Femi Gbajabiamila is a Nigerian lawyer and politician who has served as Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu since June 2023. Before joining the Presidency, he spent 20 years in the National Assembly, representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency of Lagos State and rising through the legislative ranks to become Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Popularly known as Gbaja, he served as Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023. His political career includes leadership roles as Minority Leader and Majority Leader, as well as involvement in the political merger that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His transition from the legislature to the Presidency placed him at the centre of the federal government’s executive administration.
See Also: Rabiu Kwankwaso Biography
Femi Gbajabiamila Biography Highlights
- Full Name: Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila
- Date of Birth: June 25, 1962
- Age: 64 years old in 2026
- Place of Birth: Lagos State, Nigeria
- State of Origin: Lagos State
- Tribe: Yoruba
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Profession: Lawyer and Politician
- Political Party: All Progressives Congress (APC)
- Education: University of Lagos and John Marshall Law School
- Highest Degree: Juris Doctor (JD)
- Wife: Salmatu Gbajabiamila
- Children: Has children; the exact number is not consistently reported
- Major Offices: Minority Leader, Majority Leader, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the President
- Constituency: Surulere 1 Federal Constituency, Lagos State
- House of Representatives Service: 2003–2023
- Current Position: Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
- Net Worth: Estimated at $5 million
Femi Gbajabiamila Early Life
Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila was born on June 25, 1962, in Lagos State, Nigeria, to Lateef Gbajabiamila and Olufunke Gbajabiamila.
He attended Mainland Preparatory School before proceeding to Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos, for his secondary education. He later travelled to the United Kingdom to complete his Advanced Level studies at King William’s College on the Isle of Man.
His education provided the foundation for a career in law, which preceded his entry into Nigerian politics. Over time, his legal background and experience in public affairs helped shape his approach to legislative work.
According to the Nigerian Presidency’s official biography, Gbajabiamila subsequently pursued legal studies in Nigeria and the United States before returning to Nigeria to begin his political career.
Femi Gbajabiamila Family Background
Gbajabiamila comes from a Lagos family with a history of public service. His father was Lateef Gbajabiamila, while his mother, Alhaja Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila, is recognised for her contributions to healthcare, community development and public service.
In March 2026, President Tinubu congratulated his mother on her 96th birthday, highlighting her work as a United Kingdom-trained nurse and her distinction as the first female elected local government chairperson in Lagos State. The State House birthday statement also recognised her contributions to community development and philanthropy.
Femi Gbajabiamila is married to Salmatu Gbajabiamila, and they have children. He generally keeps details about his immediate family private.
Femi Gbajabiamila Religion
Femi Gbajabiamila is a Muslim. His public activities have included participation in Ramadan and Eid celebrations, reflecting his religious background and involvement in community life.
Femi Gbajabiamila Education
Gbajabiamila attended Mainland Preparatory School and Igbobi College in Lagos before completing his Advanced Level education at King William’s College on the Isle of Man, United Kingdom.
He subsequently enrolled at the University of Lagos, where he studied Law and graduated with an LL.B. degree with honours in 1983. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984.
He later continued his legal education in the United States at John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia, earning a Juris Doctor (JD) degree with magna cum laude honours. After passing the Georgia Bar examination, he established a law practice in the United States before returning to Nigeria.
In addition to his formal legal education, Gbajabiamila has attended leadership development programmes at institutions including Stanford University, the University of Cambridge, Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and Harvard Kennedy School.
Femi Gbajabiamila Legal Career
Before entering Nigerian politics, Gbajabiamila practised law in Nigeria and the United States.
He worked with Bentley, Edu & Co., a Lagos-based law firm, before establishing his own practice, Femi Gbaja & Co. His subsequent move to Atlanta, Georgia, allowed him to pursue further legal training and establish a law office after passing the Georgia Bar examination.
His experience across the two legal environments formed an important part of his professional background before he entered partisan politics. However, his later career became increasingly centred on legislative leadership and public administration.
Femi Gbajabiamila Political Career
Gbajabiamila entered Nigerian politics through the Alliance for Democracy (AD) before becoming associated with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and eventually the APC.
In 2003, he was elected to the House of Representatives, representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in Lagos State. He retained his seat through five subsequent elections, serving six consecutive terms from 2003 to 2023.
During his two decades in the legislature, he held several senior positions, including Minority Whip, Minority Leader and Majority Leader. These roles placed him at the centre of legislative debates, party negotiations and parliamentary strategy.
