Events
Chief Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu: Celebrating Philanthropy, Doggedness at 90
By Eric Elezuo
Every birthday of the ebullient, phenomenal philanthropist, and billionaire businessman, Chief (Sir) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, has been nothing short of fanfare. But beyond the merriment, razzmatazz and parade of the who’s who in the society, it has remained a moment of sober reflection, giving back to the society, and creating new vistas for the next generation.
In a 2024 interview with The Boss, Chief Adebutu noted that “I continue telling people, I don’t stay negative. My calling is to do good to people, and to appreciate God’s mercy on my life and my family. I know I work hard, but some people work harder than me, but they are not getting a fraction from what I am getting from God. So the only way about mine is to show appreciation to God by giving out a little bit of the fraction of what he has given to me. I believe that a soul which is healthy and educated can never go backward, and that is what I have passion for; that explains my giving nature…what I am doing is to tell God thank you. As long as God spares my life, I will continue to do good deeds.”
Fondly called Baba Ijebu as a result of the empirical success of one of his business concerns, Adebutu is by every standard an enigma, a colossus of immense substance and someone no one can ever wave away. He has carved his life in gold, and more importantly, his afterlife in glory. It is worthy of note that Sir Adebutu, who just celebrated the most outstanding birthdays of 2025, by whatever yardstick, has variously put his home in order while alive, to avoid the pitfalls of chaos and disorder among his family members, when he is finally called up yonder.
As usual all gears were engaged as the man of means totally exhausted eight long days to celebrate his entry into the nonagerian club. The cities of Ife, Iperu and Lagos among others will never be the same again after the footprints and strides that were made on them by the betting expert during those days; footprints that changed lives, redefined concepts and set new standards in the history corporate social responsibility delivery.
The weeklong celebration, which began on October 17, 2025, with a symposium titled “Odale Oodua: Symbol of Wealth Creation and Catalyst for Development,” and held at the Alaperu Palace, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, terminated with a mother of all thanksgiving service and party at the Eko Hotels and Suites in Victoria Island.
At the Iperu-Remo event, Adebutu showed why he is the king of philanthropy, donating N1 billion each to the Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North local government areas, as well as his hometown, Iperu-Remo. All totaling a whooping N4 billion.
Other activities during the week included the commissioning and handling over of the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Centre in Lagos on October 20, and a novelty football match on October 22. There was also the conferral of an Honorary Fellowship on Adebutu by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers on October 23. He was also hosted in a grand ceremony by members of his elite clubs, including the Lagos Island Club.
The grand finale of the 90th birthday celebrations at the Eko Hotel witnessed a conglomeration of dignitaries, nobles, royals and multidimensional citizens and men and women of class from all walks of life, and across the regions.
Among the dignitaries present were former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Bola; Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Dame Abimbola; former Ogun State Governors, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun and Olusegun Osoba (with his wife, Aderinsola); former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, and Chief Bode George with his wife, Roli.
Others were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Erelu Oodua of Lagos, Erelu Abiola Dosumu; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Aare Dele Momodu; CEO, Channels Television, John Momoh, and his wife, Olusola; Real Estate magnate, Sir Olu Okeowo and his wife, Adejoke; as well as Femi Falana (SAN) and Ladi Bakare.
There was also in attendance Chief Rasaq Okoya & wife Shade, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Olorogun (Dr) Sunny Kuku & wife, the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, HRM Oba Adesuyi Haastrup and his Olori, Managing Director Zenith Bank, Dame (Dr) Adaora Umeoji; the Soun of Ogbomosho, HRM Oba Olaoye Ghandi; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Olowo of Owo HRM (Dr) Ajibade G. Ogunoye.
Other dignitaries, who graced the occasion by their presence include Mr Tayo Ayeni, Mr Greg Uhanseru, Otunba Funsho Lawal, Otunba Yemi Lawal & wife, AIG Tunji Alapini (retd), the Alara of Ilara HRM Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo; Hajia Bola Shagaya, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande, Chief (Mrs) Bisi Abiola, Mr Habeeb Okunola, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Hajia Bola Shagaya, JK Randle, First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun; Kola Oyefeso and wife
In his goodwill birthday message, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Hon Gbajabiamila, praised Adebutu’s remarkable achievements and contributions to national development.
