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Tag: Kessington Adebutu

  • Kessington Adebutu at 90

    Kessington Adebutu at 90

    •We felicitate ‘Baba Ijebu’ as he joins the nonagenarian club

    “My main business is gaming,” Chief Kessington Adebutu, who turned 90 on October 24, said in a newspaper interview to mark his landmark birthday. It is remarkable that he made a name for himself as a gaming giant and a philanthropic titan.   

    Popularly known as ‘Baba Ijebu’, a nickname that is synonymous with his company, Premier Lotto Limited, he is widely acknowledged as the pioneer of the modern lotto and pools betting business in Nigeria. The company is rated as “Nigeria’s most trusted bookmaker, online sport betting and lotto platform.”

    Ranked as a billionaire, he attributes his enduring success to his business philosophy. According to him, “Above all, honesty is the key.” He added: “When things get rough, my customers don’t panic or rush to collect their winnings because they trust that ‘Baba Ijebu’ will always pay. That’s what I value the most — a good name. That trust is one of the things that has sustained the business over the years.”

    In a country where gaming, perceived as gambling, is generally associated with irresponsibility and unexemplary lifestyles, his concrete demonstration of the concept of giving back is notable and exemplary. 

    The focal points of his philanthropy are health and education. Significantly, in commemoration of Adebutu’s 90th birthday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu unveiled the N5.2bn medical research centre the nonagenarian built and donated to the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. The centre is named after the donor. As part of the celebration, he also gave N1bn each to four local governments in Ogun State.

    His donations include a media resource centre at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Lagos, a library at Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2009, and a N50 million e-library at his alma mater, Baptist Academy, Obanikoro, Lagos State. He also donated a state-of-the-art radio station to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, a new building to Remo Methodist High School, and a new block of classrooms to Gaskiya College, Badiya, Lagos, in 2008.

    A native of Iperu Remo in present-day Ogun State, he began his journey to prominence after completing his secondary education in 1955. He had stints at Cable and Wireless Limited (later called NITEL), and Classic Chemical Limited, a pharmaceutical company where he rose to the position of sales manager. In 1963, he left the company to start his own business, Premier Lotto. In 1971, he started the popular Face-to Face pools betting company with his friend and business partner, Chief Adebayo Ayoku.

    With business interests spanning gaming, manufacturing, construction, media, energy, real estate, and banking, he has grown far beyond the gaming industry. His success and his contributions to development have brought him recognition and respect. Through his Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation, he has established a reputation for high-profile philanthropy, and built significant infrastructure in education and healthcare. 

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    The Federal Government conferred on him Nigeria’s second-highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), during his 90th birthday celebration. In 2015, Olabisi Onabanjo University awarded him an honorary doctorate in Business Administration.

    It is a testimony to his stature, and social and cultural acceptance, that he was installed as the 4th Odole of Ife in 2019. This is a traditional Yoruba chieftaincy title, officially known as Odole Oodua, conferred by the Ooni of Ife. The titleholder is expected to promote unity, peace, and progress among the descendants of Oduduwa, the legendary figure to whom the Yoruba trace their origin.

    He notably demonstrated a grasp of his role by his successful intervention in what he described as “the misunderstanding” between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, two pre-eminent Yoruba traditional rulers. His birthday celebration in Lagos was a fitting setting.

    Adebutu said: “Because of my position, I called them both and asked them to stop. They were gracious enough to honour my invitation. Both of them attended my ceremony in Lagos, and I used the opportunity to meet them.”

    Adebutu’s “guiding principle” strikingly captures his sense of social responsibility. “A good name is better than riches,” he says. This may well be his ultimate legacy.

    We congratulate him as he enters his nonagenarian years. 

  • Kessington Adebutu brokers Ooni, Alaafin truce

    Kessington Adebutu brokers Ooni, Alaafin truce

    • Joint council for Yoruba unity emerges

    What appeared to be a cold war between the two prominent Yoruba traditional rulers came to an end yesterday, with the intervention of a 90-year-old  renowned businessman and philanthropist, Kessington Adebutu.

      Before the intervention of Adebutu, on Friday, the two Yoruba traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade, were said to have engaged in a cold war.

    The rift therefore came to an end at the instance of Kessington Adebutu, the billionaire businessman better known as ‘Baba Ijebu’.

    The meeting was held at the Eko Hotel during Adebutu’s 90th birthday celebration.

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    To show that the tiff had come to an end, both Ooni and Alaafin issued a joint communiqué after the meeting with Adebutu, and the two monarchs announcing the formation of a joint council for Yoruba unity — a platform aimed at promoting peace, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic growth across Yoruba communities.

    The  signing of the communiqué by the Ooni and Alaafin, was witnessed by Adebutu, and issued by Kola Oyefeso, secretary of the communiqué drafting committee.

    The meeting of the monarchs was described as a turning point in Yoruba history.

    “Today marks a defining chapter in our shared history,” the communiqué reads.