He also played a prominent role in the political merger that produced the APC in 2013–2014. The State House’s official profile documents his legislative career and his involvement in the party’s formation.
Speaker of the House of Representatives
In June 2019, Gbajabiamila was elected Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, succeeding Yakubu Dogara. He held the position until June 2023.
As Speaker, he presided over plenary sessions, legislative debates and the consideration of bills, while managing relations among lawmakers and between the House and the executive branch.
His rise to the speakership followed years in senior parliamentary positions, giving him extensive experience in legislative procedure and political negotiations. His tenure also placed him among the leading figures in the National Assembly during President Muhammadu Buhari’s final years in office.
Chief of Staff to President Tinubu
In June 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff to the President. He assumed office on June 14, 2023, after resigning from the House of Representatives.
The Chief of Staff works closely with the President and helps coordinate the activities of the Presidency, manage executive schedules and facilitate communication between the President, government officials and other stakeholders.
The appointment marked a major shift in Gbajabiamila’s career, moving him from two decades of legislative service into a senior executive role. He remains listed as Chief of Staff on the official website of the Nigerian Presidency.
In February 2026, he also addressed education policy during a meeting with student leaders, reaffirming the administration’s stated commitment to education and engagement with universities. The State House report provides further details of the meeting.
Femi Gbajabiamila Political Influence
Gbajabiamila’s influence in Nigerian politics stems largely from his long legislative career, senior leadership positions and role in the development of the APC.
His six consecutive election victories in Surulere 1 established a sustained political presence in Lagos State. Within the House of Representatives, his progression from opposition leadership to Majority Leader and Speaker reflected his growing influence within the legislature.
He also played a prominent role in the debate over President Olusegun Obasanjo’s proposed third term, serving as chairman of a House movement opposing the agenda. The proposal ultimately failed to secure the constitutional changes needed for Obasanjo to remain in office beyond his second elected term.
His appointment as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff extended his influence from parliament into the executive branch, where he now works within the Presidency’s central administrative structure.
Femi Gbajabiamila Personal Life
Gbajabiamila is married to Salmatu Gbajabiamila, and they have children. He generally maintains a distinction between his public responsibilities and his family’s private life.
Outside his political duties, his interests have included education, leadership development and public service. His reported participation in leadership programmes at international institutions reflects an emphasis on governance and executive leadership.
Femi Gbajabiamila Age
Femi Gbajabiamila was born on June 25, 1962, making him 64 years old in 2026. He celebrated his 64th birthday on June 25, 2026.
Femi Gbajabiamila Net Worth
Femi Gbajabiamila’s net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million, according to Net Worth Forum’s profile of the Nigerian politician.
Conclusion
Femi Gbajabiamila has built a prominent career spanning law, legislative leadership and executive administration. After representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency for six consecutive terms, he rose through the House of Representatives to become Speaker from 2019 to 2023.
His appointment as Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023 marked his transition from the legislature to the Presidency. With more than two decades of parliamentary experience behind him, Gbajabiamila remains an influential figure in Nigeria’s political and administrative affairs.
FAQs About Femi Gbajabiamila
How old is Femi Gbajabiamila?
Femi Gbajabiamila is 64 years old in 2026. He was born on June 25, 1962.
Where is Femi Gbajabiamila from?
He was born in Lagos State, Nigeria, and represented Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Who is Femi Gbajabiamila’s wife?
His wife is Salmatu Gbajabiamila.
How many children does Femi Gbajabiamila have?
He has children, but the exact number is not consistently established in reliable public sources.
What did Femi Gbajabiamila study?
He studied Law at the University of Lagos, graduating with an LL.B. in 1983, and later earned a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia.
How many times was Femi Gbajabiamila elected to the House of Representatives?
He was elected six consecutive times, representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2023.
Was Femi Gbajabiamila a Speaker?
Yes. He served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from June 2019 to June 2023.
What is Femi Gbajabiamila’s current position?
He is the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a position he assumed on June 14, 2023.
What political party does Femi Gbajabiamila belong to?
He belongs to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
What tribe is Femi Gbajabiamila?
He is Yoruba and is from Lagos State.
Sources
- The State House — Office of the President: Femi Gbajabiamila’s official profile
- The State House — President Tinubu congratulates Alhaja Lateefat Olufunke Gbajabiamila at 96
- The State House — Education remains a pillar of the Tinubu administration
- Net Worth Forum — Femi Gbajabiamila net worth estimate
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