In the storied halls of the University of Lagos, a young law lecturer in the 1980s would captivate students with his intellectual rigour. In the charged arena of Nigeria’s politics decades later, that same individual, by then Vice President, would champion a bold plan to deploy solar power to millions of rural homes.
Across all, in the intimate space of his church congregation, he would offer spiritual guidance as an ordained pastor. The life of Professor Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo is not one of compartmentalised roles but of a unique synthesis, where faith, intellect, and public service converge in a steadfast commitment to human dignity and national progress.
His intellectual journey was distinguished from the start. Educated at the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics, Osinbajo’s academic brilliance was evident early, winning numerous prizes in oratory, literature, and history during his secondary education at Igbobi College.
By the age of 37, he had ascended to the rank of Professor of Law and Head of the Department of Public Law at the University of Lagos, specialising in the Law of Evidence. This foundation was not confined to academia; it became the bedrock for transformative public service.
His first major foray into governance came in 1999 as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice for Lagos State. Here, the professor’s ideals met practical application. He spearheaded revolutionary judicial reforms, establishing institutions like the Office of the Public Defender and Citizens Mediation Centre to ensure access to justice for the poor.
These reforms, shifting the ministry towards a citizen-focused model, became a benchmark for other states in Nigeria. In 2015, he was elected Vice President of Nigeria, serving two terms under President Muhammadu Buhari. His portfolio was vast, but a consistent theme emerged: a focus on social justice and economic empowerment for the most vulnerable.
He was instrumental in designing and implementing Nigeria’s National Social Investment Programmes, one of Africa’s largest, which included school feeding for millions of children and cash transfers to the poorest households. During three separate stints as Acting President, he demonstrated decisive leadership, taking actions such as dismissing the head of the State Security Service for an illegal siege on the National Assembly.
Perhaps his most consequential post-tenure work lies in championing a just future for Africa on the global stage. A leading voice for climate justice, he has argued compellingly that the continent should be allowed to use its natural gas resources for development while transitioning to clean energy. He has proposed innovative solutions like debt-for-climate swaps, where debt relief is channeled into green projects.
His commitment is action-oriented: he serves as the Board Chair of the Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A), is a Global Advisor to the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, and is the Guardian of the UNDP’s Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, which aims to mobilise $1 billion for African innovators.
Beyond the boardroom, his pastoral heart is reflected in personal initiatives. He founded the North East Children’s Trust, providing holistic care and education for hundreds of children orphaned by insurgency. His Orderly Society Trust runs literacy programmes in public primary schools.
After an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 2022, where he was seen as an urbane and intellectual contender, Osinbajo has seamlessly transitioned into the role of a global elder statesman. From chairing a Commonwealth Election Observer Group in Sierra Leone to serving on the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Council, he continues to leverage his unique blend of experiences.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s story defies simple categorisation. It is a narrative that weaves together the analytical clarity of a legal scholar, the compassionate outreach of a pastor, and the pragmatic resolve of a statesman. In a world often defined by fragmented identities, he stands as a testament to the power of an integrated life, dedicated to the singular cause of uplifting society.
Key Roles and Initiatives of Professor Yemi Osinbajo
· Academic Foundation: Professor and Head of Department of Public Law, University of Lagos (1981-1999; 2007-2013). Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
· Legal & Justice Reforms: Attorney General of Lagos State (1999-2007). Established Office of the Public Defender and Citizens Mediation Centre.
· National Leadership: Vice President of Nigeria (2015-2023). Chaired National Economic Council and led National Social Investment Programmes. Served as Acting President on three occasions.
· Climate & Development Advocacy: Board Chair, Climate Action Platform for Africa (CAP-A). Global Advisor, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). Proponent of debt-for-climate swaps.
· Social & Philanthropic Work: Founder, North East Children’s Trust (for orphans of insurgency). Founder, Orderly Society Trust (literacy programmes). Co-founder, Future Perspectives (nonprofit think tank).
