Oyewumi Kamorudeen Olalere

Akogun Kamarudeen Olalere Oyewumi, known as Lere Oyewumi, is a Nigerian politician, educator, and philanthropist born on 5 January 1960 in Ikire, Osun State.

He began his education at Baptist Day School in Odeyinka, Ikire, later attending Saint Augustine's Commercial Modern School to obtain a Modern III certificate by 1978. He completed the WASSCE at Saint David’s Grammar School, Ode-Omu.

After school, Oyewumi worked as a clerical officer for Oyo State Ministry of Works and Transport before enrolling in the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to study geography, graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1987.

From 1987–1988, he served in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Benue State. Post-NYSC, he worked as an education officer in the Federal Ministry of Education and later taught at Federal Government Girls’ College, New Bussa until 1992.

His academic career continued with a master’s degree in community development obtained in 2006 and a doctoral degree from the University of Ibadan in 2016.

Oyewumi entered politics early as a student leader, becoming national vice president of the National Association of Nigerian Geography Students. He also held roles as secretary and president of NAIS at OAU (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

In 1992, he was elected to the House of Representatives under the SDP, serving on committees like Agriculture and Rural Development and NALDA. His involvement extended to advocacy for civilian rule transition during military regimes.

After returning to civilian rule in 1999, Oyewumi became the PDP’s publicity secretary in Osun State. He later served as caretaker chairman of Irewole Local Government before being elected chairman (2004–2011).

Following Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s dissolution of local councils, he became the state chairman of ALGON and vice president of its national executive.

Since 25 February 2023, Oyewumi has represented Osun West in the Nigerian Senate, winning election with 138,476 votes. He also organized community development programs, including grants for women and youths.