(Baba Ijebu), CON, OON, KJW, FISM
Industrialist, Businessman And Philanthropist
Sir Dr. Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, popularly known and referred to as “BABA IJEBU”, is a renowned Industrialist, an astute businessman and a philanthropist to the core.
He is the mastermind, founder and CEO of the “Premier Lotto Limited” (PLL) also known as “Baba Ijebu”, a Gaming Company which was incorporated in 2001. The foundation was established to carry out the Lotto business in Nigeria, while his Foundation “Kessington Adebukola Adebutu Foundation”, caters for the less privileged and also supports hospital patients and their education.
BACKGROUND
Sir Dr. Kesington Adebukun Adebutu was born on 24 October, 1935 in Iperu Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, to late Alhaji Folarin and late Alhaja Selinat Adebutu.
Early Life
Adebutu was the fifth of seven children born to his parents. His parents, both devout Muslims, instilled strong moral values and a keen entrepreneurial spirit in him.
Family Background
Adebutu’s family background played a significant role in shaping his future. His parents’ longevity. Alhaji Folarin lived to 97 years and Alhaja Selinat to 94 years which likely influenced his own perseverance.
Education
Sir Dr. Adebutu attended Ijero Baptist School, Apapa Road, Ebute-Meta in Lagos for his primary education. He was admitted into Baptist Academy, Lagos, for his secondary education in 1951 and completed at the famous Remo Secondary School (ESS), Sagamu, Ogun state in 1955 and was a very intelligent student as he topped his class in the School Leaving Certificate Examination.
Personal Life
Sir Dr. Adebutu married three wives but unfortunately lost two of his wives within three (3) years to the cold hands of death. His first wife, Chief Mrs Caroline Oladunni Adebutu passed away on Friday, January 20th 2023, after the second Rosemary Adebutu had passed away earlier in 2021 after a brief illness.
However, his third and youngest wife Kofoworola Adebutu is still very much alive and active in his life.
Adebutu prioritizes family, emphasizing education, hard work, and moral values. His children are successful professionals in various fields.
Adebutu was also a devout Muslim, supporting Islamic organizations before changing his religious status to Christianity.
Early Business Ventures
Shortly after Adebutu completed his secondary school education, he was employed at the Classic Chemical Limited, a pharmaceutical company that produces Andrew’s Liver Salt, Cafenol and amongst other drugs.
He rose from the position of a Salesman to the position of a Sales Manager until he left the company in 1963 for his own establishment “Premier lotto”, a business that brought him to limelight.
Sir Dr. Adebutu’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1960s when he ventured into agriculture, focusing on poultry farming. His innovative strategies and unwavering commitment to excellence laid the foundation for his future success.
CAREER – PREMIER LOTTO
In 1972, Sir Dr. Adebutu founded Premier Lotto, which became synonymous with gaming in Nigeria. His pioneering efforts earned him the affectionate title “Baba Ijebu.”
Sir Dr. Adebutu partnered with his friend, Chief Solomon Adebayo Ayoku, and worked with him to make the business a great success; with the huge proceeds realized from the pooling business, they diversified into other businesses like agriculture, manufacturing, estate management, entertainment and so on.
Under Adebutu’s leadership, Premier Lotto expanded, introducing innovative gaming products. His vision transformed the gaming industry.
By 2001, he officially registered Premier Lotto Limited, which would later become the household name Baba Ijebu.
Adebutu’s success in the lottery business is deeply rooted in his understanding of the Nigerian market and his ability to connect with the aspirations of everyday Nigerians. The lottery offered by Baba Ijebu became a sensation, not just because of the potential to win big but because it was accessible and relatable to the masses.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
Despite his success, Sir Dr. Adebutu’s journey has not been without challenges. In recent years, Premier Lotto Limited and its subsidiaries have faced scrutiny from Nigerian regulatory bodies. In 2020, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ordered a freeze on the accounts of Premier Lotto Limited and 37 other companies over alleged forex infractions, sparking a significant controversy.
These legal battles highlight the complex nature of operating within Nigeria’s evolving regulatory framework. However, Adebutu has remained resilient, continuing to steer his business empire through these challenges.
LEGACY
Adebutu’s legacy extends far beyond the gaming industry:
1. Gaming Industry Pioneer: Adebutu revolutionized the lotto business, creating opportunities.
2. Philanthropy: He supports educational and healthcare initiatives.
3. Entrepreneurial Inspiration: Adebutu’s success inspires entrepreneurs.
Community Involvement
Adebutu participates in local community development initiatives, contributing to infrastructure development in Iperu Remo.
Awards and Recognition
Adebutu’s contributions have earned him numerous awards, recognitions and chieftaincy titles:
- Chieftaincy title of Odole Oodua, conferred on him by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. In history, he is third to be honoured with the Odole-Oodua title.
The great Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo held it first, before passing it down to the late prominent Nigerian lawyer, Chief Godwin Olusegun Kolawole Ajayi, SAN, popularly known as GOK Ajayi.
- Babalaje of Lagos
- Olotu of Lagos
- Balogun of Iperu Remo
- Akogun of Remoland
- Bobaselu of Ondo Kingdom
- Baba Oba of Noforija Kingdom, Epe
- Baba Oba Iperuland.
- He also has the illustrious title of Asoju Oba of Lagos.
- Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree by the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), for his invaluable contribution to the nation’s economy.
- He has been conferred with National honors by the Federal Government of Nigeria honorary titles such as the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and CON title.
- He has also received other awards from gaming and business organizations.
Impact
Adebutu’s impact on Nigerian entrepreneurship and gaming is undeniable. Some of the donations to the different citadels of learning include:
- The Sir Kessington Adebutu multimillion naira state of the art radio station to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye;
- Donation of an ultra-modern Centre to the University of Lagos; the Alhaja Seliat Adebutu Library at Crescent University.
- The Sir Kessington Adebutu Science Laboratory; new Remo Methodist High School building and new block of Classrooms at Gaskiya College, Badiya, Lagos, donated in 2008 (just to mention a few).
- The Sir Dr. Kesington Adebukola Adebutu media resource center at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba Ikeja, Lagos.
CONCLUSION
Sir Dr. Kesington Adebutu’s remarkable life serves as a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. He is a figure of Immense influence in Nigeria.
His ability to build and sustain a business that resonates with millions of Nigerians while also giving back to society showcases his unique blend of business acumen and philanthropy.
Despite the legal challenges that comes with running such a vast enterprise, Adebutu remains a respected figure, embodying the spirit of perseverance and success in Nigeria’s dynamic economic landscape.
References:
1. “Sir Kesington Adebutu: The Baba Ijebu Story.” The Guardian Nigeria, 24 Oct. 2020.
2. “Baba Ijebu @ 85: Celebrating a Gaming Icon.” This Day Newspapers, 25 Oct. 2020.
3. “Premier Lotto: Our Story.” Premier Lotto Official Website.
4. “Sir Kesington Adebutu: A Life of Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy.” Vanguard News, 20 Oct. 2019.
5. Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu (Baba Ijebu) Dawn Commission, March 3, 2023.
6. The True Identity of Baba Ijebu’s Owner Revealed, Konnect, kashgain.net.
7. Giant in the Tropic of Africa: Sir Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu aka Baba Ijebu, Nigerian Tribune, October 20, 2021.
Dickson Chinma Ihejirika (Mrs.),
Founding Editor, TGCN
www.trendgistnetwork.com
Chibuikem Godwin Amaechi
Assistant Editor
Wisdom Oluebube Chinweuba
Assistant Editor
24/11/2024
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