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Professor Bolaji Akinyemi: Nigerian Diplomat and Scholar of Global Influence

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Professor Bolaji Akinyemi is a Nigerian diplomat, political scientist, and academic whose career has significantly shaped the country’s foreign policy and contributed to the study of international relations.

Known for integrating rigorous scholarship with public service, Akinyemi remains a prominent voice in debates on Nigeria’s role in global affairs.

Early Life and Education

Born on 4 January 1942 in Ilesa, Osun State, Akinyemi received his early education at Ilesa Grammar School and Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Ibadan before pursuing postgraduate studies abroad. He obtained his master’s degree from King’s College London and completed his doctorate in international relations at the University of Oxford.
(The Guardian Nigeria, 5 Jan. 2022; The Nation Nigeria, 20 Aug. 2014)

Academic and Policy Foundations

Before entering government, Akinyemi taught political science at the University of Lagos and later became the director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) from 1975 to 1983. At NIIA he helped develop Nigeria’s intellectual and policy capacity in foreign affairs, producing research that linked academic theory with practical diplomacy.

(Punch Nigeria, 7 Feb. 2014)

Minister of External Affairs (1985–1987)

Akinyemi served as Nigeria’s Minister of External Affairs from 1985 to 1987 during the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. His tenure was marked by active promotion of Nigeria’s leadership within Africa and the Non-Aligned Movement. He strengthened ties with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and emphasized South–South cooperation as a strategic foreign policy priority.

(The Nation, 20 Aug. 2014)

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The Technical Aid Corps Initiative

Among his most enduring contributions was the creation of the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) scheme in 1987. The program deploys Nigerian professionals—such as doctors, engineers, and teachers—to other developing countries, fostering solidarity and development cooperation across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The TAC scheme remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s soft power and South–South diplomatic engagement.

(Vanguard Nigeria, 28 Sept. 2017)

Later National Leadership

In 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Akinyemi as Deputy Chairman of the National Conference. He played a key role in discussions about constitutional reforms, governance structures, and federalism, drawing on decades of academic and diplomatic experience.

(Premium Times, 5 March 2014)

Scholarly Works

Akinyemi has authored influential books and articles, including Foreign Policy and Federalism: The Nigerian Experience (London, 1974) and Nigeria and the World: Readings in Nigerian Foreign Policy (1979). These works examine the interplay between Nigeria’s federal structure and its foreign policy ambitions and remain core texts in the study of African international relations.

(University of Lagos Press catalogue; Oxford University repository)

Legacy and Continuing Influence

Through his scholarship and public service, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi has demonstrated the value of linking academic insight to statecraft. His creation of the Technical Aid Corps and his contributions to Nigeria’s international positioning continue to influence policymakers and scholars studying the country’s evolving role in global diplomacy.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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