Gbajabiamila said, “The President finds your words of wisdom, counsel, and support invaluable. In life, some people live long but not well, while others live well but not long. Rarely do we find those who live both long and well, and that is the story of your life.”
Many other speakers, who aired their voices lauding the landmark achievements of Adebutu, especially in human capacity building, including Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, also noted that the celebrant has been tremendously present for all the right reasons in the affairs of man.
Aare Momodu also eulogised the nonagerian, stressing that “there’s only one Baba Ijebu; any other one is a counterfeit.”
The heavily attended soiree was livened up with by soulful performances from gospel saxophonist Beejay Sax and gospel artist, Yinka Alaseyori, whose renditions had guests on their feet dancing.
With joy that could be touched, the guests, in their numbers, joined in rendering a soulful birthday song to honour a man, who they all believe deserve a front seat in the league of real men. The echo of the song, which practically shook the hall, was splendidly appreciated, going by the way the birthday boy was nodding in affirmation and grinning from ear to ear.
To cap up an evening of splendour, juju music crooner, King Sunny Ade (KSA), took the guests down a lane of no comeback, reassuring everyone of evergreen and the reminiscent of the good old times. As expected, the hall filled with men and women, who resonate completely, flowed with the solid vibe even as the superb planning of Bonix conspicuously made the difference.
In his vote of thanks, Adebutu’s son, Oladipupo, in company of his wife, Adenike, thanked the guests for celebrating his father’s life.
The party, a typical example of adlib to fade, came to a grand halt way into the night.
Even at 90, Adebutu appear agile, able and full of wisdom. He is also highly prolific. It is worthy of note that once upon a time Adebutu added a glorious great feather to his crown of feathers, becoming the custodian of Yoruba culture, as the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II conferred on him the Odole of Ile Ife, one of the most prestigious titles in Yorubaland, and Ife’s highest title.
The Odole title, reputed to be conferred on prominent individuals, who have distinguished themselves in all areas of human endeavours, is the sure honour for a man of Adebutu’s calibre and status. This is because the betting businessman, has not only excelled in business but has become a rare gem when it comes to looking after the less privileged and sending heartfelt endearments to as many as that cross his path. Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Godwin Olusegun Kolawole Ajayi (SAN) were former holders of the title
Popularly known as Baba Ijebu and Omo Iya, Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, with an avanlanche of recognitions including CON, KJW and FISM, was born to late Alhaji karimu Folarin Adebutu aka “Owo-Iya” and late Alhaja Seliat Olasimbo Adebutu of Iperu Remo, Ikenne LGA in Ogun State on October 24, 1935. Sir Kesington completed his primary education in 1950 having attended the Wesley Primary School, Iperu Remo and later Ijero Baptist School, Apapa Road, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
In January 1951, he was admitted to Baptist Academy School, but he completed his secondary education at the grand Remo Secondary School (RSS), Sagamu, Remo, Ogun State. Baba Ijebu’s career endeavour started at Cable and Wireless Limited, which later became NITEL, as Operations Clerk. He later joined Claffins Chemicals as a salesman, and through dint of hardwork rose to become the Regional Sales Manager for Lagos and the then Midwestern Region. It was his quest to provide employment for teeming Nigerian youths that led to the establishment of Face Millionaires Pool Limited with his bosom friend, Chief Solomon Ayoku in 1969.
A philanthropist par excellence, Sir Kesington abandoned his ambition to become a lawyer, preferring to ‘enjoy’ life, and today, is the proprietor of Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), and promoter of the popular Premier Lotto, also known as Baba Ijebu – a scheme that has put smiles on the faces of many Nigerians. Adebutu, over the years, has used every opportunity that comes his way to affect lives of everyone he meets, especially during his birthdays and auspicious occasions. During his 80th birthday, Adebutu, whose Foundation was celebrating its 10th anniversary, conducted a free medical outreach programme at Iperu-Remo, Ogun state. In addition, he gave out eight brand new cars and other valuable gifts to loyal customers of Premier Lotto.
