As Osun State heads to the polls on August 15, 2026, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is banking on Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji to challenge incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke in the governorship election.
Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, comes into the contest with experience in banking, public administration and government.
He has held positions at both the state and federal levels, including serving as Osun State Commissioner for Finance under two different administrations and later heading the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
Here are 12 things to know about the APC governorship candidate.
1. He is the APC governorship candidate
Oyebamiji is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election.
He is challenging Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking another term in office under the Accord Party.
Oyebamiji is hoping to return the APC to the Osun State Government House after the party lost the governorship election to Adeleke in 2022.
2. He is popularly known as AMBO
Oyebamiji is widely known by the acronym AMBO, which is derived from his full name and title, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
The name has become closely associated with his political campaign and public activities.
3. He is from Ikire
Oyebamiji is from Ikire in Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State.
Ikire is one of the major towns in the state and an important commercial centre.
4. He studied Banking and Finance
Oyebamiji’s academic background is closely connected to his career in the financial sector.
He obtained an Ordinary National Diploma and a Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance from The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
5. He holds two master’s degrees
Oyebamiji furthered his education with postgraduate studies.
He obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University in 1997.
He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ado-Ekiti in 2004.
6. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers
Oyebamiji is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
The professional qualification forms part of his background in the banking and financial services sector.
7. He worked in the banking sector
Before entering government, Oyebamiji spent several years working in the banking industry.
His career included positions at Wema Bank, Trans International Bank, Spring Bank and Enterprise Bank.
He held various management responsibilities covering areas such as banking operations, business development and retail banking.
8. He headed Osun State Investment Company
In 2012, Oyebamiji was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Osun State Investment Company Limited, formerly known as OSICOL.
The position placed him in charge of managing the state’s investment interests and portfolio.
9. He served as Osun Finance Commissioner
Oyebamiji served as Commissioner for Finance in Osun State under former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola.
His involvement in the state’s financial administration gave him experience in budgeting, public finance and economic management at the state level.
10. He was the head of NIWA
Oyebamiji later moved to the federal level, where he served as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority.
He resigned from the position in October 2025 to pursue his ambition of becoming governor of Osun State.
11. He also worked in the Federal Government
Before becoming NIWA’s managing director, Oyebamiji served as Special Adviser to Gboyega Oyetola, who was then Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
His experience therefore cuts across both state and federal government administration.
12. His campaign focuses on the economy and job creation
Oyebamiji has placed economic development, job creation and improved opportunities for businesses and young people among the issues at the centre of his campaign.
His experience in banking, public finance and government administration has also featured prominently in the APC’s presentation of him as a candidate with economic and managerial experience.
Oyebamiji’s Osun Governorship Ambition
The August 15 election represents Oyebamiji’s biggest political contest yet.
His professional background spans the banking industry, Osun State Government and federal public service, while his political campaign is focused on persuading voters that his experience can translate into better administration of the state.
He will, however, face incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke and other candidates in what is expected to be a closely watched contest.
As Osun voters prepare to cast their ballots, the election will ultimately determine whether the APC can reclaim the state or whether Adeleke will secure another term in office.
Fresh News will continue to bring you updates on the candidates, campaigns and major developments ahead of the Osun governorship election.
