Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON
Acclaimed jurist, constitutional lawyer, professor of law and statesman — a global advocate for people-centred justice, democratic governance and climate justice.
Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Justice Research Institute (JRI). An acclaimed jurist, constitutional lawyer, professor of law, statesman, and global advocate for people-centred justice, democratic governance, and climate justice, Professor Osinbajo has devoted more than four decades to advancing the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions, and expanding access to justice across Africa.
He served as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, during which he was pivotal in shaping Nigeria’s economic and governance reforms, promoting institutional accountability, and championing inclusive development. He conceived and led Nigeria’s landmark National Social Investment Programme, the largest social protection initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa, reaching millions of vulnerable Nigerians through targeted interventions in social welfare, education, enterprise development, and financial inclusion. His work demonstrated the critical relationship between people-centred governance, social inclusion, and democratic resilience.
Professor Osinbajo has consistently advocated that sustainable democracy must deliver tangible benefits to citizens. Across Africa and globally, he continues to engage governments, multilateral institutions, and development partners on building democratic resilience through accountable governance, inclusive institutions, and large-scale social investment programmes that promote equitable development and strengthen public trust.
Earlier, as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State (1999–2007), Professor Osinbajo led one of Africa’s most celebrated justice sector reform programmes. He transformed the Ministry of Justice from a traditional “law and order” institution into a citizen-centred justice system focused on access, accountability, and public service. Under his leadership, Lagos established pioneering institutions including the Office of the Public Defender (OPD), the Citizens’ Mediation Centre (CMC), and the Directorate for Citizens’ Rights, providing free legal representation, alternative dispute resolution, and accessible justice services for vulnerable and indigent persons. These innovations have since become influential models for justice sector reform across Nigeria and the African continent.
A distinguished academic, Professor Osinbajo is a Professor of Law whose scholarship spans constitutional and public law, jurisprudence, governance, environmental and climate justice, technology and the law, media law, and the protection of the rights of women and children under domestic and international legal frameworks. His research, teaching, and public engagements continue to shape legal scholarship and policy conversations on the future of justice, governance, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Before entering public office, Professor Osinbajo enjoyed an exceptional career in legal practice, serving as a Senior Partner at one of Nigeria’s leading commercial law firms while maintaining an active academic career. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and one of Africa’s most respected legal minds.
An alumnus of the University of Lagos and the London School of Economics and Political Science, Professor Osinbajo remains a highly sought-after global speaker and thought leader on governance, democracy, economic development, justice sector reform, climate justice, and the rule of law.
As Founder and Chairman of the Justice Research Institute, Professor Osinbajo provides strategic leadership to the Institute’s mission of advancing people-centred justice, strengthening accountable institutions, promoting evidence-based policy, and supporting transformative justice and governance reforms across Africa.
Since leaving public office, Professor Osinbajo has continued to shape global conversations on governance, justice, sustainable development, climate action, technology, and Africa’s future through a range of international leadership and advisory roles. He serves on the boards and advisory councils of leading global institutions and collaborates with governments, multilateral organisations, universities, and philanthropic foundations to advance democratic governance, economic transformation, energy transition, and people-centred justice.
A respected global thought leader, Professor Osinbajo is a distinguished speaker at major international forums, where he contributes to policy dialogue on constitutional democracy, inclusive economic growth, justice sector reform, digital innovation, climate justice, and ethical leadership. His insights have informed high-level discussions convened by governments, the United Nations, the African Union, the World Bank, and other international organisations.
Professor Osinbajo is also committed to nurturing the next generation of African leaders through teaching, mentorship, and research collaborations with leading universities and policy institutes around the world. Through the Justice Research Institute, he continues to champion evidence-based research, innovative public policy, and practical reforms that strengthen institutions, expand access to justice, and promote people-centred governance across Africa.
His enduring commitment to public service, intellectual excellence, and principled leadership has established him as one of Africa’s foremost voices on the responsible use of AI and technology, democratic governance, the rule of law, and sustainable development in the twenty-first century.