    “We reaffirm our dedication to promoting harmony among all Yoruba sons and daughters, and upholding the sacred values of mutual respect and brotherhood handed down by our ancestors.”

  • Kessington Adebutu’s wish at 90

    Kessington Adebutu’s wish at 90

    Kessington Adebutu’s Wish At the remarkable age of 90, High Chief Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu KJW stands as a paragon of success and resilience, widely regarded as one of the most favored individuals by his creator. His life has been characterized by not only immense wealth but also exceptional health, surpassing Nigeria’s average life expectancy of just 54 years. From an early age, Adebutu exhibited the qualities of a promising young man with a future brimming with potential. Through a combination of hard work, fortuitous circumstances, and unwavering determination, he transformed his gaming business into an industry leader, earning him widespread recognition.

    A hallmark of Adebutu’s business philosophy has been his commitment to integrity. Even while overseeing high-stakes gaming, he demonstrated his dedication to fairness by taking bank overdrafts to settle winnings, prioritizing his players’ satisfaction over his immediate financial concerns. This steadfast approach has allowed his premier lottery business to become one of the longest-standing gaming platforms in Nigeria, evolving over the years and expanding its reach beyond the nation’s borders.

    As he approaches his milestone birthday, many are celebrating Adebutu’s legacy with a series of activities, including significant charitable donations. His wealth has been built not only on business acumen but also through a profound commitment to philanthropy. Adebutu has made substantial investments in transformative projects that have significantly impacted many lives throughout Nigeria. His initiatives have included donating buildings, funding research, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting royal institutions, and fostering economic sustainability. These endeavors have earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of Nigeria’s most noteworthy philanthropists, often without seeking public recognition for his contributions.

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    At 90, the title of Odole Oodua resonates deeply with Adebutu, who expresses gratitude for his life experiences. He lives fully, savoring the richness that life offers, while remaining dedicated to leaving an enduring legacy. Known for his love of vintage cars and timeless watches, he exemplifies a refined sense of style that belies his advanced age. Adebutu is a true fashion connoisseur, always presenting himself as sharp, classy, and impeccably groomed.

    Throughout his life, Adebutu has harbored silent wishes, some of which he has seen come to fruition while others remain unfulfilled. He has resolved, before meeting his creator, to see his remaining aspirations realized. As he nears 90, he fervently wishes to be called “Father of the Governor of Ogun State” and yearns for his youngest twin children to celebrate their wedding while he is still alive to witness it. Sources close to him indicate that he has consistently prayed for these two desires to be granted, and with a faith rooted in a lifetime of experience, he believes that, just as his creator has always listened to his prayers, these two wishes will also come to pass while he continues to thrive on this earth.

  • Kessington Adebutu’s architectural wonder

    Even at a grand old age, Sir Kessington Adebutu is showing no signs of resting on his laurels. He is still moving around the country commissioning this project and launching that initiative. Like a superman athlete, the recently-installed Asoju Oba of Lagos does not know the meaning of slowing down.

    Recently, the boss of Premier Lotto led a galaxy of eminent personalities to commission the palace of the Alaye Ode of Ode Remo in Ogun State. The glittering royal haven was made possible largely through the deep pockets of Sir Kessington and other wealthy figures in the area.

    The lottery magnate, popularly called Baba Ijebu, recently moved into a multi-billion naira mansion on Bourdillion Road, Ikoyi. Forget the dictionary definition of ‘mansion,’ you have to be there to appreciate the architectural wonder that sits atop four plots of land in a choice area.

    The latest gist in town is that Baba Ijebu is getting ready to give away one of his daughters’ hand in marriage to a son of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The couple-to-be Tolulope Adebutu and Adejanwo Obasanjo had their introduction at the new Ikoyi home of the Adebutus. Dignitaries from the South West were present aplenty at the two families’ meet-and-greet.

  • Kessington Adebutu celebrates his twins

    Kessington Adebutu celebrates his twins

    Things can hardly be rosier for the family of Chief Kessington Adebutu than they are now. Popularly called Baba Ijebu, every arrow the chairman of Premier Lotto fires seems to hit the desired target. The astute businessman and his charming wife, Temitope, recently threw a birthday party to celebrate their twin children as the latter clocked three years.

    Chief Adebutu, who was recently installed as the Asojuoba of Lagos, and his wife went out of their way to make the occasion a memorable one for their children and other kids by making the event a Disney-themed occasion. The over-excited kids and their adult chaperones were treated to the fabulous Disneyworld of toys and games.

    It was massive fun all round as fast-rising hip hop star, Reekado Banks, entertained guests. Among those who graced the occasion were Joko Oni, Dupe Oguntade, Sade Okoya, Nike Oshinowo, Hon. Ladi Adebutu and many others.

  • Kessington Adebutu celebrates 80 in style

    The Chairman of Premier Lotto, Sir Kessington Adebutu, turned 80 a few days ago and is set to celebrate his membership of the octogenarian league in grand style. He is billed to host the high society to a big shindig in celebration of his new age.

