Wale Tinubu is the Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando PLC, one of Africa’s foremost indigenous integrated energy companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and cross-listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. As a lawyer turned energy entrepreneur, Tinubu has transformed Oando from a petroleum marketing business into a multi-dimensional energy group spanning upstream oil and gas, gas and power, and clean energy solutions. His leadership has expanded African participation in the global energy sector and demonstrated the potential of locally led enterprise in driving industrial growth and strategic infrastructure development.
Tinubu’s journey began in 1990 as a legal practitioner before he ventured into entrepreneurship. In 1993 he co-founded Ocean & Oil Group, one of the first indigenous trading companies exporting Nigerian petroleum products. Under his strategic vision, the company acquired controlling interests in Unipetrol PLC and Agip Nigeria PLC, achievements that paved the way for its rebranding as Oando PLC. Over decades he has guided Oando’s evolution into an energy group with a robust footprint in exploration, production, gas distribution, and power solutions tailored to African markets.
At the heart of Tinubu’s leadership philosophy is resilience, innovation, and a commitment to indigenous capability. Under his direction, Oando launched Oando Clean Energy Limited in 2021 to deepen its engagement with sustainable energy solutions while strengthening national energy security. Through other subsidiaries and strategic acquisitions, Tinubu has ensured homegrown participation in sectors historically dominated by multinational corporations, reinforcing African ownership of critical energy infrastructure.
Wale Tinubu’s contributions have earned widespread recognition. In 2025 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Africa Energy Week in Cape Town for advancing Africa’s energy security and industrial growth. In January 2026 the University of Lagos conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Business on him for leadership in enterprise and national development. He also holds the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and has been celebrated across business circles as a private sector icon for shaping energy markets and empowering local talent. These honours underscore his transformative influence in business, energy, and national economic progress.
Looking ahead, Wale Tinubu remains focused on deepening Oando’s impact while promoting energy innovation, skills development, and investment across Africa. His vision emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and the continued rise of indigenous enterprise as a foundation for economic resilience and technological advancement. Through strategic leadership and unwavering resolve, Tinubu continues to influence how African energy companies compete and lead on the global stage.
