Did Former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Chef Steal Millions from Him?

Former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s chef, Victor Abayomi, has been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The allegations against him involve the theft of valuables worth millions of naira from Ambode’s residence in Ikoyi.

The case, presided over by Chief Magistrate Peter Nwaka at a Sabo-Yaba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, has led to a 30-day remand for Abayomi. The court has adjourned the case until April 8 for further investigation and presentation of facts.

Abayomi faces charges of conspiracy and theft, with accusations that he, along with others who are still at large, committed the offences at the residence of the former governor. Legal officer Joshua Babalola of the State Security Service (SSS) stated that Abayomi fled to Old Garage in Molorundo Local Government Area, Osun State, where he was apprehended by Ambode’s SSS on March 7.

The alleged offences are said to contravene sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. As the legal proceedings continue, many are left wondering about the details of the case and the extent of the alleged theft by Akinwunmi Ambode’s chef.

Akinwunmi Ambode’s Background

Akinwunmi Ambode has been a significant figure in Nigerian politics, serving as the 14th Governor of Lagos State from 2015 to 2019. His tenure was marked by several infrastructural developments and reforms aimed at improving the state’s economic status and the welfare of its residents.

Ambode’s journey in public service is underpinned by an extensive education in finance and management. He is an alumnus of the Federal Government College, Warri, and graduated from the University of Lagos at the age of 21 with a degree in Accounting. Ambode further honed his expertise by earning a master’s degree in Accounting from the same university and qualifying as a chartered accountant.

His quest for knowledge didn’t stop there. Ambode was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Program scholarship for the Hubert Humphries Fellowship Programme in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended advanced management programmes at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, participated in courses at the Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield, England, and the Institute of Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. Ambode also took courses at INSEAD, Singapore, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Cambridge, USA.

Ambode’s career prior to his governorship includes 27 years as a civil servant and a financial consultant, laying a solid foundation for his venture into politics. He ran for the office of the Governor of Lagos State in April 2015 as a member of the All Progressives Congress and won, defeating his closest opponent by 150,000 votes.

Despite his notable achievements in office, Ambode’s political journey saw challenges, particularly when he lost the APC gubernatorial primary election to Babajide Sanwo-Olu in October 2018, marking the end of his governorship tenure after a single term. Nonetheless, Ambode supported Sanwo-Olu’s campaign, contributing to a smooth transition in the state.

As the investigation into the alleged theft by Ambode’s chef unfolds, it’s clear that Akinwunmi Ambode’s legacy is one of dedication to public service and commitment to the development of Lagos State, framed by an extensive background in finance and governance.