Lagos Politicians

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born June 25, 1965) is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria's most populous and economically significant state. He is recognized for his extensive career in public administration and his continued efforts in implementing infrastructure and social development projects within Lagos. Early Life and Education Babajide Sanwo-Olu briefly attended Government Demonstration School, Gbaja Surulere, before completing his secondary education at Ijebu-Ife Grammar School, Ogun State. He holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Surveying and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos. He is also an alumnus of the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, the London Business School, and the Lagos Business School. Career Progression and Political Ascendancy Sanwo-Olu's professional career began in the banking sector, where he held significant positions, including Treasurer at Lead Merchant Bank and Head of Treasury at the United Bank for Africa (UBA). His public service career started in 2003 when he was appointed Special Adviser on Corporate Matters to the then-Deputy Governor of Lagos State. He subsequently held several cabinet positions, including Acting Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry. In 2007, he was appointed Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions by Governor Babatunde Fashola. Before running for governor, he served as the Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC). In 2019, Sanwo-Olu was elected as the 15th Governor of Lagos State, succeeding Akinwunmi Ambode. He was re-elected for a second term in 2023. Major Achievements and Notable Works Sanwo-Olu's administration operates on the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance). His notable achievements include significant investments in infrastructure development, such as the commencement and completion of key rail projects aimed at easing the state's persistent traffic challenges. He has also been lauded for his administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its commitment to technology-driven solutions for public services. Current Status Babajide Sanwo-Olu is currently serving his second term as the Governor of Lagos State. In 2026, he signed the state's N4.4 trillion appropriation bill, tagged the "Budget of Shared Prosperity," into law. His administration remains focused on urban development and public safety, including the controversial demolition of illegal structures in waterfront communities like Makoko to safeguard lives and property from hazards such as proximity to high-tension wires and encroachment on critical infrastructure.

1M+ followers

Aisha Somtochukwu Yesufu is a prominent Nigerian human rights activist, entrepreneur, and political commentator recognized for her outspoken advocacy and role in social movements. She has become an influential figure in Nigeria's civil society, known for her commitment to accountability, good governance, and citizen empowerment.Early Life and Education Aisha Yesufu was born and raised in Kano State, Nigeria, and hails from Agbede in Edo State. Growing up in a heavily patriarchal environment, she experienced significant societal challenges facing girls. By the age of 11, she noted that many of her female friends had either been married off or died in childbirth, which profoundly influenced her commitment to social justice and education. She pursued her higher education despite early obstacles, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She also holds a postgraduate certificate from the Lagos Business School (LBS).Career Progression and Activism Yesufu's career is defined by her transition from entrepreneurship to full-time activism. She co-founded the **\#BringBackOurGirls** movement, which gained global recognition in 2014 following the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents. Her fearless participation and mobilization efforts placed her at the forefront of Nigerian activism. Her activism significantly broadened in 2020 when she became a leading figure in the **\#EndSARS** movement, a mass protest against police brutality in Nigeria. During these protests, a viral photograph of her confronting armed forces became an iconic symbol of resistance and resilience, solidifying her status as a national voice for change. She continues to utilize her platform to discuss national politics, governance, and social injustice.Major Achievements and Recognition Aisha Yesufu has been recognized internationally for her courage and dedication to democracy and human rights. In 2020, she was named one of the *BBC's 100 Women* and was included in the *New African Magazine's* list of the 100 Most Influential Africans. Her unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power has earned her a large and engaged following across social media platforms, which she leverages to organize grassroots movements.Current Status Currently, Aisha Yesufu maintains her role as a critical voice in Nigerian politics and social commentary. She is based in Nigeria, where she continues her advocacy work, focusing on fostering active citizenship and ensuring government accountability. She remains active as an entrepreneur while using her social media presence to mobilize public opinion and support for various social and political causes.

