the region.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, said Chief Adesanya was a dependable friend of the legislature who gave her all to every cause she believed in.
The Ogun State Chairman of the APC, Chief Yemi Sanusi, represented by the party’s Deputy Chairman, Chief James Dina, described her as “the voice that spoke when others were silent and the hand that lifted others when they were weary,” adding that women across the South-West found strength, direction, and purpose under her leadership.
In a sermon titled “Remember You Have a Short Time,” Pastor Abolaji Olufemi of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church reminded the congregation of the brevity of life and the importance of fulfilling God’s purpose.
The cleric urged people to make meaningful impacts with the gifts and opportunities entrusted to them by God, stressing that only those who surrender their lives to God can fully accomplish their divine assignments.
Reflecting on the life of the deceased, Pastor Olufemi described Chief Adesanya as an exemplary, trustworthy, and empathetic leader who was committed to mentoring younger generations and helping them grow into responsible and productive members of society.
The event attracted party leaders, government officials, women groups, family members, friends, and admirers who gathered to celebrate the life, service, and enduring legacy of the late APC South-West Women Leader.
