Who is Olanipekun Olukoyede? Biography of new EFCC chairman, age, state of origin, education

Pastor Ola Olukoyede, a native of Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, South-west Nigeria, was born on 14 October 1969, making him 54 years old as of 14 October. He was nominated by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the Secretary to EFCC in 2018.

Professional Background:

• Olukoyede had previously worked as a lawyer at the law firm of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo before assuming his role at the EFCC.
• He is a seasoned lawyer with expertise in compliance management, corporate intelligence, and fraud management.
• As a certified fraud examiner, he has led investigations and civil litigation related to fraud and financial crimes in International development projects.
• His specialization includes anti-corruption research and analysis, as well as corporate and business intelligence gathering and processing.

Career Milestones:

• He became the Secretary to EFCC in November 2018 after confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, replacing Emmanuel Aremo.
• Olukoyede’s nomination and subsequent appointment were not without controversy, with allegations of sidelining certain senators during the confirmation process.

Noteworthy Engagements:

• A member of the Fraud Advisory Panel (UK), highlighting his international involvement in anti-fraud initiatives.
• Additionally, he is a member of the Federal Government Technical Committee on the Repositioning of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.

Historical Significance:

• If his nomination is successful, Olukoyede would become the first Nigerian from the South of the country to lead the anti-corruption agency, EFCC, breaking a trend where all substantive chairpersons, including acting ones, have historically hailed from the Northern region.