Sir kesington’s larger than life image is always in the public view, and he has been honoured on a good number of occasions. He was rewarded as an ICON and celebrated as a man of character, kindness and generosity during the Ogun at 40 celebrations in 2016. Other feathers on the crown of the man of possibilities include the traditional title of Asoju Oba of Lagos, which was conferred on him by the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu. When the man of means celebrated his 81st birthday, he wowed the congregation when instead of demanding gifts, tasked everyone to make a donation to the church, and tagged it “Adebutu Family Harvest”. His dedication to God is legendary.
In his words: “At 81, what work can I do, there is no work I can do at 81 years but the work of God”. That is how dedicated and close to his God he is. In 2018, Adebutu was honored with double chieftaincy titles as the Baba-Oba Akarigbo of Remo by the Lord of Remo, His Royal Highness, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, and also honoured as Baba-Oba Alaperu of Akesan Land by His Royal Majesty, King Idowu Basibo (Odoru V), Sagamu in Ogun State, at the sprawling palace of the royal father in Sagamu Remo.
He, sometime in the past, also said: “At 82, what can one say? You have contributed immensely to worthy causes in the house of God. Even you have contributed to other worthy causes in the state and the society as a whole. People like you are rare to find. “What is now left for you is to continue to walk with God, love God the more, live your life for Him. So that at the end of your race on earth, you will reign with Him in heaven.”
A worthy icon, well known business brand, philanthropist extra-ordinaire, Adebutu was at the forefront of helping to stem the tide of the Coronavirus pandemic with a generous donation of N300 million to the Lagos State government while commending ‘the dynamic efforts of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in bringing succour to the sufferers of COVID-19 Pandemic in the state’.
In a letter the billionaire industrialist personally signed, he was quoted as saying “As a token of our support to the victims, myself, family and organisation are donating a modest sum of N300, 000, 000.00 towards which, we have forwarded the necessary instruction and our bankers – Wema Bank Plc has transferred the sum into the dedicated UBA account…”
The front line humanitarian, Adebutu is using his using his wealth of experience, spread and connection to positively affect the youths of Yoruba land, just as his predecessors did in the past.
He said: “With my emergence as Odole Oodua, the Yoruba race will witness new era of sociocultural development, unity and peace,” and he has been living up to expectation many years after. His contributions, donations and acts of benevolence continue to reverberate across the length and breadth of Yorubaland.
The grace behind his Odole status clearly summarises his larger than life personality
Adebutu is happily married with a host of very successful children.
Happy birthday great philanthropist, lover of humanity and distinguished gentleman!
By Eric Elezuo
Two highbrow venues, the African Cathedral Church Ifako-Ijaye, and the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, were ingeniously ignited on Saturday, when high society, led by immediate family members and friends, celebrated the enviable life of Princess Olufunmilayo Omisore Nee Ademuliyi as she joined the octogenarian league in grand style.
The events, a pot pourri of celebrity gathering, drew together men and women of timbre and calibre, who saw the need to give God unadulterated thanks for His faithfulness over the life of the matriarch of the Omisore family, as she graciously turned 80.
With steady and sure steps, Princess Omisore, glad in a mixture of red and dark asoke attire, with gele to match, arrived the African Cathedral Church, personally carrying her things in a show of agility and divinely procured youthfulness and strength, and into the waiting show of love by Omisore Family, friends, fellow community leaders, well wishers and the general public, who made their way to the venue to be part of the marathon thanksgiving service. She was trailed in quick succession by her sons and daughters including the Senior Special Adviser to the Osun Governor on SDGs, Hon Bankole Omisore and his wife.
