Born on 25 June 1962 in Lagos into the family of Lateef and Olufunke Gbajabiamila, Femi Gbajabiamila grew up in a milieu that combined ambition with opportunity.
He began his elementary education at Mainland Preparatory School, before attending Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos, for secondary school. After finishing in Nigeria, he went abroad to the King William's College on the Isle of Man for his A-Levels.
He returned home to earn a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Lagos, graduating with honours in 1983, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984.
Not content with domestic credentials alone, he later pursued further legal training in the United States, earning a Juris Doctor (JD) from the John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. After passing the Georgia Bar exam in 2001, he practiced law in the United States before returning to Nigeria to set up his own firm, Femi Gbaja & Co.
Entering Politics: A Long Parliamentary Career
Gbajabiamila’s political journey began in 2003, when he was first elected to the House of Representatives of Nigeria for the Surulere I constituency in Lagos State. He went on to serve six consecutive terms (2003–2023), a remarkable stretch in Nigeria’s often-volatile political landscape.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks: from Minority Leader (2007–2015), to Majority Leader, and finally, in June 2019, was elected the 14th Speaker of the House — winning 283 votes against his main opponent.
As Speaker, Gbajabiamila was known for striving to run a unified House, emphasizing legislative activism, bills and motions, and ensuring diverse voices within the chamber were heard.
Transition to the Presidency: Chief of Staff Role
In June 2023, following the election of a new President, Gbajabiamila resigned from the House of Representatives and was appointed Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria.
In this new role, he oversees the coordination of the presidency’s agenda and acts as a central figure in administrative decision-making. His appointment underscores the trust placed in his legislative and administrative experience, and his reputation for competence and dedication.
Personal Life and Honors
Gbajabiamila is married to Salmatu Gbajabiamila; together they have children.
In recognition of his long and distinguished public service, he was awarded the national honour Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari in October 2022.
Legacy — A Bridge Between Law, Legislature and Executive
Gbajabiamila’s journey reflects a rare continuum from law, through decades of legislative service, to senior executive office. He is among the very few Nigerians to have held the positions of Minority Leader, Majority Leader, Speaker, and now Chief of Staff to the President — charting a remarkable path in public life.
His background — studying at home and abroad, practicing law in Nigeria and the US, then translating that experience into political capital — gives him a blend of global perspective and local grounding.
In his new role at the presidency, many observers see him as a steady hand: someone capable of navigating Nigeria’s complex political environment while drawing on deep legislative know-how.
As of 2025, Gbajabiamila remains active and influential, widely regarded as a key architect of governance and legislative-executive collaboration in contemporary Nigeria.
Sources
“Femi Gbajabiamila: From Speaker to President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff” – Parliament Reports
“Femi Gbajabiamila elected Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives”
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