50 Influential Africans: ThePowerbrokers

De // NaBae 24 

These leading Africans have their thumbs on the balance of power at home and beyond.

Nigerian political titan Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila, aka “Gbaja,” is now the chief of staff for President Bola Tinubu. Formerly the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Gbaja is a trusted ally with a deep political pedigree.

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A member of the bar in Lagos and in Georgia, US, he set up a law firm in Atlanta in 2001. A devoted protégé of Tinubu since the 1980s, Gbaja has held positions as minority and majority leader. Recently, he skillfully protected Tinubu’s presidential bid with a key Electoral Act provision.

As chief of staff, Gbaja will serve as gatekeeper, policy adviser and legislative expert, wielding immense power in shaping the administration’s agenda, particularly given Tinubu’s age and health.