Following her arrival were arrivals of notable dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, whose fanfare entrance initiated the royal song of oba ooo, oba lashe, oba…, and the Executive Governor of the home state of the celebrant, Osun, Senator Ademola Adeleke. The governor’s arrival as expected, charged the atmosphere as everyone stood at alert for the very moment the dance would ensued while a great many shuttle their feet in joyful admiration as they exchange banners with the governor and his entourage.
Within moments of exchange of pleasantries and casual, but meaningful networking, the service dovetailed into a heartwarming, joyful and spirit-filled praise and worship session that proved to be a worthy backbone of the entire service.
With the praise and worship session concluded, the thanksgiving service, which was officiated by The Most Revd. S.O.B. Ojumu, and assisted by other eminent spiritual leaders, including Most Revd A. A Adetubo, The Most Revd E. Ademola and other ministers of God, took shape as the officiating minister recognised eminent personalities seated, and set the activities in motion.
In his sermon, shortly after the prayers, hymn renditions and goodwill messages have been given prompt attention, Revd Ojumu extolled the virtuous qualities of the celebrant, thanking God for sparing her life to witness eight decades of wealth and health and counting.
He further admonished the congregation to pick a leave from Mama’s existence, as her sterling qualities have made her a reference point in morality, leadership and parenting.
As the service winds down, the Minister encouraged the guests to give, to celebrate Mama just as Governor Adeleke further eulogised the octogenarian, noting that she deserved the title of ‘mama’ in the real sense of the word.
A prayer session was thereafter organised for the celebrant where the ministers took turns to speak life into her existence as she was surrounded by her loved ones.
Just before the service concluded, Princess Omisore received the first physical gift of the day, when a group of Elders of the African Cathedral Church, Ifako-Ijaye, presented her a portrait of herself to set in motion a day typically designed for sharing of love and affection.
Among dignitaries that showed solidarity with the celebrant at the church were the Osun State Governor, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, Osun State FirstLady, Titilola Adebusola Adeleke, Wife of former Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and Olori Ronke Ogunwusi.
With more photo ops and healthy networking among guests, ministers and attendees, the party quickly shifted to the Balmoral Convention Centre, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, where a mother of all grand receptions was held.
The arrival of guests to the reception avenue assumed the guise of another funfair with a crowd of guests and attendees turning up in royal apparels, distinctly tailored attires and spotless garments of impressive makings. This is in addition to the sounds of greatness each of the guests assessed the venue with. As usual, the Ooni was vocal in his arrival as well as the governor, who at this time, has transformed into a green agbada as a against the brown one he wore at the church. The governor, in his simplicity, is always in the habit of joining in whatever asobi uniform prevalent in every occasion he attends. Adeleke is that free!
Kickstarting the reception, the anchor, who is a standup comedian, MC Super, called the event to progress, acknowledging the presence of the dignitaries in attendance, as well as reeling out the standpoint that make the celebrant thick.
He subsequently invited the General Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, for the opening prayer, thereby setting the mood for the occasion.
With speeches and goodwill messages of the splendid nature of the celebrant from more than one guest and family member rending the atmosphere, the celebrant conscientiously nodded in appreciation and approval. And once in a while spreading her lips in joyous acknowledgement of the mercies God has shown her in 80 years.
The cutting of the cake was a royal convergence of some sort, with the two wives of the Ooni positioned as supervisors. A celebrant beaming from ear to ear, and now dressed in complete green asoke with gele to match, stood before her three-step giant cake as the duo of Olori Ashley Ogunwusi and Olori Aderonke Ogunwusi, led the guests through the process as the celebrant cut the cake amid loud Ovation.
The duo of Shina Peters and Labi Obey were on hand to ensure that guests as well as the celebrant shuffled with gait and splendour to evergreen sounds just as continental and local dishes as well as choice beverages made ceaseless rounds on every table.
Other guests that joined the soiree were Aare Dele Momodu, and wife, Yeye Aare Mobolaji Momodu, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye and Hon Ipoola Omisore among many others.
