Yemi Osinbajo – Former Vice President of Nigeria (2015 – 2023)
Yemi Osinbajo - 14th vice president of nigeria
Yemi Osinbajo is a distinguished Nigerian lawyer, professor, and politician who served as the 14th Vice President of Nigeria from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023. Affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC), he previously worked as the Attorney General of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, and he also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
| List | Vice President’s Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1957 |
| Age | 68 years (as of 2025) |
| Ancestral Home | Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Native Language | Yoruba |
| Education | University of Lagos (LL.B.), London School of Economics (LL.M.) |
| Career & Occupation | Lawyer, Professor of Law, Politician |
| Known As | Yemi Osinbanjo |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Residence | Abuja, Nigeria |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Wife’s Name | Dolapo Osinbajo |
| Children’s Names | Damilola, Kanyinsola, Fiyinfoluwa |
| Vice Presidential Term | May 29, 2015 – May 29, 2023 |
| Political Party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
Also read: Namadi Sambo – Vice President of Nigeria (2010 to 2015)
Early Life and Education
His full name is Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo and was born into the family of Adeyemi Osinbajo on March 8, 1957 at the Creek Hospital in Lagos. He is married to Dolapo (née Soyode), a granddaughter of the Sage Obafemi Awolowo and the marriage is blessed with three children.
Osinbajo grew up in Lagos in a middle-class family, where he received his early education. He attended Corona Primary School in Lagos and proceeded to Igbobi College, Yaba, where he excelled academically. After completing his secondary education, he gained admission to the University of Lagos, where he studied Law. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Lagos in 1978 and later obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the London School of Economics in 1980.
Following the completion of his legal education and been called to bar, Osinbajo started his career as a lecturer at the University of Lagos.
Also read: Mike Akhigbe – de facto Former Vice President of Nigeria
Academic and Legal Career
While lecturing, he quickly gained recognition for his intellect and teaching skills, and earned respect of both colleagues and students. From the position of a lecturer at the University of Lagos, he rose to the position of Professor of Law and Head of the Department of Public Law. He then became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and has contributed significantly to legal scholarship and practice in the country.
In the years that followed, Yemi Osinbajo ventured into private legal practice, and established himself as a distinguished lawyer. He co-founded the law firm SimmonsCooper Partners, where he played a significant role in providing legal services to various clients.
He is also a member of the following professional bodies:
- Nigeria Bar Association, NBA
- International Bar Association, IBA
- Nigerian Body of Benchers
- Council of Legal Education in Nigeria and Senior Advocate of Nigeria
Recommended: Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON – (May 2023- till Date)
Political Career
In 1999, Osinbajo was appointed as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, a position he held until 2007. During his tenure, he implemented extensive judicial reforms and improved access to justice. In 2015, he was elected Vice President of Nigeria alongside President Muhammadu Buhari under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was re-elected in 2019 and served until May 2023.
Post-Vice Presidency
After leaving office, Osinbajo continued to engage in public service and international affairs. In May 2023, he was appointed to lead the Commonwealth Observer Group for the general elections in Sierra Leone, demonstrating his commitment to promoting democratic processes. In July 2023, he was appointed as a Global Advisor to the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), focusing on accelerating clean energy deployment in developing countries.
Awards
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has received several awards and honours some of which include:
- State Merit Award 1971
- The School Prize for English Oratory, 1972
- Adeoba Prize for English Oratory 1972–1975
- Elias Prize for Best Performance in History (WASC) 1973
- School Prize for Literature (HSC), 1975
- African Statesman Intercollegiate Best Speaker’s Prize, 1974
- Prof. Osinbajo was conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on May 28, 2015, in his capacity as the Vice President.
Additional Facts About Yemi Osinbajo
- As Global Advisor to GEAPP, Osinbajo supports partnerships with governments to enhance the enabling environment for clean energy investments and advocates for just energy transitions in Africa.
- His role in leading the Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone underscores his dedication to democratic governance and international cooperation.
- Osinbajo is recognized for his integrity, legal expertise, and contributions to public service in Nigeria and beyond.
Related: President Goodluck E. Jonathan (Former President – (2010-2015)
