The renowned political scientist and former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Nahzeem Oluwafemi Mimiko, has been conferred with the traditional title of High Chief Lisa of Ondo Kingdom.
Mimiko, a distinguished scholar, public policy analyst and community development advocate, is the second son of the late Pa Atiku Bamidele Mimiko of Ondo and Mrs Muinat Mimiko of the Ogunsulie family.
Born on May 1, 1960, in Ondo, the professor has established an illustrious career spanning academia, university administration, international relations, public policy and national service.
He attended St Patrick’s Primary School, Ondo, now St Paul’s Primary School, before proceeding to Ondo Grammar School and St Joseph’s College, Ondo, where he completed his secondary education in 1979. He subsequently attended the Federal School of Arts and Science, Ondo, before gaining admission into the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, to study Political Science.
Mimiko obtained his master’s degree and doctorate in International Relations from the same university in 1984 and 1992, respectively. He became a professor in 2004 and has undertaken academic and research engagements at several prestigious institutions, including Brown University, the Academy of Korean Studies, Harvard University and the United States Military Academy, West Point.
His academic career includes service as Head of Department of Political Science at Obafemi Awolowo University and several administrative positions at Adekunle Ajasin University, where he served as the institution’s fourth Vice-Chancellor from 2010 to 2015.
Following his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Mimiko continued to contribute to national development through research, policy analysis and strategic advisory engagements. He served as a Senior Research Fellow at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, from October 2024 and subsequently became its Director of Research in May 2025, a position he voluntarily relinquished in October 2026.
A prolific scholar, Mimiko has authored more than 100 journal articles, book chapters and technical reports, alongside several books on governance, international relations, democracy and higher education administration. His recent publications include *Context and Content in Nigeria’s Foreign Policy* and *Defeating Complex Insurgencies: Global Trends and Emulation Possibilities for Nigeria*, both published in 2026.
His contributions have attracted several recognitions, including the USMA Army Commander’s Public Service Award in 2004, the Africa and the African Diaspora Excellent Leadership Award in 2013, and the Osemawe Royal Award in 2014. He is also a Fulbright Scholar and a holder of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies membership designation, mni.
Beyond academia, Mimiko has maintained an enduring commitment to the development of Ondo Kingdom. He has served on the Ondo Development Committee and the Ondo City Proclamation Committee, contributing to initiatives aimed at documenting the kingdom’s history and advancing its development.
He also represented the Ondo community on the Governing Council of Wesley University, Ondo, from 2018 to 2022. On March 21, 2026, he was elected National President of the St Joseph’s College, Ondo, Old Boys Association.
Before his latest traditional elevation, Mimiko held the honorary title of Gbobaniyi of Ondo Kingdom and was subsequently conferred with the title of Jomulaja of Ondo Kingdom on December 9, 2024, by the Osemawe of Ondo and Paramount Ruler of the kingdom, Oba Dr Victor Kiladejo, CFR, Jilo III.
His contributions to public discourse have also earned national recognition. In a letter marking his 65th birthday in May 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commended his intellectual contributions, describing empiricism and objectivity as hallmarks of his public policy analyses and acknowledging his continued involvement in community development.
Mimiko is married to Pastor (Mrs.) Bosede Mimiko, an economist, lawyer and public servant, and they have children.
His emergence as High Chief Lisa adds another traditional distinction to a career marked by academic accomplishment, public service and sustained engagement with the development of Ondo Kingdom.
