Nigerian Billionaire Businessman, Adebutu Begins 90th Birthday Celebration With ₦3bn Donations
Billionaire lotto magnate and philanthropist, Sir Kesington Adebutu, on Friday announced a donation of ₦1bn each to Sagamu and Ikenne Local Government Areas, as well as his hometown, Iperu-Remo, for enhanced socio-economic and community development.
Adebutu made the announcement while speaking at a symposium themed “Odole Odua: Symbol of Wealth Creation and Catalyst for Sustainable Development”, organised by the Iperu Akesan Development Association to kick off the celebration of his 90th birthday.
The businessman, visibly moved by the gesture, said he had not expected such a grand event in his honour.
“I am actually overwhelmed by this show of love as I celebrate my 90th birthday, and I am going to beat the imagination of the Remo people. What you have done for me is an invitation to do more for our people and our communities in Remoland.
“On this note, I hereby urge the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, to assemble some eminent personalities and propose a project worth ₦1bn for Sagamu Local Government.
“There is another ₦1bn for Ikenne Local Government, and for my hometown, the Iperu Akesan Development Association will also have ₦1bn. These donations are to be utilised to enhance the development of our people and communities”, Adebutu said.
Speaking as one of the panellists at the symposium, the Vice-Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Prof. Ebun Oduwole, described Adebutu as “an extraordinarily altruistic individual” whose investment in humanity remains unquantifiable.
Oduwole said the nonagenarian’s philanthropic acts span health, education, empowerment, and community development nationwide, adding that he “remains a living legend worthy of emulation.”
“Baba Adebutu is God’s gift to mankind. He donates his time and resources generously; his imprints are everywhere. He remains a bridge between the rich and the poor.
“One salient thing we can all learn from him is to sustain his legacy by being ready to touch lives in our own little corners. You may not have millions, but from whatever you have, do your best to help others. That is how we can preserve this rare legacy of our loving father, Sir Kesington Adebutu,” Oduwole said.
The professor also urged the billionaire to endow a professorial chair in his name at Ajayi Crowther University and to help establish structures that would be named after him, as a way of immortalising his contributions to humanity.
Also speaking during the panel session moderated by Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, Mr Oluwasina Sofola (SAN) and Gbenga Owokolade hailed Adebutu’s unparalleled love for his people, describing him as “an enduring institution and a source of inspiration to generations yet unborn”.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for Adebutu’s 90th birthday celebration, Adetutu Buraimo, said the symposium was organised not only to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Adebutu but also to challenge Nigerians to embrace the philosophy that sustainable development is the true measure of wealth.
“Beyond business, the nonagenarian’s philanthropy has transformed education, healthcare, infrastructure, and empowerment across the nation. From constructing classrooms and hospitals to empowering traders, artisans, and youths, his generosity breathes life into the values of active citizenship and nation-building.
“As the Odole Odua, he carries not just a chieftaincy title but a sacred responsibility — to bridge tradition and modern progress, wealth and humanity, personal success and collective upliftment. Indeed, he has fulfilled and continues to fulfil that calling of impacting humanity for good,” Buraimo stated.
The Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, praised the legendary kindness of the Balogun of Remoland, describing Adebutu as “a beacon of selflessness and hope to countless Nigerians.”
The monarch noted that beyond supporting education and vulnerable groups, Adebutu had also been a strong pillar of the traditional institution, revealing that several palaces, including his own, were built with Adebutu’s assistance.
Praying for God to continue to preserve the life of the 90-year-old billionaire fondly called Baba Ijebu, Ajayi urged citizens to emulate his example and “be a leading light in their respective communities”.
The Aro of Iperu-Remo, Chief Jide Sosan, also commended Adebutu’s humanitarian spirit and fatherly support for people across Nigeria.
“We thank God for giving us Sir Kesington Adebutu and preserving him to celebrate 90 years in sound health. His generosity and kindness are legendary. The least we can do to sustain his legacy is to make him our role model and join hands with him to make the world a better place,” Sosan said.
The 2023 PDP governorship candidate in Ogun State and first son of the celebrant, Oladipupo Adebutu, also praised his father for his genuine love for humanity, which transcends religion and ethnicity, pledging that the family would always uphold his heritage of selfless service.
Adebutu, born on October 24, 1935, in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, is a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist.
Popularly known as “Baba Ijebu”, he is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Lotto Limited, one of Nigeria’s largest gaming companies.