By Ebunoluwa Sessou & Boluwatife Adeyefa
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday swore in Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo as the first female Clerk of the Assembly, marking a significant milestone in the history of the legislature.

The swearing-in ceremony, which also served as a valedictory session for the outgoing Clerk of the House, Barrister Olalekan Onafeko, attracted lawmakers, invited guests, family members and well-wishers.

Speaking at the event, Speaker, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa congratulated Mrs. Oshinowo on her appointment and wished her a successful tenure as Clerk of the House.

Mrs. Oshinowo is a legal practitioner and public administrator with over two decades of meritorious service in the Lagos State Public Service.

The Speaker also paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Clerk, Barrister Onafeko, acknowledging his years of service to the Assembly.

According to Obasa, Onafeko’s long years in service deserve recognition and celebration. “He has served from 2002 till now. Even if he had done nothing, the years spent in service are enough. He must not be denied the funfair and celebration.

“I wish him success, long life and peace of mind as he steps out as former Clerk,” Obasa said.
Other lawmakers commended the out-going Clerk, for his dedication, professionalism and contributions to the Assembly.

A member representing Ikorodu 2, Aro Moshood described him as a remarkable public servant who served with diligence from the day he was sworn in. In the same vein, his counterpart, representing Mushin 1, Nureni Akinsanya also described Onafeko as a distinguished legislative administrator whose commitment to parliamentary excellence left an indelible mark on the Assembly.

In his opinion, a member representing Epe 1, Abiodun Tobun congratulated the outgoing Clerk, describing him as a disciplined administrator who maintained the confidentiality expected of his office. Also, a member representing Surulere 1, Desmond Elliot also congratulated both the Speaker and the outgoing Clerk, describing Onafeko as a loyal and dependable officer of the Assembly.

Other lawmakers equally commended Onafeko’s service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
Barrister Onafeko began his career at the Lagos State House of Assembly following his deployment to the legislature in 2000, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism.

He served as Principal Administrative and Human Resources Officer and occupied several strategic positions before attaining the office of Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2020.