Grace, humility, and service have long defined the life of Dolapo Osinbajo, a woman whose quiet strength continues to inspire many across Nigeria. Born Oludolapo Soyode on July 15, 1967, in Ikenne, Ogun State, she is the granddaughter of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo. Growing up in a family that championed education and social responsibility, Dolapo imbibed values that later guided her journey as a lawyer, philanthropist, and advocate for the vulnerable. She attended the International School, Ibadan, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990.
Her marriage to Yemi Osinbajo in 1989 marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and compassion. Together, they have raised three children and built a home centered on humility, love, and service. While her husband’s political career placed her in the national spotlight, Dolapo carved her own path, ensuring that her influence extended beyond political office into the lives of countless Nigerians.
Her compassion for the underprivileged first became evident through her outreach to street children in Lagos, work she later captured in her book They Call Me Mama: From the Under-Bridge Diaries. In 2007, she and her husband co-founded the Orderly Society Trust, a non-governmental organization promoting civic responsibility and mentorship for school children. By 2014, she had expanded her work through The Women’s Helping Hand Initiative in Epe, Lagos, which offers shelter, rehabilitation, and skills training to women, children, and young adults facing hardship.
As Nigeria’s Second Lady between 2015 and 2023, Dolapo Osinbajo used her platform to champion social justice and women’s empowerment. She condemned gender-based violence as a crime against humanity and spoke passionately against destructive internet lifestyles that mislead young people. At the 49th Benue Women in Prayer Convocation in 2019, she warned youths about the dangers of living for appearances, a message that resonated widely in a society grappling with the pressures of digital culture.
Her advocacy also extended to health, where she played a prominent role in Nigeria’s fight against tuberculosis. In December 2019, she was appointed by First Lady Aisha Buhari as a national champion in the anti-tuberculosis campaign, highlighting her influence in public health. In 2023, at an International Women’s Day event, she urged financial institutions to support women with access to capital, stressing that many dreams—whether building businesses, educating children, or caring for families—depend on financial empowerment.
Deeply rooted in faith, Dolapo leads the Ladies Fellowship of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus House Parish. Her life reflects an enduring devotion to family, community, and country. She has often emphasized the importance of privacy, balancing the demands of public life with the quiet dignity of a woman committed to service.
Reflecting on her values, Dolapo once said, “If we live our lives to serve others, then we will have lived well.” That simple conviction captures her personality—gentle yet firm, private yet impactful, and always guided by compassion. Her legacy is one of love, faith, and resilience, inspiring generations to embrace service as a way of life.
