Amosun Ibikunle Omolaja

Ibikunle Amosun was born on 25 January 1958 in a Muslim family and grew up attending primary school at African Church Primary School in Abeokuta (1965–1970), followed by African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta (1971–1977).

He later studied at Ogun State Polytechnic, graduating with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in 1983. He earned an Associate membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 1990 and became a fellow in 1996. He also attained an Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria in 1998.

Amosun began his professional career as an audit trainee with Lanre Aremu & Co., later joining XtraEdge Consulting and eventually becoming Principal Partner at Ibikunle Amosun & Co. (Chartered Accountants) in Lagos from 1990 onward. He pursued further education, earning a Master of Arts in International Finance from the University of Westminster in London in 2000.

His political career began with his election as Senator for Ogun Central district in June 2003 and reelection in 2019 under the APC platform. After an unsuccessful gubernatorial bid on the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) ticket in April 2007, he won the 2011 Ogun State governorship election as ACN candidate with 377,489 votes, defeating Adetunji Olurin of PDP and Gboyega Isiaka of PPN. He was sworn into office on 26 April 2011.

In 2015, he ran for a second term as governor under the APC banner, securing victory with 306,988 votes and assuming office on 29 May 2015. He later stepped down after completing two terms in May 2019, transitioning to the Senate for Ogun Central district.

Known for his contributions to governance, Amosun received awards such as Best Security-Conscious State Governor (West Africa) in 2012, Investment Development Icon Award (2013), and Good Governor of Fastest-Growing Economy (Businessday, 2013). He was also conferred the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Jonathan in 2014. Governorship awards included Governor of the Year (N.U.J., 2016).

Controversies arose in June 2019 when reports alleged illegal arms imports—including AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and armored vehicles—without proper approvals. While Amosun claimed valid permits, investigations later contradicted his claims, raising questions about compliance with Nigeria’s firearms regulations.