Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, born on November 21, 1945, is a retired Nigerian Navy Commodore and influential politician. He served as Military Governor of Ondo State and later became a key leader in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Known for his long-standing political influence in southwestern Nigeria, he also holds the traditional title of Atona Oodua of Yorubaland.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Olabode Ibiyinka George |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Lagos State |
| Spouse | Roli Adeniyi-George |
| Children | Several, including late Dipo George and Yinka Bode-George |
| Occupations | Retired Navy Commodore, Politician, Former Military Governor, Former Board Chairman |
| Political Party | Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) |
| Net Worth | $5 million – $10 million |
Early Life and Education
Bode George hails from a prominent Lagos family with rich historical roots. His great-grandfather, a reverend, married a Nupe woman and settled in Lagos, establishing the family’s deep connection to the city.
His paternal grandmother, originally from Brazil, arrived in Lagos at a young age and attended St. Mary’s Primary School. The family resided in the Popo Aguda area of Lagos Island, where his grandfather served as an organist at Ereko Methodist Church and worked at the Government Printing Press.
Growing up on Evans Street, Lagos, George attended local schools and was passionate about football, often playing at the Isale-Eko stadium.
He later attended the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA, laying a solid academic foundation for his future military and political career.
Career
Military Service
George’s career began in the Nigerian Navy, where he rose to the rank of Commodore through years of dedicated service. He served in various capacities, gaining extensive operational and administrative experience.
Between 1988 and 1990, he was appointed Military Governor of Ondo State during General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime. His tenure was marked by notable achievements, including the establishment of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic in Owo, which today serves thousands of students.
Following his governorship, George served as Principal Staff Officer to General Oladipo Diya, the Chief of General Staff, from 1993 to 1997.
He also held the position of Director at the Nigerian National War College (now National Defence College), contributing to the training and development of Nigeria’s military leadership.
Political Career
With Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999, George entered politics as a founding member of the PDP.
He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming National Vice-Chairman (South-West) in 2001, then Deputy National Chairman (South), and eventually National Deputy Chairman. His close alliance with former President Olusegun Obasanjo enhanced his influence within the party.
George was appointed Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 1999 to 2003, overseeing one of Nigeria’s critical economic sectors.
In 2007, he served as Director-General of the Yar’Adua-Jonathan Presidential Campaign, further cementing his status as a political heavyweight.
Throughout his political journey, George has been a vocal advocate for Nigeria’s restructuring and equitable power sharing.
Personal Life
Bode George is married to Mrs. Roli Adeniyi-George, whom he wed around 2005. Roli has held significant federal appointments, including membership in the National Population Commission (NPC) and serving as Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Together, they have children, including the late Dipo George, who passed away in 2018 at age 42, and Yinka Bode-George, a successful Nigerian-Canadian model recognized internationally.
George’s family heritage links him to Nigeria’s nationalist history through his great-granduncle, Sir Herbert Macaulay. This lineage underscores his deep-rooted connection to Lagos and Nigerian political legacy.
Controversies
Nigerian Ports Authority Scandal
Bode George’s tenure as NPA Chairman was marred by allegations of corruption involving contract splitting and financial mismanagement amounting to billions of naira.
In 2009, he and other board members were convicted and sentenced to prison. However, after serving time, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction in 2013, citing the absence of legal provisions at the time of the alleged offenses and lack of evidence of fraudulent intent.
Political Disputes
George has been involved in high-profile political disputes, notably with Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current president. He has publicly questioned Tinubu’s origins and legitimacy as a Lagos indigene.
In a dramatic political statement, George once threatened to relocate to Togo if Tinubu won the 2023 presidential election but later revealed that Tinubu’s team persuaded him to stay.
Bode George Net Worth
While no official figure is publicly confirmed, considering his decades of service in the military, political offices, and business interests, Bode George’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $5 million to $10 million.
This estimate reflects his status as a prominent Nigerian elder statesman with significant property holdings and political influence, though exact details remain private.
Awards and Honors
Bode George has received numerous accolades, including:
- Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a prestigious Nigerian national honor
- Lifetime Achievement Award from The Independent Newspaper (2024) for his dedication to the PDP and democracy
- Leadership Award from Nigerian Television Authority (2019)
- Garkuwan Matasan Najeriya (2019) from the Northern Youth Council, honoring his service to humanity
- Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award
These awards recognize his bold leadership, commitment to national unity, and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development.