1M+ followers

Babatunde Olalere Gbadamosi (often referred to as BOG) is a Nigerian businessman, real estate developer, and prominent politician. He has been a notable figure in Lagos State politics, known for his consistent opposition to the established political structures in the state.Early Life and Education Babatunde Gbadamosi was born on October 15, 1967, in Lagos, Nigeria. He is a member of a prominent and influential family in Lagos. His father, the late Chief Waheed Ayinde Gbadamosi, served as a former Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government. Gbadamosi attended primary and secondary schools in Lagos. He holds a qualification in International Relations from London Metropolitan University (formerly London Guildhall University) in the United Kingdom.Business Career Prior to his full-time immersion into politics, Gbadamosi established himself as a successful real estate entrepreneur. He founded Redbrick Homes International Limited, the company responsible for developing the popular Amen Estate in the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State. His work in the real estate sector has been a significant aspect of his professional life, positioning him as a major developer in the rapidly expanding residential landscape of Lagos.Political Career and Activism Gbadamosi’s political career began with the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He first gained widespread political attention when he contested for the governorship of Lagos State. * **Gubernatorial Aspirations:** He was a contestant in the PDP governorship primaries for Lagos State on several occasions. In the 2019 general elections, he emerged as the gubernatorial candidate for the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Lagos State. His campaigns were often characterized by strong critiques of the incumbent governance and a focus on transparency and infrastructural development. * **Switch to PDP and Senate Bid:** Gbadamosi later returned to the PDP. In 2020, he contested the Lagos East Senatorial by-election under the PDP platform, following the death of the incumbent Senator Bayo Osinowo. Although he lost the election, his candidacy mobilized a significant opposition vote. * **Move to Labour Party:** He subsequently moved to the Labour Party (LP), where he became a key figure and served as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 Lagos State election.Notable Works and Achievements Gbadamosi's primary achievement outside of politics is his success in the real estate industry, particularly with the development of Amen Estate, which is frequently cited as a model for modern, managed residential communities in Lagos. Politically, he is recognized for his persistent opposition politics and willingness to challenge the long-standing status quo in Lagos State, making him a vocal advocate for systemic change.Current Status Babatunde Gbadamosi remains active in political commentary and advocacy, frequently using social media platforms to voice his opinions on national governance, policy, and social issues, maintaining his status as a key opposition voice in Lagos State politics.

200K+ followers

Fela Durotoye is a Nigerian business consultant, leadership expert, and political aspirant, widely recognized for his work in nation-building and management consulting. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of The GEMSTONE Group, a leadership development organization.Early Life and Education Fela Durotoye attended the High Impact Leadership for a better society program at Yale University and is an alumnus of the John F. Kennedy School of Government Executive Education program at Harvard University. He also completed the executive seminar program on strategy, innovation, and governance at the Lagos Business School in 2015. Additionally, he is a certified leadership coach of the John Maxwell Team. His formal education included a supernumerary police training program at the Nigerian Police training college, where he graduated with a distinction.Career Progression and Notable Works Durotoye began his professional career as a financial analyst at Ventures & Trusts Limited in 1992. In 1998, he served as the head of the customer service department at Phillips Consulting Limited. In 2000, he founded V.I.P Consulting Limited, which quickly gained recognition in customer and human management in Nigeria. He is the Founder and CEO of The GEMSTONE Group, a Leadership Development Institution that includes The GEMSTONE Leadership Institute, The GEMSTONE Leadership Network, and The GEMSTONE Nation Builders Foundation. He is also a 2022 Official Member of the Forbes Coaches Council. One of his notable works is the "Mushin Makeover" project. Through this initiative, over 100 unemployed youths were trained by Berger Paints PLC in "The Art & Technique of Painting." This training enabled the youths to earn a living as painters.Major Achievements and Current Status Fela Durotoye is known for his dedication to leadership development and national transformation in Nigeria, often referred to as a Global Speaker and Nation Builder. In 2018, he transitioned into the political sphere, running for President of Nigeria under the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) party. He continues to serve as an Executive Coach, Leadership Expert, and the Founder/CEO of The GEMSTONE Group (also listed as GEMSTONE Development & Management Limited), focusing on leadership development and coaching.

