Michael Opeyemi Bamidele was born in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. He rose from authorized activism and state authorities service to grow to be a senior determine in Nigeria’s Nationwide Meeting. He presently serves because the Majority Chief of the Nigerian Senate.
Who Is Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
Bamidele is a Nigerian lawyer, human-rights activist and politician, presently the Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District below the All Progressives Congress (APC). He’s most identified for his legislative management and authorized background.
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Profile Abstract (Fast Details)
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Full identify |
Michael Opeyemi Bamidele |
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Date of beginning/age |
29 July 1963 (age 62) |
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State of origin |
Ekiti State |
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Native authorities space |
Iyin Ekiti (city) |
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Tribe/Ethnicity |
Yoruba (Southwestern Nigeria) |
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Faith |
Christain |
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Marital Standing |
Married |
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Political Social gathering |
All Progressives Congress |
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Present Place |
Senate Majority Chief, Senator for Ekiti Central |
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Years energetic in politics |
From the early 2000s |
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Networth (Estimated) |
US$5m |
Early Life and Training
Bamidele was born on July 29, 1963, in Iyin Ekiti, a quiet city in Ekiti State, Nigeria. He spent his early years within the South-West area, the place his curiosity in schooling and public service started to take form. After finishing his main and secondary schooling, he proceeded to Obafemi Awolowo College (then College of Ife), the place he earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Non secular Research in 1986.
Decided to pursue his ardour for justice and public service, he later attended the College of Benin (UNIBEN), acquiring a Bachelor of Legal guidelines (LL.B) diploma with honours in 1990. He was known as to the Nigerian Bar in 1992 after finishing his research on the Nigerian Regulation Faculty. His quest for additional tutorial {and professional} excellence took him to the Franklin Pierce Regulation Centre (now College of New Hampshire Faculty of Regulation) in the US, the place he earned a Grasp of Legal guidelines (LL.M) in Mental Property Regulation.
Bamidele’s distinctive tutorial file {and professional} self-discipline earned him admission to the New York Bar in January 1999, marking his entry into worldwide authorized follow.
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Profession Earlier than Politics
Earlier than stepping absolutely into politics, Bamidele constructed a profitable authorized profession each in Nigeria and overseas. He labored as a human rights lawyer with the Harvard Regulation Faculty Immigration Clinic in Boston, the place he dealt with a number of advocacy instances between 1997 and 2000.
His deep involvement in social justice points made him a robust voice for human rights and democratic governance. Upon his return to Nigeria, he established his regulation agency, Opeyemi Bamidele & Associates, which centered on constitutional and mental property regulation.
His fame as a diligent lawyer and coverage thinker attracted the eye of political leaders, and his transition into politics was a pure evolution of his long-standing dedication to public service. His early advisory roles within the Lagos State authorities would ultimately open the trail to a distinguished political profession.
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Political Profession
Entry into Politics
Bamidele’s political journey started in 1992 when he contested the Social Democratic Social gathering (SDP) main election for the Federal Home of Representatives seat representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency in Lagos State. Though he didn’t win, that have laid the muse for his lifelong engagement in Nigerian politics.
His formal entry into governance got here in 2000 when he was appointed Senior Particular Assistant on Political and Inter-governmental Relations to the then-Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu. In his capability, he performed a key function in coordinating political methods and liaising with different tiers of presidency.
Main Political Roles
Between 2003 and 2007, Bamidele served as Commissioner for Youth, Sports activities, and Social Growth in Lagos State, the place he initiated a number of youth empowerment and social welfare applications. From 2007 to 2011, he served because the Commissioner for Data and Technique, overseeing public communications and coverage advocacy for Lagos State below Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration. His efficiency earned him widespread recognition as one of many state’s only commissioners.
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In 2011, he was elected to the Home of Representatives, representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1. Throughout his tenure, he chaired the Home Committee on Legislative Finances and Analysis and oversaw the Nationwide Meeting Finances and Analysis Workplace (NABRO), the place he helped strengthen price range transparency and legislative oversight.
In 2019, he gained the election to signify Ekiti Central Senatorial District within the ninth Senate and was re-elected in 2023. He presently serves because the Senate Majority Chief of the tenth Nationwide Meeting, one of the crucial influential positions within the Nigerian legislature.
All through his profession, Bamidele has remained a loyal member of the APC and a key voice in legislative reforms, schooling, and governance. In recognition of his contributions, he was honoured with the nationwide title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022. In early 2025, he was additionally confirmed as a Life Bencher by the Physique of Benchers for his distinguished service to the authorized career.
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