Chief Ademola Rasaq Seriki, CON (30 November 1959 – 15 December 2022), widely known as Demola Seriki, was a prominent Nigerian politician, teacher, businessman, and public administrator. At the time of his passing, he served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain, a position he assumed in January 2021, with concurrent accreditation as a permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). He previously held key ministerial roles, including Minister of State for Defence, Minister of State for Interior, and Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources.
Early Life and Education
Seriki began his career as a clerical officer at the Lagos City Council in 1978. Recognizing the limitations of his secondary school qualification, he pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Accounting, Finance, and Management from the City University of New York. He also completed a Senior Executive Education program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, focusing on National and International Security.
Career Highlights
Teaching and Early Professional Work:
From 1984 to 1986, Seriki taught accounting and business mathematics at high schools in New York City. He later worked in auditing and banking roles in New York before returning to Nigeria.
Business and Public Service:
In Nigeria, Seriki held positions such as Business Manager at Equity and Trust Finance Company and Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Council. He founded the Perpetual Investment and Finance Company Limited (PIFCO) and held executive roles in various organizations.
Political Career
Seriki’s political journey began in the early 1990s, and he held various roles:
Legislative Aspirations: He was a senatorial candidate for Lagos Central in 1992 and a member-elect of the House of Representatives in 1998.
Ministerial Appointments: He served in multiple capacities, including:
Minister of State for Defence (2008–2009): Oversaw military pensions, the Armed Forces Resettlement Scheme, and commemorative military events.
Minister of State for Interior (2009–2010): Coordinated civil defense, immigration, and prison services.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources (2007–2008): Focused on agricultural development and water resource management.
In 2021, he was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to Spain by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Contributions to Sports and Community
As Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Council (1992–1994), Seriki promoted grassroots sports development and youth engagement, earning recognition as the Best State Chairman of Sports Council in 1993.
Traditional Title
In May 2009, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, conferred on him the chieftaincy title of Otun Aare of Lagos.
Personal Life
Seriki was married to Oluremi Seriki and later to Wolilat Okoya, sister of industrialist Rasaq Okoya. His daughter, Farida (stage name Kah-Lo), is a Grammy-nominated musician. He was an active member of several social and professional clubs, including the Yoruba Tennis Club and the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce.
Death
Demola Seriki passed away in Madrid, Spain, on 15 December 2022, at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of public service, political influence, and community development.
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