Osagie Ize-Iyamu

Osagie Ize-Iyamu was born in Benin City to Chief Robert Osayande Ize-Iyamu and Mrs. Magdalene Naghado Ize- Iyamu (née Obasohan). His father was a revered high chief of the Oba of Benin, ranking second in command until his demise as the Esogban of Benin. His mother was a trained teacher who later transitioned into trader.[6]

The Ize-Iyamu family originated from the present day Iguododo in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. The mother of Chief Izevbizua Iyamu, the Obahiagbon of Benin, Osagie's grandfather was from Usen in Ovia South-West Local Government Area. Osagie's father's mother, Igbinoghene Ize-Iyamu (née Ogiemwanre Obazuwaye) is from Ughoton, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area while her mother came from Ute in Ikpoba Okha. The Obasohan N'Akpakpava Family which is Osagie's maternal family came from Erua of Igieduma Ward, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.[7]

A most significant aspect of the history of the Ize-Iyamu family is that it holds the record of building and owning the first storey building "Egedege N'Okaro"[8][9] in the whole of the Mid-Western Region, Nigeria which is the present day Edo and Delta States. It was built in 1906 by Osagie's great grandfather Late Chief Iyamu, the Inneh of Benin Kingdom.[10]

Ize-Iyamu attended St. Joseph Primary School and Ebenezer Nursery and Primary School in Benin City. He had his Secondary education at Edo College and passed out with grade I in his West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations. He attended the University of Benin where he graduated with an LL.B (Hons) and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School where he was awarded the Bachelor of Law (BL) qualification and called to the Nigerian Bar in 1987.

He is an honorary doctorate degree holder of the Benson Idahosa University, Benin City. On July 1st, 2019, he was recognized for his contribution to the development of Nigeria's democratic process and rule of law when he received the Life Time Achievers Award by the Nigerian Bar Association, Benin (Lion) Branch.

Osagie Ize-Iyamu is married to Pastor (Dr) Idia Ize-Iyamu, a Consultant Orthodontist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and a Professor in the University of Benin. They have four children.