H.E. Dr. Olusegun Rahman Mimiko is the immediate past Executive Governor of Ondo State in the South Western part of Nigeria. Iroko, as he is fondly referred to by both friends and supporters as born on 3rd October, 1957 in Ondo Kingdom. He attended primary and secondary school in Ondo State and proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1972-1976 and graduated in 1976 with B.Sc Health Science degree in 1976 and the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 1980.
Dr
Olusegun Mimiko cut his political teeth in the University of Ife where he
was always politically active and went way up the political totem in the
Students Union and also in the International Students Association (he was Public
Relations Officer of the body between 1977-1978).
Dr. Olusegun
Mimiko was renowned in the practice of medicine both within Nigeria and
outside the country and having garnered extensive experience both in private
and public practice and rising to the enviable height of
Acting Medical Director at Alleluyah Hospital in Oshodi,
Lagos he set up his own private medical practice, Mona Medi-Clinic in
1985 and the said clinic was headquartered in Ondo town, Ondo
State, where he was brought up.
Dr. Olusegun
Mimiko has always been a progressive and this is evident in his political
leanings; he identified with Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria, a
party he later became the Publicity Secretary in Ondo Local Government Area. He
was the head of a political think-tank referred to as The Ondo Study
Group (OSG). OSG had a special interest in voters enlightenment and was seen as
a force and it was the vehicle in which Dr. Olusegun Mimiko unsuccessfully ran
for office as Chairman of Ondo Local Government (as it was then referred to).
In recognition
of his untiring efforts and his famed connection with the masses, he was
appointed as the Secretary to the Ondo State Government (SSG). He had barely
settled in when the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief
Olusegun Obasanjo summoned him to higher office by appointing him as the
Federal Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. Dr. Olusegun Mimiko
contested for the gubernatorial seat of Ondo State and despite the fact that he
was earlier said to have lost by the electoral body (INEC), he approached the
courts, citing several irregularities and asking the court to declare his
winner.
His prayers
were granted and Dr. Olusegun Rahman Mimiko was sworn into office on the 24th day
of February, 2009. It is a testament to his dogged spirit and belief in the
institutions of the country that his mandate which was almost thwarted was
recovered and he went ahead to rule Ondo State twice as a governor before
relinquishing the seat after his mandatory 2 terms in office had elapsed. Dr.
Olusegun Mimiko goes along with his convictions hence the reason he attempted
to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in
the just concluded elections and got the nod of the Zenith Labour Party to be
its flag bearer. While he withdrew for personal reasons and opted for the
Senate, it is safe to say that the last has not been heard of ‘Iroko’.
Dr. Olusegun
Mimiko has authored many research and published articles on
medicine, international relations, social and political development
strategies His legacies in Ondo State health sector has put the state in
the consciousness of the world to the point that the united Nations and
other highly reputable international bodies have recommended the health
delivery system which Mimiko initiated and executed in Ondo State as a model
for the whole world to emulate. Mimiko has received numerous awards
including John F. Kennedy Essay (School Level) 1971, Justice of peace (JP)1993,
Distinguished meritorious service Award 1993 by Ondo State Chapter
of Nigeria Medical Association and he is patron to several Youths and
professional Body organizations.
Dr. Mimiko is
married to the beautifully delectable Mrs Olukemi Mimiko and the family is
blessed with amazing children.