Sir Bisi Fakayode
Biography Of Sir Bisi Fakayode, National President, Omo Ibile Igbomina
Sir Bisi Fakayode, widely known as Comrade Bisi Fakayode, was born on 29 October 1958 into the respected royal family of the late Prince Fatoye Fakayode of Okesan Compound, Arandun, in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. A native of Arandun, he has distinguished himself over the decades as a labour leader, public servant, administrator, community leader and socio-cultural advocate.
- EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Sir Bisi Fakayode began his education at St. Barnabas’ Primary School, Ilorin 1965–1968 and continued at St. Paul’s Primary School, Omu-Aran1969–1971. He subsequently attended Oro Grammar School, Oro 1972–1976.
His commitment to professional development led him to undertake further studies and training at the Kwara State Staff Development Centre, Ilorin, in 1985 and 1992, and at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, between 1994 and 1995.
He also participated in specialized labour and industrial-relations programmes, including training at the National Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin, Michael Imoudu Institute for Labour Studies, Jos, and seminars organized by labour Institutions and International partners, including the NLC, OATUU and ILO. In 2015, he undertook an Industrial Relations course in Maryland, United States of America.
- Labour And Public Service Career
Sir Bisi Fakayode commenced his working career with the Kwara State Ministry of Works in 1977, beginning a public-service journey that would later develop into a prominent role in the Nigerian labour movement.
He served as State Auditor of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Kwara State, from 1986 to 1988, and subsequently became State Chairman of the NCSU, serving from 1988 to 1993.
Between 1992 and 1998, he served as Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara State Chapter, emerging as one of the prominent voices of organized labour in the state. His years in the labour movement were characterized by advocacy for workers’ welfare, constructive engagement with government and efforts toward industrial harmony.
His experience in labour relations later earned him appointments as Special Adviser on Labour Matters and Students Affairs to the Kwara State Government, where he served under the administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed. In that capacity, he advised government on labour-related matters, engaged with organized labour and represented government at labour discussions and negotiations. He was also involved in student affairs and served as a liaison between government and the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS).
- POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CAREER
Sir Bisi Fakayode entered partisan politics in 1998, serving as State Publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kwara State.
In 1999, he was elected Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government Area, a position he held until 2002. During his tenure, he was associated with initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots administration and community development. His administration also played a role in the enthronement of traditional rulers in communities that had experienced prolonged vacancies, including Ajase-Ipo, Arandun, Ipetu-Igbomina, Agbonda and Aran-Orin, among others.
He subsequently served as Kwara State Vice Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) between 2000 and 2002.
Following his local government administration, he continued his political engagement at the senatorial-district level, including service as Chairman of Kwara South Senatorial District of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and later as Chairman of the PDP in Kwara South Senatorial District.
On 22 November 2025, he voluntarily resigned his position as Kwara South PDP Chairman and withdrew his membership of the party following his emergence as National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, a position requiring political neutrality as the head of an apex socio-cultural organisation.
- TRADITIONAL AND SOCIO-CULTURAL LEADERSHIP
Beyond public service and organized labour, Sir Bisi Fakayode has remained actively involved in traditional and community development.
He holds the prestigious traditional title of Balogun of Arandun and is also recognised as the Aare of Oro Kingdom. He is additionally associated with the traditional titles of Akinrogun of Isanlu-Isin and Atayese of Olla.
In November 2025, he emerged as National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, the apex socio-cultural platform bringing together Igbomina people at home and in the diaspora. Under his leadership, the organisation is committed to promoting unity, cultural identity, community development, education, economic empowerment, healthcare, social cohesion and the collective advancement of the Igbomina people.
His assumption of the presidency marked a transition from partisan political leadership to a broader socio-cultural responsibility, with emphasis on inclusiveness and the collective interests of Igbomina communities.
- PERSONAL LIFE AND FAITH
Sir Bisi Fakayode is happily married to Chief Lady Elizabeth Funke Fakayode and their union is blessed with children who are making meaningful contributions to society both at home and abroad.
Family remains an important part of his life, alongside his longstanding commitment to public service, community development and the advancement of Igbomina people.
In reflecting on his 60th birthday in 2018, he described Arandun as his “Jerusalem” and recalled his long-standing desire to return to his ancestral home after years of public service. He has since fulfilled that aspiration and maintained a strong presence in Arandun.
He is a committed Anglican and worships at St. Barnabas Cathedral, Ilorin, and St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Arandun. His service and community standing have earned him different forms of recognition, including the honorific Knight in 2015, while his labour background accounts for the enduring title Comrade.
- LEGACY OF SERVICE
Over several decades, Sir Bisi Fakayode has built a public profile spanning organized labour, civil service, local government administration, political organisation, traditional leadership and socio-cultural development.
His career reflects a continuing commitment to stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, community mobilisation and public service. Today, as National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, he continues to devote his experience and leadership to the unity, dignity and sustainable development of the Igbomina people.