Meet Adenike Oshinowo, First Female Clerk of the Lagos Assembly

Mrs. Adenike Abolanle Oshinowo is a distinguished legal practitioner, seasoned legislative draftsman, and accomplished public administrator with over two decades of meritorious service in the Lagos State Public Service. Renowned for her deep expertise in legislative processes and governance, she currently serves as the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, a position to which she was appointed on April 28, 2026.

Born in Lagos State, Mrs. Oshinowo has consistently demonstrated intellectual excellence and an unwavering commitment to promoting corporate integrity and good governance throughout her career.

She holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Legislative Drafting from the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos Campus (2002–2003). She earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos (1987–1992), and was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing her training at the Nigerian Law School in 1995. Her early education was at Eko Girls’ High School and Anglican Girls Primary School, Lagos.

Mrs. Oshinowo began her legal career in private practice, working with reputable law firms, including Abudu Akinyemi & Co. and Wole Smith & Co., before joining the Lagos State Civil Service in 1997 as a Legal Draftsman. Her early exposure to legal drafting and prosecution provided a solid foundation for her specialization in legislative drafting and parliamentary administration.

Her career in the Lagos State Public Service has been marked by steady progression through key legal and administrative roles. Between 1999 and 2006, she served at the Lagos State House of Assembly, rising from State Counsel to Principal State Counsel.

She subsequently worked in the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Directorate of Advisory Services in the Ministry of Justice, where she broadened her expertise in criminal justice administration and legal advisory services.

In 2008, she returned to the Lagos State House of Assembly and became a central figure in the Legislative Drafting and Legal Services Department. Her exceptional performance earned her successive promotions to Chief State Counsel (2010), Assistant Director (2013), Deputy Director (2017), and Deputy Clerk (2021), culminating in her appointment as Clerk in 2026.

Mrs. Oshinowo is widely respected for her proficiency in legislative drafting, policy formulation, and institutional governance. She has made significant contributions to the development of laws and legislative frameworks that support effective governance in Lagos State.

A dedicated professional, she is a member of several prestigious bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, African Bar Association, and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria.

Her commitment to continuous professional development is reflected in her participation in numerous local and international conferences and training programmes across Africa, Europe, Australia, and North America. Notably, she has attended executive education programmes at the University of Cambridge, further strengthening her leadership capacity and global perspective on legislative practice and public sector management.

In recognition of her dedication and contributions, she has received several honours, including the Long Service Award from the Lagos State House of Assembly (2015) and an Honorary Citizenship Award from the City of Austin, Texas, USA (2012).
Mrs. Oshinowo is proficient in English and Yoruba and possesses strong communication and computer skills. She is an avid reader, known for her intellectual curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning.

As Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Adenike Abolanle Oshinowo brings a wealth of experience, integrity, and a deep understanding of legislative governance, positioning her as a pivotal figure in strengthening parliamentary administration and advancing democratic institutions in Lagos State.

She is happily married with children and enjoys reading and legislative/legal research as her hobbies.