Photos: Funmi Ilelabayo
By Eric Elezuo
The historic city of Ile-Ife, the domain of the influential Ooni, in Osun State, came very alive during the week, as the energetic Senator representing Osun Central in the National Assembly, Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajangunla, and his wife, Erelu Olajumoke Fadeyi, were installed as the AJAGUNLA OODUA TI ILE YORUBA and ERELU AJAGUNLA OODUA OF THE SOURCE by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, at the Palace Ile-Ife.
The event reflects crowning the Ajangunla, who signifies great warrior, and protector of the entire Yoruba race; guarding and shielding the residents against external aggression. That’s the office Senator Fadeyi and his wife, Erelu Olajumoke, have ascended among the Yoruba people.
Classy and debonair, Senator Fadeyi and wife chose to make the days of the coronation one to remember, and give guests and dignitaries, who came from far and near the pampering required of a such a occasion.
The events began with a solid get together soiree, organised and held at the Harvard Hotel, where early callers were treated to good music, classy dishes and splendid entertainment, providing avenues for rewarding networking.
Attending to grateful guests, Senator Fadeyi, dressed in all white kaftan, and the Erelu in a free green and red round neck sleeveless gown, were full of smiles, acknowledging the presence of all and sundry.
With a live band dishing out evergreen music to the joy of the guests, and splendid dishes and beverages making sporadic and ceaseless rounds on the table, the evening proved to be an acceptable progenitor to the anticipated main billed for the next day.
Of course, the next day lived up to its billing with more guests storming the historic ancient city in what appeared to be everyone on white affair.
The entrance of the celebrants was a testament in elegance as traditional Palace staff, in their white loins and leopard skin, formed a two-line squad through which the Ajangunla and his wife, made their revered entry accompanied by close family members, friends and associates. The entry was followed by the loud and impressive appearance of the Ooni of Ife, signaling the beginning of the coronation ceremony.
The installation was brief, but highly monumental, bestowing the great warrior status on the couple, giving them prominence and influence, not only in Ile-Ife, but the entire Yorubaland.
With the who’s who in Yorubaland in attendance, the goodwill messages began to flow, acknowledging the Ooni first as a primus interperes, who has reign over the kingdom in 10 fruitful years, and the newly crowned couple for their steadfast contributions to the uplifting of the society, with special mention of their immediate locality, Ile-Ife and Osun State.
It was therefore, with pride that the couple took their first sacred steps as the Ajangunla Oodua and Erelu Ajangunla Oodua in preparation to begin an gracious duty of standing for the Yoruba race at all times.
Thereafter, the mother of all reception was held at an outdoor ground of the Obafemi Awolowo University with the best of music, from the evergreen voices of Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, and Yinka Ayefele, just a-list dishes, beverages and accurate networking flowed freely on the night.
Among very important personalities that graced the event with their presence were the Deji Of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin; the Alara of Ilara, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo; the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Osun State Council of Obas, Firstlady of Ondo State Lady Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Princess Toyin Kolade, Mr Kayode Kolade, Chief Alex Duduyemi and a host of there.
PRESIDENT TINUBU GREETS AJAGUNLA ON CORONATION
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warmly congratulates Senator Olubiyi Oluwole Fadeyi, Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, on his prestigious conferment as the “Ajagunnla-Oodua Ti Ile Yoruba” by the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
President Tinubu describes the honour as well-deserved in recognition of Senator Fadeyi’s distinguished service to the advancement of his community, the Yoruba nation, and Nigeria as a whole.
The President notes that the Ajagunnla-Oodua title carries profound cultural significance within the Yoruba traditional institution and reflects the Ooni’s confidence in Senator Fadeyi’s character, contributions, and devotion to the values of unity, peace building, and development.
“Senator Fadeyi has shown exemplary dedication to public service and the upliftment of his people. This honour from the Ooni of Ife is not only a personal milestone but also a national celebration of excellence, integrity, and cultural heritage,” the President says.
President Tinubu commends the Ooni of Ife for continuing to uphold the revered Yoruba traditions by recognising individuals who embody leadership, compassion, and communal responsibility.
He prays that the new Ajagunnla-Oodua will be strengthened with greater wisdom and renewed commitment as he undertakes his latest responsibility.
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