Funke Osibodu
Olufunke Iyabo Osibodu | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age |
| Other names | Funke Osibodu |
| Occupation | Banking executive |
| Known for | CEO of Ecobank Nigeria, CEO of Union Bank of Nigeria, CEO of Benin Electricity Distribution Company |
| Spouse | Victor Gbolade Osibodu |
Olufunke Iyabo Osibodu, also known as Funke Osibodu, is a prominent Nigerian banking executive who has held leadership roles at both Ecobank Nigeria and the Union Bank of Nigeria.
Life
Funke Osibodu was born in January 1959 and pursued higher education at the University of Ife as well as Harvard Business School. She held the position of CEO and subsequently served on the board of the parent company of Ecobank Nigeria until 2006. Her spouse, Victor Gbolade Osibodu, is an entrepreneur based in Nigeria.
Her prominence rose significantly during a substantial restructuring within the Nigerian banking industry on 13 August 2009, when the Central Bank of Nigeria removed five bank CEOs and installed new leadership. Osibodu was named CEO of Union Bank of Nigeria, taking over from Bartholomew Bassey Ebong, who was dismissed due to his authorization of unsecured multibillion-dollar loans to speculators, including Peter Ololo. Among other key appointments was Suzanne Iroche at FinBank.
During her tenure, Union Bank gained a reputation for improved governance and operational discipline under Osibodu’s guidance. In 2011, she achieved the distinction of being ranked 47th on the Financial Times list highlighting the world’s most influential businesswomen, standing out as the sole African woman featured. She concluded her role as CEO at the close of 2012.
After her banking tenure, Osibodu shifted focus to the energy sector by assuming the role of CEO at the Benin Electricity Distribution Company located in Benin City, where her husband holds the position of chairman.