Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, popularly known as MOB, is a Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, and politician. He was born on July 29, 1963, in Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State. He currently serves as the Majority Leader of the Nigerian Senate, a position he has held since 2023. Bamidele represents the Ekiti Central Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2022, he received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) award from President Muhammadu Buhari.
Early Life and Family
MOB was born into a Christian family in Iyin Ekiti, southwestern Nigeria. His father was Sir Stephen Ogunjuyigbe Bamidele, and his mother was Madam Juliana Tinuola Bamidele. He spent most of his early life in Lagos State, where he completed his primary and secondary education. He grew up with strong values of faith, service, and leadership — traits that shaped his public life.
Education
Bamidele attended Egba Owode Grammar School in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He later moved to Baptist Academy Secondary School, Obanikoro, Lagos.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1986. After that, he pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) at the University of Benin, graduating in 1990. He attended the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1992. In 1996, he bagged an LL.M in Intellectual Property Law from Franklin Pierce Law Center in the United States. He was also called to the New York Bar in January 1999.
Early Legal Career
MOB started his legal career at Opeyemi Bamidele & Associates, where he served as Principal Attorney and Head of Chambers.
He worked as an Attorney and Human Rights Expert at Greater Boston Legal Services, USA, between 1997 and 2000.
He also served as a Human Rights Attorney with the Harvard Law School Immigration Clinic. Notably, he was part of the legal team, led by Chief G.O.K. Ajayi (SAN), that defended Moshood Abiola during his treason trial.
Bamidele later founded Amicus Law Associates and served as President of the firm.
Entry into Politics
In 1992, Bamidele contested in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries for Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency in Lagos. He lost the election by a single vote but gained valuable experience.
After that, he became Special Assistant on Legal Matters to Senator Bola Tinubu. He also worked as National Accreditation Officer at the SDP Convention in Jos, where M.K.O. Abiola emerged as a presidential candidate.
His political career was briefly halted after General Sani Abacha dissolved the democratic structure in 1993.
Rise in Public Service
Bamidele returned to politics in 2000 as Senior Special Assistant on Political and Inter-Governmental Relations to the Lagos State Governor.
He later became National Director of Publicity for the Alliance for Democracy (AD).
Between 2003 and 2007, he served as Commissioner for Youth, Sports, and Social Development in Lagos State.
From 2007 to 2011, he was Commissioner for Information and Strategy under Governor Babatunde Fashola.
Major Achievements as Commissioner
- Completed the long-abandoned Teslim Balogun Stadium.
- Built youth and recreation centres across Lagos.
- Rehabilitated vocational and social care centres for the disabled and destitute.
- Resolved over 6,700 family and social welfare cases.
- Revived Principal’s Cup and All Secondary School Games.
- Launched Lagos Television (LTV) on DSTV, a first for any state-owned station.
- Established the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau (LASRAB).
- Created the Every 100 Days Interactive Forum to improve government-public engagement.
National Politics and Legislative Career
In 2011, Bamidele was elected to the House of Representatives for Ado Ekiti/Irepodun-Ifelodun Federal Constituency.
He served as Chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Budget and Research. He also headed the National Assembly Budget and Research Office (NABRO).
In 2014, he ran for the Ekiti State Governorship Election under the Labour Party but finished third. He later rejoined the APC in 2015 and became a Legal Consultant to the House Committee on Constitutional Review in 2016.
In 2019, he was elected Senator for Ekiti Central, and in 2023, he became Senate Majority Leader.
Legislative Interests
Bamidele focuses on education reform, youth empowerment, taxation, and human rights advocacy. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, he has influenced several reform bills.
In 2021, he facilitated ₦11.52 million in Survival Funds for 384 Ekiti Central residents, giving each ₦30,000.
Leadership Style and Vision
MOB believes in service-driven leadership. He promotes inclusive governance, education reform, and transparency. Bamidele often says,
“Quality education should liberate minds and create innovators, not just job seekers.”
He advocates for Nigeria to invest in education that builds global entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
Awards and Recognitions
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) – 2022
- Life Bencher, Body of Benchers – 2025
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Nigeria)
- World Leadership Award, Lagos State Government – 2005
- Honorary Fellowship, African School of Diplomacy and International Relations – 2021
- Honorary Doctor of Law, Ekiti State University – 2025
Other Professional Roles
- Consultant and Facilitator, AU Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSSOC)
- External Solicitor, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
- President, Amicus Law Associates
- National President, National Association of Nigerian Students (1989)
Personal Life
Bamidele is married to Mrs. Oluyemisi Bamidele. He values family, faith, and humility. He is a devoted Christian and remains close to his Ekiti roots. Though he leads a public life, he prefers simplicity and community engagement.
Net Worth and Assets
His estimated net worth is around $5 million. Most of his income comes from his law practice, consultancy, and political service. He owns private properties and vehicles but is known for modest living.
Article updated 2 weeks ago ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
