Jimoh Ibrahim: The Bricklayer’s Son Who Built His Way to the Senate

Born in Okitipupa, Ondo State, Senator Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim has built his life from modest roots to commanding roles as a lawyer, billionaire businessman, and, since 2023, the senator representing Ondo South.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur and politician currently serving as the Senator for Ondo South under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He is best known for founding and leading Global Fleet Group. Stories about him confirm his active, sometimes controversial, presence in Ondo State politics. 

READ ALSO: Senate will debate Rivers' emergency declaration Thursday - Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.

READ ALSO: I Attended Lectures Alone for Four Years — How I Survived as the Only Student in My Department

Jimoh Ibrahim was born on February 24, 1967, in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area, Ondo State. He was born into a large and humble polygamous family. His father, who is a bricklayer, married seven wives and bore 40 children. His mother was a local fish seller as well.  

Jimoh Ibrahim's educational journey began in Igbotako at Community Grammar School, followed by Federal School of Arts and Science in Ondo. He then pursued higher education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). 

Furthering his academic pursuits, he obtained a Master of Laws (LLM) with a specialisation in International Taxation from Harvard University. 

Most recently, in July 2022, he was awarded a Business Doctorate (BusD) from the University of Cambridge, UK. Even during his school years, Ibrahim demonstrated a strong commitment to education and public service, actively participating in scholarship distributions and community support initiatives.

READ ALSO: APC didn't pay my school fees, I won't advise them suspended Jimoh Ibrahim

After his education and NYSC programme, Ibrahim worked in legal practice before pivoting more into business. He founded Global Fleet Group, a diversified company with interests across oil & gas, real estate, hospitality, insurance, media, aviation, etc.

Under his leadership, Global Fleet acquired filling stations and set up oil depots; ventured into energy banking in Ghana and São Tomé; owned and managed hotels and news media entities: Nicon hotels, Newswatch/National Mirror, etc.

His business success opened a platform for public influence. He began contesting for political office, aiming for governorship in Ondo State in past election cycles, eventually running for Senate in 2023. His business reputation, financial resources, and network made political entry feasible.

Although well known as a business figure, his active political career includes early attempts at governorship in Ondo State (he declared ambition for the 2024 governorship under APC) and others in earlier years.

He was also named Finance Deputy Director of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council in 2022.

• Senate Seat: In February 2023, Ibrahim contested for the Ondo South Senatorial District under APC and won, polling ~110,665 votes against his closest rival. He has served as Senator since June 13, 2023.
  

• Party Issues and Suspension: In May 2024, the Igbotako Ward II APC executive committee in Okitipupa suspended Jimoh Ibrahim from the party (APC) on grounds of anti-party activities, like his attempt to sue the party and insubordination.

READ ALSO: My phone detected 277 guns around the Senate chamber - Jimoh Ibrahim

• Constituency Projects:
  

  • Jimoh Ibrahim appointed 100 PAs (Personal Assistants) to help with legislative duties and awarded ₦300,000 each to 100 constituents as empowerment, marking his first 100 days in office.
    

  • He drilled solar boreholes in all 66 wards in Ondo South, installed solar panels in communities, made educational infrastructure donations, and donated funds for disaster victims and local facilities.
    

• Legislation/Bills: He has initiated bills for educational institutions in his senatorial district, including a Federal College of Education (Igbekebo), Federal Polytechnic in Igbokoda and the Federal College of Agriculture in Araromi-Obu. He also pushed for a "Bitumen Development Commission" to harness natural resources in the area. 

Just like his father, Jimoh Ibrahim is also a polygamous man. He is married to Mrs Modupe Jimoh Ibrahim, who bore him a child, and Biodun Jimoh Ibrahim, who bore him three children. 

Public perception of Ibrahim is somewhat divided. Some supporters see him as a man of education, capacity, and philanthropic gestures, while critics point to certain anti-party actions like suing Governor Aiyedatiwa over APC primaries and controversies surrounding his wealth.

READ ALSO: From Trader to Billionaire Senator: The Rise of Orji Uzor Kalu

Despite AMCON freezing Jimoh Ibrahim's accounts and seizing properties over his 69.4 billion debt, he is still recognised as one of the richest people in Nigeria. There is a wide variation in estimates about his net worth. Some sources place him at US$1.1 billion; others go as high as US$3 billion.

READ ALSO: Toxic Jobs Are Making Nigerians Sick

• University of Cambridge Senate: In April 2025, Jimoh Ibrahim was appointed to the Senate (governing body) of the University of Cambridge. He is expected to serve for life and participate in major decisions (including voting for Chancellor).
  
  

• Gubernatorial Ambition: He declared his desire to contest for the APC ticket for Governor of Ondo State ahead of the 2024 election.

“I’m declaring my intention to run for the governorship election of Ondo State… Among the contestants, I am the oldest. … My programmes are hinged on creating moral efficiency, moral knowledge and human capacity building.”

READ ALSO: Joseph Ikpea: From Esan Roots to the Halls of the Senate

From modest beginnings in Okitipupa through education at OAU, Harvard, and Cambridge to building a business empire and winning a Senate seat, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim's journey is a testament to drive, capital, and strategic positioning.