The University of Ilorin in Kwara State has announced plans to honor former House of Representatives member Abayomi Sheba with a Distinguished Alumnus Award during the institution's upcoming 50th anniversary celebrations.
Prestigious Recognition for Distinguished Service
In a personal letter addressed to Sheba, the university's Vice Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), confirmed that the award recognizes Sheba's steadfast commitment to promoting the ideals and image of the university. The ceremony is scheduled for November 26, 2025 at the main auditorium of the university.
Sheba, who attended the University of Ilorin between 1985 and 1989 for his first degree, has built an impressive career spanning journalism, law, and politics. Before entering politics, he worked as a versatile journalist with The Guardian Newspaper, covering politics and environment among other beats.
Distinguished Political and Public Service Career
Sheba's political career saw him represent the Irele/Okitipupa Federal Constituency in Ondo State at the National Assembly from 1999 to 2003. During his tenure, he served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation and Community Development.
His legislative achievements include successfully advocating for the inclusion of the deplorable state of Olowo/Irele/Ajagba/Agadagba road in Ondo State in the 2001 National Budget. This initiative eventually led to the Federal Government awarding the contract for the road's reconstruction, which was completed in 2003.
Sheba also led a delegation of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation to the People's Republic of China to study poverty reduction and sustainable development mechanisms of the Chinese government.
Continued Public Service and Professional Excellence
Following his legislative service, Sheba continued to contribute to national development through various appointments:
- Served as a member of the Presidential National Core Team that drafted Nigeria's Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP)
- Acted as a non-executive director representing Ondo State on the Board of Nigeria Wire and Cable Plc (2004-2005)
- Appointed Head of Ondo State Government Liaison Office, Abuja, and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Olusegun Agagu (2005-2008)
- Appointed Federal Commissioner representing Ondo State on the Board of Federal Character Commission by late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua (July 2009)
- Elevated to Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission by President Muhammadu Buhari (September 2018-August 2019)
Sheba made history as the first Southerner in the 26-year history of the Federal Character Commission to hold the position of Acting Executive Chairman.
Currently, Sheba serves as a senior partner with Harwood Solicitors, a firm of legal practitioners and consultants with offices in Abuja and Lagos. His extensive educational background includes degrees from multiple institutions including Obafemi Awolowo University, Adekunle Ajasin University, The Nigerian Law School, and Ekiti State University.
Sheba holds multiple degrees including B.A (Hons), LLB (Hons), BL, LLM, MPA, M.SC (Peace and Security Studies), M.phil (Law), and Ph.D (Peace & Security Studies). He is happily married with children and enjoys staying with his people, playing badminton, ping-pong, and lawn tennis.
