Femi Gbajabiamila spent two decades representing Surulere in the House of Representatives, rising from opposition leader to Speaker. Since June 2023 he has been one of the most powerful officials in the country as Chief of Staff to President Tinubu.
Quick facts
| Full name | Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 June 1962, Lagos |
| Office | Chief of Staff to the President (since June 2023) |
| Former offices | Speaker of the House of Representatives (2019–2023); House Majority Leader (2015–2019); House Minority Leader |
| Constituency | Surulere I, Lagos (2003–2023) |
| Party | All Progressives Congress (APC) |
| Education | LLB, University of Lagos (1983); Juris Doctor, John Marshall Law School, Atlanta |
| Spouse | Salamatu Gbajabiamila |
Early life and education
Gbajabiamila was born in Lagos and attended Igbobi College before A-levels at King William’s College on the Isle of Man. He studied law at the University of Lagos, graduating in 1983, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984.
Lawyer in Lagos and Atlanta
He practised law in Lagos, first at Bentley Edu & Co. and then in his own firm. He later moved to the United States, earned a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, passed the Georgia bar exam and practised there for a time.
Twenty years in the House
Gbajabiamila was elected to the House of Representatives for Surulere I federal constituency in 2003 on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy, and was re-elected five more times. During the PDP years he was one of the most visible opposition voices and served as House Minority Leader. When the APC took power in 2015, he became House Majority Leader.
Speaker of the 9th House (2019–2023)
After losing the speakership race in 2015 to Yakubu Dogara, Gbajabiamila won it in June 2019 with 283 votes, against 78 for Mohammed Umar Bago. As Speaker he championed the Legislative Agenda of the 9th House, a closer working relationship with the executive, and laws such as the Petroleum Industry Act and the Electoral Act 2022, which introduced technology such as BVAS into elections. Critics accused the leadership of being too close to the executive.
Chief of Staff to the President
Gbajabiamila won his seat again in 2023 but resigned in June 2023 to become Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, his long-time political ally. The Chief of Staff manages the President’s office, controls access to the President and coordinates the flow of work across government. Rumours of his replacement have surfaced several times, but the Presidency has repeatedly said he remains in the role.
Lagos politics
He remains influential in Lagos APC politics and has declared support for Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat’s bid for the Lagos governorship in 2027.
