Reuben Abati: The multifaceted Nigerian journalist and political analyst

Reuben Adeleye Abati is a prominent Nigerian journalist, politician, television anchor, and columnist who has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s media and political landscape.

A man of diverse academic background and professional experience, Abati has held key roles in academia, journalism, government, and television broadcasting.

Profile details

Name: Reuben Adeleye Abatis

Born: November 7, 1965

Nationality: Nigerian

Education: University of Ibadan

Marital status: Married

Career: Journalist

Background

Born on November 7, 1965 into the Yoruba ethnic group, Abati earned his undergraduate degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar in 1985.

He later obtained a PhD in Theatre Art Specializing in Dramatic Literature, Theory, and Criticism from the University of Ibadan in 1990.

His academic pursuits also include a bachelor’s degree in Law from Lagos State University (1999), a professional journalism certificate from the College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park (1996–1997), and a Certificate in Management and Leadership from the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford (2015).

As of 2025, he has completed a master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos.

Career in academia and journalism

Abati began his career as a university lecturer, teaching literature and drama at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, in Ogun State.

He later gained national recognition as the chairman of the editorial board and columnist for The Guardian newspaper between 2001 and 2011.

During this period, he penned influential weekly columns and shaped public discourse on national issues.

He was also a familiar face on the widely respected television discussion program ‘Patito’s Gang’, hosted by Professor Pat Utomi, between 2000 and 2011.

His public service involvement included stints on the Governing Council of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the Board of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

Appointment

In 2011, Reuben Abati was appointed as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan.

In this role, which he held until 2015, he served as the official spokesperson of the presidency and was responsible for managing presidential communications, media relations, and public messaging.

Return to Media

Following his time in government, Abati resumed journalism, writing columns for The Guardian and later joining ‘ThisDay’ newspaper, where he currently authors a Tuesday column titled TuesdayWithReubenAbati.

He also co-hosts ‘The Morning Show’ on Arise News TV, a widely watched morning program that offers analysis on current affairs in Nigeria and beyond.

He is a Senior Research Associate at the Olusegun Obasanjo Centre for Cultural Studies and a faculty affiliate at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

Political engagement

In 2019, Abati ventured deeper into politics, contesting as the deputy governorship candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State during the gubernatorial elections.

Personal life

Reuben Abati has had a complex but well-documented marital life. He is currently married to Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, the CEO and Chief Consultant of Z-Edge Holdings, marking a significant milestone as they celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in 2025.

Abati unveiled Kikelomo as his third wife in 2023.

Before Kikelomo, Abati was married to Iyabo, his first wife, with whom he shares his first four children.

The couple later separated, and Abati introduced Lara as his partner during his tenure in Abuja, where she was referred to as his “First Lady.”

In November 2024, Lara surprised Abati with a lavish 50th birthday celebration in Lagos. Lara hails from Ibadan, and her maternal grandfather, Rev. Pa Daniel Oluniyi, stood in for her late father during the event.

Her mother, Alhaja Oluwatoyin Odegbile, also graced the occasion.

Net worth

Reuben Abati is currently estimated to be worth about $800,000 and $1.2 million.

His wealth has been accumulated through his multifaceted career in journalism, academia, political consultancy, media broadcasting, and public service.