Ifeanyi Ossai is a Nigerian politician and lawyer who has had a remarkable career in law, entrepreneurship, and politics. Born in Ezimo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, to Mr. Fidelis and Mrs. Felicia Ossai, Ifeanyi spent his childhood years in the rural community, attending primary and secondary schools there. After losing his mother at a young age, he was raised by his grandmother, Mrs. Theresa Orie Ogbu, and uncle, Michael Chukwuma Ossai.
Early Education and Career:
Ifeanyi graduated from Ezimo Agu High School with distinction in 1990 and went on to study Law at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), graduating in 1999. He also attended the Nigeria Law School, Abuja, and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2001. Furthering his education, he obtained a Master’s degree in Information Technology, Media, and E-Commerce Law from the University of Essex in the UK in 2006.
Legal Career:
Ifeanyi’s interest in public service began early in his career. He worked as a legislative intern at the National Assembly, thereafter as a Legal Officer at NITEL, and later as counsel in the Law Firm of Ade Okeaya-Inneh SAN & Co. He also worked as a partner at Pearl Partnership, providing various legal services. His concern for social justice led him to work as a pro bono counsel with the Nigerian Legal Aid Council (NLAC).
Entrepreneurship:
Ifeanyi founded Royal Projects Limited, competing in Abuja’s real estate market, and Afrigate Energy, trading and supplying petroleum products. He was involved in numerous boardroom and corporate governance matters, sitting on the boards of companies, including the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Political Career:
After the Enugu State PDP gubernatorial primaries in 2022, Dr. Peter Mbah chose Ifeanyi as his running mate. Ifeanyi was declared Deputy Governor-elect of Enugu State in March 2023 and was sworn in on May 29, 2023.