1M+ followers

Japheth J. Omojuwa is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, public speaker, author, and social media influencer, recognized as a prominent voice in African socio-political commentary and digital advocacy.Early Life and Education Japheth J. Omojuwa was born on October 3, 1984, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. He attended the prestigious King's College in Lagos between 1995 and 2001. For his university education, Omojuwa studied Agricultural Economics at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB). In 2019, he furthered his education by completing a British Council Chevening Fellowship, which led to him earning a master’s degree in Behaviour Change at the University College London.Career Progression and Major Achievements Omojuwa established himself as a thought leader and a regular columnist, with his articles appearing in major Nigerian newspapers such as *The Punch* and *Leadership*, as well as on international platforms including CNN, BBC, and *The Financial Times*. His writings have been translated into several languages, including German, French, Portuguese, and Greek. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Alpha Reach. He is also the editor of the advocacy platform Africanliberty.org and has previously served as a lecturer on African democratic prospects at the Free University of Berlin, Germany. Notable career highlights and achievements include: * **International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP):** In August 2016, Omojuwa completed this professional exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State. * **African Union (AU) Engagement:** In 2014, the AU invited him to be part of the Africa Re-imagination Creative Hub (ARCH) to help fashion an agenda for the Africa 2063 project. * **Halifax International Security Forum (HISF):** In July 2021, Omojuwa was appointed to the board of HISF, becoming the first Nigerian and African to hold this position on the global think-tank. * **Awards:** He was named the Best Twitter Personality Of The Year in the 2016 African Bloggers Awards, sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He was also recognized in 2015 on a list of Africa’s top “50 Movers and Shakers” by Credit Suisse.Notable Works Omojuwa's notable literary contribution is the book: * ***Digital: The New Code of Wealth*** (2019), which focuses on navigating the opportunities presented by the digital age.Current Status Japheth Omojuwa remains an active media entrepreneur and public speaker based in Lagos, Nigeria. He continues to contribute to global discourse through his work at The Alpha Reach, his board role at the Halifax International Security Forum, and his ongoing commentary on socio-political issues, particularly concerning Africa.

1M+ followers

**Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje OON: Biography** Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje, widely known as Jimi Agbaje, is a Nigerian pharmacist, politician, and entrepreneur. He is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, particularly recognized for his recurring gubernatorial bids in Lagos State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). **Early Life and Education** Jimi Agbaje was born on March 2, 1957, in Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. He is the second of five children born to Chief Julius Kosebinu Agbaje, a banker, and Margaret Olabisi, a schoolteacher. His siblings include Segun Agbaje, the CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank. Agbaje completed his secondary education at St. Gregory's College, Lagos. He went on to study at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he is said to have met his future wife. He holds the professional designations of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). **Professional Career** Agbaje’s primary professional background is in pharmacy. He has held numerous professional positions within the pharmaceutical sector, including serving as the National Secretary of the Nigerian Association of General Practice Pharmacists (1987–1990) and later as its National Chairman (1990–1993). He has also been recognized with several fellowships, including Fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (FPSN) and Fellow of the West African Post Graduate College of Pharmacists (FPCPharm). Beyond pharmacy, Agbaje has served as a business mentor at the Fate Foundation and sits on the boards of organizations such as Oakwood Park Ltd. and Atlantic Hall Secondary School in Epe, Lagos. He also founded the Jimi Agbaje Outreach, a foundation dedicated to helping the less privileged. **Political Career** Agbaje transitioned into politics, becoming known as a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He has served as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State in several elections, notably in 2007, 2015, and 2019, where he was a key challenger for the governorship. His political platform typically emphasizes improved social services, infrastructure development, and transparent governance for Lagos State residents. **Personal Life** Jimi Agbaje is married to Abiola Agbaje (née Bankole), a lawyer whom he met during his university days. They have been married since 1982 and have three children together.

