Dimeji Bankole

Dimeji Bankole Biography / Profile

Sabur Oladimeji Bankole (popularly known as Dimeji Bankole) was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, on November 14th, 1969. His father, Suarau Olayiwola Alani Bankole is a traditional Yoruba chief from Iporo Oju Ogun in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State and his mother, Mrs. Atinuke Bankole, the Ekerin Iyalode of Egbaland. Dimeji is a businessman, politician, and the 9th and youngest Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria.

Dimeji Bankole Age

Dimeji Bankole is 54 years old.

Dimeji Bankole Early Life

Bankole attended Baptist Boys' High School in Abeokuta before completing his college education at Albany College in London, England. He had his undergraduate education at the University of Reading, England where he studied Economics. Bankole obtained a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from Oxford University, England, in 1992.

Dimeji Bankole Career

Bankole served as Director of Freight Agencies Nigeria Limited from 1995 until 1998. He was the Executive Director of Operations of West African Aluminum Products Limited from 1998 until 2003, and Director of ASAP Limited from 2000 until 2003. He established a charity, the Emma Skipper Foundation. Among the tasks the organisation has undertaken are giving micro-credit loans and awarding scholarships.

Bankole was elected to represent Abeokuta South Federal Constituency of Ogun State between May 2003 and May 2011, under the umbrella of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). He was re-elected in April 2007. In November 2007, he was elected to serve as the 9th Speaker of the House. Elected at 38 years of age, he remains the youngest Speaker of the House.

In 2011, Bankole lost a bid for a third term at the House. Soon after his term, he was tried by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but was later cleared of the charges. He currently serves as Chairman of Aspire Integrated Consultants.

Dimeji Bankole Personal Life

A fan of football and polo sports, Dimeji is a member of the Lagos Polo Club. On October 1st, 2014, he lost lost his 7 year old daughter, Yewand Semiat Bankole to sickle cell. He is currently married to fashion icon, Olaitan Bankole.