Adebutu, Baba Ijebu, joins the Octogenarians, is new Asoju Oba

A popular saying among the Southwestern Nigerians that people are the quality of a man’s true assets, aptly described the grand luncheon party and climax of the activities marking the 80th birthday of popular businessman and betting entrepreneur, Kessington Adebutu, who joined the prestigious club of octogenarians with grace.

For the Iperu Remo, Ogun State-born multi-millionaire, it was double celebration at the weekend as he was honoured with the traditional title of Asoju Oba of Lagos by Oba Rilwan Akiolu, eight months after the death of boardroom guru and sports enthusiast, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas.

It was a quality audience of first-class monarchs, politicians, astute businessmen and famous personalities that converged on the Eko Hotel and Suites to celebrate the man popularly known as Baba Ijebu. Leading the pack of dignitaries were the governors of Lagos and Ogun states, Akinwunmi Ambode and Senator Ibikunle Amosun; and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

But beyond the fanfare, it was another occasion to show his sense of humanity to the less privileged via his medical outreach programme, Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF). Also, eight brand new cars and other valuable gift items were given out to loyal customers of Premier Lotto.

At the installation ceremony at the monarch’s palace, Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island, Adebutu informed the gathering that he bagged his first ever chieftaincy title as Babalaje of Lagos in the same palace 43 years ago. He said though people may be calling him Baba Ijebu, he is a Lagosian, having lived in the state for 63 years.

A popular saying among the Southwestern Nigerians that people are the quality of a man’s true assets, aptly described the grand luncheon party and climax of the activities marking the 80th birthday of popular businessman and betting entrepreneur, Kessington Adebutu, who joined the prestigious club of octogenarians with grace.

Crowning the new Asoju Oba, Oba Akiolu said Adebutu deserved the title because of the impact he had made in people’s lives. “You have impacted on people and someone like you should be celebrated and recognised to encourage other people to emulate philanthropy,” he said.

The head of Lagos traditional white-cap chiefs, Chief Teslim Idowu Junaid-Eko, led the traditional proceedings. Prayers for the new Asoju Oba were led by the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, who also chaired the occasion. The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, and other traditional chiefs said the traditional prayers.

Adebutu has called on well-meaning Nigerians to complement government’s efforts at all levels to ensure the development of the health sector. He made the call on the sidelines of his 2015 annual medical outreach. He noted that even in developed economies, governments most times do not have the means to cater for all the needs of their citizens.