Akinwunmi Ambode

Akinwunmi Ambode, born on 14 June 1963 in Lagos, is a Nigerian politician who served as governor of Lagos State from 2015 to 2019.

He began his political career by running for the office of Governor of Lagos State in April 2015 under the All Progressives Congress (APC), securing victory over Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party by a narrow margin of just 150,000 votes.

Ambode started his professional journey as a civil servant for 27 years before transitioning into financial consulting. His tenure as governor began on 29 May 2015, succeeding Babatunde Fashola.

In October 2018, he lost the APC gubernatorial primary election to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, which prevented him from seeking a second term. He supported Sanwo-Olu’s campaign, ensuring a smooth transition in Lagos State.

Born into a family of ten children, Ambode was raised in Epe General Hospital and attended St. Jude's Primary School, Ebute Metta, before studying at Federal Government College Warri (1974–1981).

He graduated from the University of Lagos with an Accounting degree by age 21 (1981–1984), later earning a master’s in accounting and qualifying as a chartered accountant. His academic achievements included scholarships such as the Fulbright Program for Hubert Humphrey Fellowship.

Ambode pursued advanced studies at institutions like Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Cranfield School of Management, INSEAD (Singapore), and Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government.

From 1988 to 1991, he held roles as Assistant Treasurer in Badagry Local Government before being posted as an auditor in Somolu Local Government. He later served as Council Treasurer in Shomolu and Alimosho Local Governments.

In 2001, Ambode became acting Auditor General for Local Government in Lagos State, confirmed by the state legislature. From 2005 to 2012, he served as permanent secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Finance, then Accountant General (2006–2012), overseeing state finances and improving budget performance to an average of 85% annually.

After retiring from public service in August 2012, Ambode founded Brandsmiths Consulting Limited to offer public finance and management consulting services. He remains active in alumni associations, such as the Federal Government College Warri Old Students Association (FEGOCOWOSA), where he revitalized Lagos branch activities.

He established La Roche Leadership Foundation in 2013 with a mission to install Nigerian and Lagos State flags in all government-owned schools across the state. Ambode is married to Bolanle Patience Odukomaiya, with twins from their union. He practices Christianity.