Ahead of August 15th, 2026 Osun state Governorship election, the All Progressive Congress (APC) has presented Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji popularly known as AMBO as candidate, Oyebamiji brings a long career in finance and public administration into the gubernatorial race.

Born in Ikire, Irewole local government area of Osun State, he attended A D C Primary School, Oke Ada and Ayedaade Grammar School, Ikire.

He holds an OND and HND in banking and finance from The Polytechnic Ibadan, a master’s degree in public administration from Lagos State University and an MBA from the University of Ado Ekiti. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a member of several professional bodies in economics and risk management.

His working life began in 1987 at Wema Bank Plc, where he gained experience in international banking. Over the next two decades, he rose through senior roles at Trans International Bank, Spring Bank and Enterprise Bank, gaining exposure to corporate finance, retail banking and the maritime sector.

That background shaped his entry into public service.

From boardroom to government house
In 2012, under Rauf Aregbesola, Oyebamiji was appointed Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company. Under his leadership, the company was recapitalised and reborn as Omoluabi Holdings Limited.

His performance earned him appointment as commissioner for finance, a role he would hold twice, under both Aregbesola and later Gboyega Oyetola.

Across those years, Oyebamiji became known within government circles as a steady hand.

In 2018, he was a gubernatorial aspirant. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he returned to federal service as special adviser in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy before becoming managing director and chief executive of the National Inland Waterways Authority.

He was part of Nigeria’s delegation to the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York, where discussions included maritime cooperation and Atlantic partnerships with the United States.

Oyebamiji at various times received a series of awards including the Most Outstanding Commissioner of the Year Award (2019 and 2020 fiscal years); Outstanding Deposit Performance Award in 2007 (Spring Bank); Excellent Performance Award in 2007 (Spring Bank); Outstanding Branch Performance and Most Profitable Manager of the Year in 2004 (Trans International Bank); Half-year Award for Outstanding Performance in 2001 ( Trans International Bank); and End of the Year Commendation in 1999 (Trans International Bank).

He is happily married to Dr. Sekinah Bola Oyebamiji, with blessed children and a practising Muslim.