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.
Who Is Jimoh Ibrahim?
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.
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Jimoh Ibrahim’s Profile Summary
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Full Name |
Jimoh Folorunso Ibrahim |
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Date of Birth / Age |
24 February 1967 (58 years as of 2025) |
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State of Origin |
Ondo State, Nigeria |
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Local Government Area |
Okitipupa / Igbotako |
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Tribe / Ethnicity |
Yoruba |
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Religion |
Muslim |
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Marital Status |
Married |
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Political Party |
All Progressives Congress (APC) |
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Current Position |
Senator, Ondo South Senatorial District |
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Years Active in Politics |
At least since the early 2000s, contested various elections, won the Senate in 2023 |
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Net Worth |
Figures vary: ~$1.1B to ~$3B (depending on source) |
His Early Life and Education
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.
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Jimoh Ibrahim’s Career Before Politics
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.
His Political Career
Entry into Politics
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.
Major Political Roles
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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.
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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.
