On September 24, 2025, Femi Orebe, a distinguished columnist, a pro-democracy activist, and a public intellectual celebrated his 80th birthday, a milestone that occasioned tributes from the highest echelons of Nigerian society. Femi Orebe’s story is a narrative of a life lived with uncommon integrity, a testament to the Yoruba concept of ‘Omoluwabi’, the virtuous person whose character illuminates every path they tread. From a charismatic young man at Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, to a brilliant history scholar at the University of Ife, from a distinguished university administrator to one of Nigeria’s most respected columnists, Orebe’s journey embodies the principle that good character (Iwa rere) and unwavering principles can sustain and elevate a person through life’s varied seasons. What makes Orebe’s achievement particularly remarkable is his self-identification as “Simply a Citizen Journalist”, a modest description that belies the profound impact of his work.
Birth and Early Life
Born on September 24, 1945, Oluwafemi Orebe emerged as one of Nigeria’s most respected voices in journalism, though his journey began far from the newsroom. From his earliest days, Femi possessed qualities that would define his life’s trajectory, an ebony black complexion, extremely charismatic personality, and a warmth that made friendship look effortlessly easy. His silky complexion readily exposed his immaculate white dentition, creating an appearance that left lasting impressions on everyone he met.
Long before he became known as a citizen journalist, young Femi was already making his mark in social circles. His friend of nearly sixty years, Olumuyiwa Runsewe, recalls their first meeting in June 1968 at the famous Cocoa House in Ibadan: “As soon as somebody introduced me to him as Muyiwa Runsewe from Loyola College, he embraced me and gave me a nickname: ‘MUUYISCO’, he belted out. He has not called me another name since.” This natural ability to connect with people, to make others feel seen and valued, would become one of Femi’s most enduring traits.
Educational Foundation
Femi Orebe’s educational journey began at the prestigious Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, fondly known as “THE SCHOOL”, where he joined the 1959/63 set in year two in 1960. His classmate, Dr. Abiodun Adu, remembers him as “a lovable rascal” whose “sense of humour is legendary. He used to bend us over with laughter doing the impression of some of our teachers.” Despite his playful nature, Femi’s academic brilliance shone through. At the end of year three, when students were separated by academic orientation, Femi joined the humanities section and became one of three students who achieved five A’s in the WAEC examinations.
After a brief stint as a dashing bank employee in Lagos, where he became a constant fixture in the city’s social scene, Femi gained admission to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to study History. It was here that the paradox of Femi Orebe fully manifested. Dr. Adu recalls:
“What surprised everybody was how a confirmed, and certified, campus socialite like Femi could shine ever so brightly academically, even when it was obvious he devoted more time to socials and campus politics than reading.”
The History Scholar
Under the tutelage of world-renowned historian Professor Banji Akintoye, the current Yoruba leader, Femi Orebe developed a deep appreciation for history that would inform his journalism for decades to come. His academic performance was nothing short of exceptional. He graduated in June 1971 with a B.A. (Hons) History, 2nd Class (Upper) Division, missing First Class by mere whiskers but winning the Faculty of Arts Prize for best overall performance.
The numbers tell an even more impressive story. Femi scored 74% (6As and 1B+) in his final result at the University of Ife, a mark that, as Seye Adetunmbi notes, “more than qualify him for a First-Class degree, which would have been the first ever to be awarded in the history of his department at the great university.” This near-perfect performance demonstrated not just intellectual capability but a mastery of historical analysis and narrative construction—skills that would serve him brilliantly in his journalistic career.
From Administration to Journalism: An Unlikely Path
Femi Orebe’s journey into journalism was neither linear nor planned. Upon graduation, he had three options: academia as a Graduate Assistant, administrative work, or joining a multinational company. Fate intervened when the University of Ife Vice-Chancellor, Professor H.A. Oluwasanmi, insisted at an interview that Femi should resume in his office the following Monday.
Thus began a stellar career in university administration that took him from the University of Ife to the University of Ibadan, where he drove the institution’s humongous 25th Foundation Anniversary, and finally to the University of Ilorin as Deputy Registrar. His brilliance and enormous capacity for hard work attracted the attention of formidable academic leaders including Professors Kayode Oshuntokun, Ladipo Akinkugbe, and others who shaped his administrative career.
Yet even as he excelled in administration, Femi wrote copiously for Nigerian print media. For the past twenty years, beginning with the now-defunct Comet newspaper, he has been a columnist with The Nation on Sunday, where his incisive articles have impacted public discourse and helped shape public policies.
The Citizen Journalist: Writing to Transform Society
What distinguishes Femi Orebe from other columnists is his unwavering commitment to the principles of citizen journalism. He describes himself as “Simply a Citizen Journalist”, the title of his 619-page book compiled from his weekly published articles between 2006 and 2024. Seye Adetunmbi explains the editorial challenge: going through “over 1,282,200 words to come up with a consolidated 2,285-page in A4 size and extract this maiden edition of 300,000+ words.”
President Bola Tinubu, in his 80th birthday tribute, captured the essence of Orebe’s journalism:
“Dr Orebe lives his appellation as a Citizen Journalist. His pen is transformative. He writes to correct the ills of society and proffers ideas to engender the necessary changes. His struggles and advocacy for democracy and good governance in the land are also noteworthy.”
Dr. Abiodun Adu further describes Femi’s journalistic character:
“His articles bear the hallmarks of who he is, a man of unshakable integrity, honesty, single mindedness with an unrestrained philosophical principles and ideology, a progressive to the core with a compassionate social conscience and moral compass.”
This commitment to principles means Orebe doesn’t suffer fools gladly and doesn’t mind whose ox is gored with his incisive articles—including criticizing President Tinubu, whom he greatly admires, when occasions demand.
A Life Well-Lived
At 80, Femi Orebe’s achievements extend far beyond journalism. His book “Simply A Citizen Journalist” is now available on Amazon and will be formally unveiled in October 2025, with Chief Dele Fajemirokun, his fellow Great Ife Alumnus, as the Lead Presenter. The book has been structured into five sections covering his reminiscences, political articles, integrated cogitative articles on contemporary issues, tributes to individuals and institutions, and book reviews.
But perhaps his greatest achievement lies in the life he has built. On October 2, 1971, he married his pretty, Ife-born wife Atinuke, and together, 54 years on, they are blessed with amazing children and grandchildren. As Olumuyiwa Runsewe observes:
“One aspect of his life that I admire so much is his family life… He has never, for one day, stopped loving and appreciating his loving and devoted wife.”
Femi Orebe has proved that simplicity, humility, integrity, friendliness, warmth, and what Yorubas call ‘OMOLUWABI’ virtues are vital ingredients for a worthy and successful life. His loyalty to friendship is legendary, his devotion to causes he believes in unwavering, and his commitment to truth unshakeable. A devoted Christian who worships at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Anglican Church Cathedral in Ikeja, Lagos, and St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Are-Ekiti, Femi embodies the principle that good character (Iwa rere) sustains and promotes one through life.
As he steps into his ninth decade, Femi Orebe remains intellectually savvy, consistently producing thought-provoking columns that shape public discourse. Dr. Abiodun Adu proudly declares:
“My friend today sits at the top table of Nigeria’s formidable columnists.”
At 80, with a distinguished career spanning university administration, business, and journalism, Femi Orebe stands as a testament to the power of integrity, the transformative nature of the written word, and the enduring value of a life lived in service to truth and society.