Theophilus Owolabi Shobowale Benson was Nigerian lawyer who became one of the most prominent Yoruba politicians in the period leading up to Nigerian independence in 1960. He served as the Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture in the first post-independence government. Benson was imprisoned for several months after the first military coup of 1966. He returned to practice as a barrister, and was recognised as a prominent Yoruba chief.

NAME: Theophilus Owolabi Shobowale Benson

DATE OF BIRTH: 23 July 1917 – 13 February 2008

PLACE OF BIRTH:  Ikorodu, Lagos.

OCCUPATION: Lawyer

EDUCATION:  He attended the CMS Grammar School, Lagos. When he was 20 he joined the customs service. In 1943 he moved to London, where he studied law at Lincoln’s Inn and was called to the bar in 1947

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Culture