The University of Ilorin has announced former Member of the Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Abayomi Sheba, as a nominee for its Distinguished Alumnus Award, part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary.
The notification, dated 20th November 2025 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN), conveyed the University management’s decision to honour Sheba for his steadfast commitment to promoting the ideals and image of the institution.
According to the letter addressed to Sheba at his Lokogoma, Abuja residence, the University stated that he had, through his academic engagements and public representation, consistently projected the institution in a favourable light, earning him the prestigious nomination.
The University disclosed that the 50th Anniversary Alumni Colloquium Day and award presentation will hold on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the University of Ilorin Main Auditorium. Professor Egbewole expressed the institution’s anticipation in welcoming the former federal lawmaker back to campus and extended warm congratulations on behalf of the entire University community.
Profile of Hon. Abayomi Sheba, Esq., Ph.D
Born to High Chief Emmanuel Olatunde and Rev. Mother Esther Adekunmi, Sheba hails from Ojomo Ayadi Quarters, Ode-Irele, Ondo State. A seasoned politician, public administrator, and legal practitioner, Hon. (Barr.) Abayomi Sheba, Ph.D., attended St. Andrews CMS Primary School and United Grammar School, Ode-Irele, for his primary and secondary education.
Between 1985 and 1989, he attended the University of Ilorin for his first degree and later furthered his studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko; The Nigerian Law School, Abuja; and Ekiti State University. He holds a B.A. (Hons), LLB (Hons), BL, LLM, MPA (Public Administration), M.Sc. (Peace and Security Studies), M.Phil. (Law), and Ph.D. (Peace & Security Studies).
After two unsuccessful attempts, Sheba was elected to the Federal House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003 to represent Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency in the Fourth National Assembly. During his tenure, he chaired the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Community Development and served as a member of the Presidential National Core Team that drafted Nigeria’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP). He also led a delegation to the People’s Republic of China to study poverty reduction and sustainable development mechanisms.
Among his legislative achievements, Sheba introduced the deplorable state of Olowo/Irele/Ajagba/Agadagba road to the National Budget, prompting the Federal Government to award a contract for its reconstruction in 2001, completed in 2003.
Sheba’s public service extended beyond the National Assembly. Between 2004 and 2005, he served as a non-executive director representing Ondo State on the Board of Nigeria Wire and Cable Plc. He was Head of the Ondo State Government Liaison Office in Abuja and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Olusegun Agagu between 2005 and 2008. In July 2009, President Umaru Musa Yar’adua appointed him Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State on the Board of the Federal Character Commission, where he later headed the Strategic Operational Committee of Environment and Petroleum Resources (2011–2015). In September 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari approved his elevation as Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, making him the first Southerner in 26 years to hold the position, a role he completed in August 2019.
Sheba has consistently utilised his talents to promote humanity, poverty reduction, and youth empowerment, leaving imprints across Federal Government ministries, parastatals, agencies, departments, and commissions.
Presently, he is a senior partner with Harwood Solicitors, a firm of legal practitioners and consultants based in Abuja and Lagos. Happily married with children, Sheba enjoys spending time with his people and engaging in sports such as badminton, ping-pong, and lawn tennis.
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