LERE OLAYINKA BIOGRAPHY, EDUCATION, CAREER, CONTROVERSIES AND NET WORTH

Olalere James Olayinka, popularly known as Lere Olayinka, is a Nigerian journalist, media professional, political communicator and public affairs strategist from Okemesi, Ekiti State. Born on October 1, 1972, he has built a career spanning journalism, broadcasting, publishing and political communication. He has worked closely with prominent Nigerian politicians, including former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and former Ekiti Governor Segun Oni.

LERE OLAYINKA PROFILE

LERE OLAYINKA BIOGRAPHY

Lere Olayinka was born on October 1, 1972, in Okemesi-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. He attended primary and secondary schools in Ekiti before pursuing a career in journalism and communications. According to an account of his life, Olayinka initially aspired to become a medical doctor but eventually explored different occupations before finding his calling in journalism. He reportedly worked as a shoemaker and later in insurance marketing before moving fully into journalism.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Lere Olayinka attended the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, where he obtained a Diploma in Journalism.

CAREER

Olayinka began his professional career in journalism and has worked across different areas of the media industry. He became involved in print journalism, publishing, broadcasting, public relations and social-media communication.

Between 2003 and 2007, he served as the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Class Magazine. He later became involved with Wazobia Reporters, where he served as publisher.He also served as Media Adviser to the Minister of State for Works in 2018. In addition, he became the Chief Executive Officer of Our People’s FM in Ado-Ekiti, a position he has been associated with since 2018.

Olayinka’s career has been strongly connected to Nigerian politics, particularly politics in Ekiti State. He previously worked as a Media Assistant to Segun Oni, who served as Governor of Ekiti State. Olayinka later became involved in the political communication machinery surrounding Ayodele Fayose, serving as Special Assistant on Public Communications to the Ekiti State Governor from 2014 to 2018. During this period, he became known for his active use of social media and other communication platforms to promote his principal’s political positions and respond to opposition criticism.

In 2022, Olayinka contested for the Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II seat in the House of Representatives under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). During his campaign, he described himself as a potential “servant leader” and promised to remain accessible to constituents.

In November 2024, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, appointed Lere Olayinka as Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media.

CONTROVERSIES

Olayinka has occasionally been involved in political controversies because of his outspoken political views and activities. In 2012, while serving as an aide to former Ekiti Governor Segun Oni, he was arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command following an incident involving a Teachers Development Needs Assessment exercise in Ado-Ekiti. The then Ekiti State Government accused him of disrupting the exercise and harassing teachers. He has also frequently engaged in political debates and criticism.

LERE OLAYINKA SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLE

https://www.facebook.com/lere.olayinkaii

PERSONAL LIFE

Lere Olayinka is married and has children. He generally keeps details about his wife and children away from the public spotlight.

LERE OLAYINKA NET WORTH

Lere Olayinka’s exact net worth is not publicly known.