500K+ followers

Joe Abah is an internationally recognized expert in governance, institutional reforms, political economy analysis, and change management, known for his prominent roles in Nigerian public service and international development. Early Life and Education Dr. Joe Abah qualified as a lawyer in both Nigeria and the UK. He holds a Ph.D. in Governance and Public Policy Analysis from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Career Progression and Major Achievements Dr. Abah has dedicated most of his career to public governance issues. Between 2013 and 2017, he served as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) in the Nigerian Presidency. During his tenure, he emphasized shifting public service reforms toward tangible improvements in citizens' lives rather than focusing solely on administrative changes. Prior to his role at BPSR, he was the National Programme Manager at the DFID-SPARC (Department for International Development - State Partnership for Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability) program. Current Status Dr. Joe Abah joined DAI in 2017. He is also associated with the Government Outcomes Lab (GoLab) at the Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University, where he serves as a Visiting Lecturer at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

500K+ followers

Kudirat Abiola (born Kudirat Olayinka Adeyemi; 1951 – June 4, 1996) was a prominent Nigerian pro-democracy activist and a pivotal figure in the struggle against military rule in Nigeria during the 1990s. As the second wife of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, Kudirat became a symbol of resistance and democratic resilience. **Early Life and Education** Kudirat Olayinka Adeyemi was born in 1951 into a Yoruba Muslim family in Zaria, Kaduna State, in Northern Nigeria. She was educated in the North, attending her secondary school in Zaria. She later pursued her higher education, demonstrating an early aptitude for organization and leadership. Her marriage to M.K.O. Abiola, a wealthy businessman and politician, brought her into a position of national visibility, though her later significance would be defined by her independent political activism. **Career Progression and Political Activism** Prior to the political crisis of 1993, Kudirat Abiola managed some of her husband's business interests and focused on family affairs. Her role shifted dramatically following the annulment of the June 12 election results by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, and the subsequent imprisonment of M.K.O. Abiola in 1994 by General Sani Abacha's regime. With her husband incarcerated, Kudirat stepped forward to fill the leadership vacuum in the pro-democracy movement. She became a vocal and fearless leader within the struggle, collaborating closely with key opposition groups like the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). She led public protests, rallies, and international campaigns, demanding the de-annulment of the June 12 election results and the immediate release of her husband and other political prisoners. Her activism was characterized by unwavering courage in the face of violent military suppression. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Kudirat Abiola’s primary achievement lies in her tireless and high-profile advocacy for democracy. She galvanized both domestic and international support for the "June 12 mandate," ensuring the crisis remained a central global human rights issue. Her defiance often put her in direct confrontation with the Abacha military government. She was instrumental in maintaining the momentum of the pro-democracy movement when many other leaders were either exiled, jailed, or silenced. Her actions earned her recognition as a martyr and heroine of the Nigerian democratic struggle. **Tragic Death and Current Status** Kudirat Abiola's life was tragically cut short on June 4, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria. She was assassinated by unknown gunmen while driving along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. It was widely believed, and later confirmed through judicial proceedings, that her assassination was orchestrated by agents of the ruling military junta due to her unyielding opposition to the regime. Though deceased, Kudirat Abiola’s legacy remains profoundly influential. She is posthumously recognized as a significant democratic icon in Nigeria. A major road in Lagos, Kudirat Abiola Way, is named in her honor, and her death date is often commemorated by activists and civil society organizations. Her contribution is considered critical to the eventual return of democratic rule in Nigeria in 1999.

**Zainab Usman** is a Nigerian public policy expert, author, and academic, widely recognized for her extensive work in governance, natural resource management, and economic development in Africa. Her career spans influential roles in major international development institutions and think tanks. **Early Life and Education** Zainab Usman was born in Nigeria. She completed her higher education with a focus on development economics and public policy. She holds a Doctorate (DPhil) from the University of Oxford. Prior to her doctoral studies, she also worked at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Usman has built a distinguished career combining academic research with practical policy advice. She previously served as a consultant for the UK's Department of International Development (DFID). Her expertise is often sought in the areas of institutional change, natural resource management, and industrial policy in Nigeria and other African nations. **Notable Works and Current Status** Zainab Usman is currently a Senior Fellow and Director of the Carnegie Africa Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where her research focuses on governance and economic development issues in Africa. She is the author of *Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy* (2022), a seminal work on Nigeria's economic challenges and pathways to sustainable growth. She also holds the role of a Fellow at the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), where she works on issues concerning extractives and resource governance.

10K+ followers