Kayode Oyesiku
CHIEF Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu (OON, CON), popularly known as Baba Ijebu is a household name in Nigeria and beyond the shores of the country and to us at Baptist Boys’ high School, Old boys Association, a father and benefactor. This comes as no surprise as the Iperu-born business tycoon has recorded numerous feats in different commercial ventures and has greatly impacted many lives in positive ways. Chief Adebutu on Sunday, 24th of October marked another milestone as he clocked 86th years on earth. As usual, there came many garlands for the Odole of Oodua from the high and mighty, captains of industry, royalties, government officials and everyday people who have felt the Midas touch of the celebrant, not just because of his wealth, but for the positive ways he has touched their lives. I warmly join the train of the many well-wishers to identify with, celebrate and add voice to the joyous chorus of happy birthday to the Balogun of Iperu-Remo, an accomplished billionaire businessman, philanthropic giant, lover of education and a man at home with his people, tradition and customs and an outstanding philanthropist to Baptist Boys’ high School, Abeokuta.
Coming from a humble background, Chief Kesington Adebutu was born to the 24th of October 1935 to late Alhaji Karimu Folarin and late Alhaja Seliat Olasimbi in Iperu-Remo. He was at Ijero Baptist School, Apapa Road, Ebute-Meta in Lagos to complete 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. His brilliant educational background no doubt is a precursor to his love for education with many philanthropic gestures to countless educational institutions across the country. Some of the donations to the different citadels of learning include: the Sir Kesington Adebutu multimillion naira state of the art radio station to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye; Sir Kesington Adebutu donated an ultra-modern Centre to the University of Lagos; the Alhaja Seliat Adebutu Library at Crescent University and the Sir Kesington Adebutu Science Laboratory; new Remo Methodist High School building and new block of classrooms at Gaskiya College, Badiya, Lagos, donated in 2008. I encountered Chief Kensington in 2006 when I was traversing the country searching philanthropists that can assist the development of the first and then nascent University of Education in Nigeria, the Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State. Armed with the design and bill of quantities for the much-needed vocational skill and training laboratory, I approached him for fatherly support. Although I waited in his reception lobby for five hours due to large number of visitors, tired, he still received me warmly and with my full explanations and materials ready to go, he was impressed and promised to assist. While I almost forgot that I ever met him, a month later, Chief Adebutu called me to let me know he was coming to lay the foundation of the N122million building complex. In the presence of the Visitor to the University, His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the ceremony was solemn and two years after, the building was completed. It is still standing tall as one of the best constructed complexes on the campus. Ever since, we have become father and son, and to my delight, he still calls me by my first name, though I left office as the vice-chancellor 11 years ago.
I also must recall that Chief Adebutu was the most distinguished guest of honour at the 2021 January Presidential Dinner for the N1 billion endowment fund ceremony. Although he could not attend due to the ravaging COVID19 pandemic, he sent a representative and did the needful. The project he supported as part of the 100-year anniversary of BBHS, Abeokuta, on the platform of Old Boys Association is half completed. A father indeed and unforgettable personality. Chief Adebutu is the Chairman of Premier Lotto. Before venturing into lottery business, he worked as an employee and paid his dues early in life by working first with Cable and Wireless Limited (which later transformed into NITEL) as an operations clerk in 1956. In 1963, he left the company to start up his own business and became a pool agent. That very company, today has grown into a multi-billion-naira venture and has diversified into other businesses such as agriculture, petroleum, hospitality, manufacturing, entertainment, real estates amongst others. Sir (Chief) Dr. Adebutu’s benevolence and milk of kindness has endeared him to all and sundry as well as earned him recognition across the country.
His deep pockets have remained open to provide succour to those requiring such and to help meet many needs. He has been conferred with many chieftaincies titles. Chief among them are the Odole of Oodua, the Babalaje of Lagos, Olotu of Lagos, Balogun of Iperu Remo, Baba Oba of Iperu Remo, Akogun of Remoland and the proud title of the Asoju Oba of Lagos. In the religious circles, he is recognised for his god-like character and was made the Baba Ijo of the Methodist Church. All of this put together, there is no doubt that Chief Kensington Adebutu is a colossus that is worth celebrating for his many achievements in the field of business, philanthropy, job creation, Christendom and the feathers that have decorated his cap. We, Old Boys Association of Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta wish our decorated awardee of Distinguished Order of BBHS,OBA, may more years in good health and abundant grace.
- Professor Oyesiku is National President, Old Boys’ Association, Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta, and pioneer vice-chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education.
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