Odu’a Investment inaugurates Tola Kasali as new chairman

Odu’a Investment Company Limited has formally inaugurated Dr. Tajudeen Tola Kasali as its new Group chairman, completing a seamless leadership transition that reinforces the conglomerate’s commitment to corporate governance and institutional continuity.

The inauguration was held during the Board of Directors meeting on July 30, following the earlier announcement of his appointment at the Company’s 44th Annual General Meeting on June 26, at the newly redeveloped Premier Hotel, Ibadan.

Dr. Kasali succeeds Chief Bimbo Ashiru, whose four-year tenure as chairman ended in line with the company’s governance policy of rotational chairmanship among the six shareholders’ South-West states. Otunba Ashiru remains a member of the board until 2028, when he will have completed his second and final term, thereby ensuring continuity, institutional memory and strategic stability.

Dr. Kasali has served as a director of Odu’a Investment Company Limited since 2020. A distinguished medical practitioner and accomplished public administrator, he holds a degree from the State Medical Institute, Zaporozhye, Ukraine. His public service career includes serving as chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and as Lagos State Commissioner for Rural Development, Health and Special Duties. He also championed the establishment of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Safety Commission.

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Under Ashiru’s stewardship, Odu’a Investment Company Limited underwent a remarkable transformation from an asset-rich but cash-poor and underperforming enterprise into a strategy-driven regional investment conglomerate. Although the SRC 1.0 (“Sweat, Revive and Create”) Strategic Framework was initiated in 2021, its implementation was significantly accelerated under his chairmanship, culminating in its successful conclusion in 2025. During this period, the Company strengthened corporate governance, rebalanced its investment portfolio, revitalized legacy assets, including the landmark redevelopment of Premier Hotel, Ibadan and delivered a recordbreaking Profit Before Tax of ₦23.58 billion for the 2025 financial year.

The company’s credit rating was also upgraded by Agusto & Co. from A+ to Aa-. Building on these achievements, the implementation of the SRC 2.0 Strategic Framework commenced in January 2026 under Otunba Ashiru’s leadership to provide a clear roadmap for the Company’s next phase of growth.

Speaking after his inauguration, Dr. Kasali expressed gratitude to the Board and shareholders for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to build on the solid foundation laid by previous leadership. He identified as his immediate priority the implementation of the SRC 2.0 Strategic Framework (2026–2030), developed  under the chairmanship of Otunba Bimbo Ashiru and anchored on the philosophy of “Sweat, Repurpose and Consolidate.” The strategy targets ₦30 billion in cash-backed Profit Before Tax, ₦1 trillion in total assets, and ₦50 billion in Group revenue by 2030, positioning Odu’a Investment Company Limited as one of Africa’s leading regional investment conglomerates.

The Board expressed confidence that Dr. Kasali’s extensive experience in healthcare, public administration and strategic leadership will guide the Company toward even greater achievements. The Board also commended Otunba Ashiru for his visionary leadership and outstanding contributions, noting that the seamless succession process, with the immediate past Chairman remaining on the Board until 2028, further demonstrates Odu’a Investment Company Limited’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, good corporate governance and long-term sustainability.

As Odu’a Investment Company Limited embarks on this new chapter, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing regional economic development and creating sustainable wealth for the people of its six shareholder states of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti and Lagos, while delivering enduring value for generations to come.