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Prince Adewole Adebayo

Adewole Adebayo is a prince from the Ondo Kingdom, lawyer, contesting candidate for Nigeria's Presidential Elections 2023, and founder of KAFTAN TV.
Prince Adewole Adebayo
Nationality
Nigerien
Residence
Nigeria
Occupation
Politician, Lawyer, philanthropist, aristocratic official, entrepreneur
Companies
Known for
Prince (Ondo Kingdom), Adewole Adebayo & Co., House of Law (Founder), KAFTAN TV (Founder)
Accolades
The highest personal income tax payer (March 2021, Ondo), the Best Media Proprietor of the Year award (Nigerian Union of Journalists, November 2021), International Bar Association (Member)
Education
Law (Obafemi Awolowo University, Master of Law (University of Jos), New York Bar Exams (passed), Nigerian Law School in Lagos (member of Nigerian Bar)
Summary

Adewole Adebayo is a prince from the Ondo Kingdom in southwestern Nigeria. He is the direct descendant of Osemawe (ruler) Odunola and grandson of Osemawe Lamele. 

As a public affairs prominent figure, Prince Adewole Adebayo actively participates in Nigerian politics as a member of the Third Force coalition. Adebayo announced his candidacy for the presidency of Nigeria in the 2023 election, with an agenda to bring back the lost glory of the ‘Giant of Africa’. 

In recognition of his contribution to the development of Ondo State, Adewole was honoured by the state government for being the highest personal income tax payer in March 2021. He also received the Best Media Proprietor of the Year award from the Nigerian Union of Journalists in November 2021.

Prince Adewole Adebayo holds a Masters of Law from the University of Jos. Adebayo later attended law school in the United States of America, where he passed the New York Bar Exams. He is licensed to practise in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, California, New York, and federal courts in the United States. He is also a Member of the International Bar Association (IBA).

In the private sector, Adewole is a prominent Nigerian lawyer, who founded Adewole Adebayo & Co., House of Law, in 2002. The firm has been involved in significant legal cases, including representing Continental Transfert Technique Limited in a case concerning the constitutionality of a contract with the Federal Government. 

Adewole is the founder of KAFTAN TV, an independent 24-hour television channel established in 2016. The channel is operated by KAFTAN TV Ventures, a trading and joint venture company headquartered in Ondo City, Ondo State, with additional offices in Lagos and Abuja. The platform is a member of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) which is a broad coalition of public and private broadcast organisations.

Biography

Prince Adewole Adebayo was born in Ondo City, Ondo State, on January 8, 1972. He is a direct descendant of Osemawe Odunola, grandson of Osemawe Lamele, and a direct descendant of Alaafin Onigbogi and Alaafin Sango of Oyo Ile.

Between 1978 and 1983, he attended St. Stephen's Primary School in Ondo. From 1983 to 1989, he attended St. Joseph's College in Ondo. And from 1991 to 1997, he went to Obafemi Awolowo University, where he earned a law degree. In 2000, after he graduated from the Nigerian Law School in Lagos and passed his bar exams, he became a member of the Nigerian Bar.

In 2002, shortly after his return to Lagos following his NYSC in Kogi State, he joined the Tunji Abayomi Law Firm, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Adebayo later acquired a Masters of Law at the University of Jos. Adebayo later attended law school in the United States of America, where he passed the New York Bar Exams. He is licensed to practise in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, California, New York, and federal courts in the United States.

Adewole Adebayo began his legal career as a litigation lawyer at Tunji Abayomi and Co in Lagos, Nigeria. After two years of legal practice, he founded his own law firm, Adewole Adebayo & Co., House of Law, in 2002 in Abuja. One of the cases handled by his law firm in Nigeria was the case between Femi Falana and the Federal Government, in which Femi Falana (SAN) contested the constitutionality of the contract between the Ministry of Interior, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and Continental Transfert Technique Limited for the collection of Combined Expatriate and Residence Permit Aliens Card (CERPAC) fees. Adebayo represented Continental Transfert Technique Limited in the case.

Adewole Adebayo founded King Adebayo Film and Theatre Arts Network Television (KAFTAN TV) in 2016. It operates a media production and theatre arts training entity and produces original programming, including feature documentaries, TV programs, and drama skits.

The platform is a member of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) which is a broad coalition of public and private broadcast organizations, duly registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission, as Nigeria's umbrella body of Terrestrial Free-to-Air Radio and Television (Tv), Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), Direct-To-Home (DTH), and Multimedia Distribution System (MMDS). 

On January 15, 2022, Prince Adewole Adebayo announced his intention to run for the prestigious office of the Nigerian president. His entry into the political arena aspires to bring about transformative change and elevate the nation to new heights. In a bid to promote unity and inclusivity, he plans to run under a coalition of political parties, fostering collaboration and a shared vision for a better Nigeria.

Beyond his political aspirations, Adebayo's philanthropy continues to touch lives, empower communities, and leave a lasting positive impact on society. He sponsors nearly 2,000 young Nigerians in tertiary institutions both in Nigeria and abroad.

Vision

Adewole Adebayo envisions a Nigeria that thrives on justice, equality, and socio-economic progress. His vision encompasses various aspects of national development, aiming to create a society where every individual has access to equal opportunities and enjoys the benefits of a prosperous nation.

In the legal realm, Adebayo envisions a justice system that upholds the rule of law and ensures fairness for all. He strives for a legal framework that protects citizens' rights, promotes transparency, and fosters a conducive environment for economic growth. Adebayo's legal expertise and commitment to justice drive his vision of a society where the legal system serves as a pillar of stability and social harmony.

As an entrepreneur and founder of KAFTAN TV, Adebayo envisions a thriving creative industry in Nigeria. He seeks to harness the immense talent within the country, promoting local filmmakers, actors, and artists on a global stage. Adebayo believes in the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and preserve cultural heritage. His vision includes supporting and nurturing the creative arts sector, providing opportunities for young talent to excel, and promoting Nigerian culture through engaging and high-quality content.

Recognition and Awards
In recognition of his service to his state, community, and humanity, Adewole Adebayo was recognised in March 2021 by the Ondo state government as the indigene who pays the highest personal income tax to the Ondo State Government. On November 26, 2021, he was bestowed with the award of the Best Media Proprietor of the Year by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). He is currently running for President of Nigeria as a member of the Third Force Coalition.
References
Prince Adewole Adebayo
Nationality
Nigerien
Residence
Nigeria
Occupation
Politician, Lawyer, philanthropist, aristocratic official, entrepreneur
Companies
Known for
Prince (Ondo Kingdom), Adewole Adebayo & Co., House of Law (Founder), KAFTAN TV (Founder)
Accolades
The highest personal income tax payer (March 2021, Ondo), the Best Media Proprietor of the Year award (Nigerian Union of Journalists, November 2021), International Bar Association (Member)
Education
Law (Obafemi Awolowo University, Master of Law (University of Jos), New York Bar Exams (passed), Nigerian Law School in Lagos (member of Nigerian Bar)