    The activities to mark his birthday had begun in earnest on Monday with a medical outreach for the general public. He began his celebration by offering free eye tests to children, cervical examination for women and general medical check for all and sundry at Iperu Remo, Ogun State.

    Adebutu also added another feather to his cap as he bagged a chieftaincy title as the new Asoju Oba of Lagos. Thus no amount of celebration would be too grand to appreciate his eminence.

    Adebutu himself understands this much, which is why he is leaving no stone unturned to celebrate his 80th birthday in grand style.

    There will be a thanksgiving service at The Trinity Methodist Church, Tinubu, Lagos. The church service will be followed by a reception for guests at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

  • Pools betting is common man’s stock exchange—Kessington Adebutu

    Pools betting is common man’s stock exchange—Kessington Adebutu

    Sir Kessington Adebunola Adebutu, the man behind the pools betting outfit, Premier Lotto, popularly called Baba Ijebu, was among the pioneers of pools betting in the country. In this interview with HANNA OJO, he spoke about the fad of pools betting, his childhood and philanthropic activities among other issues. Excerpts:

    The name ‘Baba Ijebu’ lotto is a household name, how did you come about it?

    The public gave it to me.  Funny enough, people have forgotten my family name. The name is given to me by the public.

    What is the succession plan you have in place to ensure the continuity of the business?

    My succession plan is perfected and sealed. I have my six children working with me in the company. Whether I am around or not, they are working. I came back to the country on the 1st of July and I am travelling out again on holiday, but the business still goes on.  So my succession plan is perfect.

    With the intricacies of the lotto business, where people play with small amount of money and win big, doesn’t it affect your company negatively by way of incurring losses?

    No.  Our work is like those who collect contribution to save people’s money, they get commissions. When these people play on the long run, they win certain percentage of our total sales. In the long run, they must win like 70 percent of our total sales.  We also give commissions to the agents so they too. Definitely, a small percentage must be left for us. It is sure.

    Has there been a time when you regretted ever doing this business?

    I will not say I have regretted doing this kind of business.  I started with gaming. Lotto is gaming, pools is gaming, so I am already used to the shock in gaming when there is a lot of winnings. You won’t believe we have lost over 1 billion in one game before. So I am used to the shock in this line of business. I have no regret.

    Some people have reservations about lotto since it is believed to have negative influence in the society. How do you react to this assertion?

    The influence of lotto in the society is enormous. Though people have reservations, they are getting it wrong. I continually say that gaming is the stock exchange of the ordinary man on the street.  People go and buy shares, but we all know shares crash at times. We know that ourselves.  But when you game, you can win or lose.  So, this gives the common man hope and that stops them from any nonsense because they are still hoping. You can see in the area where we operated, they used to be ruffians all over the place but we have taken them all out of the street. This is because they have hope.

    What was your motivation when you started lotto?

    All along, I’ve loved pool gaming. I love pools and lotto gaming, I feel good about the business.

    What was your early life like?

    That is a long story. I was born in October of 1935 in a small town in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. My town is Iperu Remo. I started my elementary education at Wesley school Iperu Remo in 1942. In 1948, after reading class four, I came to Lagos. From 1949-1950, I attended another school in Lagos.  In 1951, I was admitted to Babs Academy for my secondary education. But eventually, I finished my secondary school at Shagamu. I worked briefly as a sales man.  I rose to the position of sales manager of the whole western states and Lagos State.

    What prompted you to start the lotto business?

    I stumbled into a book which says whatever job you do, one day you have to leave. It is either you leave on your own or someone gives you the boot.  And it goes further to say that in the little business of your own, when you leave it, you leave it to yourself. So, that sparked me and decided I was going to stand on my own. Of course, I had the challenge of capital and finance. The finance was not there and yet I wanted to start a small business of my own, but God was and still is on my side. Then it came to my mind of a job I can do with almost nothing, and that is pools agency.  It is a counter, a biro, a table and a small place to put the table. Eventually, I started with my late partner;   we launched our own pools company the famous Face to Face Million Dollar Pools Limited. We  operated from 26 branches  in Lagos, Akure, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Benin, Warri, Aba, Agbor, Owerri, Kaduna, Jos, Makurdi… 26 branches in all.  I can go and on but time will not permit me. From there I diversified to other areas like lotto, farming, real estate, e.t.c.

    What is your advice to young people who also want to start business on their own?

    My admonition to young people is that they should learn to crawl before they start walking. Young people of this generation are too much in haste and I am serious about this.  If young people can learn to crawl before they walk, it will help a great deal.

    You will be 80 in a few months and you are still active in business, what is the secret?

    I feel good! I thank God for His mercy on me at this age.  The secret is that I do everything in moderation. I did all the things people do in the world, but in moderation. I believe people should learn to do things in moderation.

    How did you rise from the scratch to becoming one of the multibillionaires in the country today?

    It is through God’s grace. That is why our office reception is always full of people, because I give back to the less-privilege. I know I should appreciate God, and that is why I give back to the society. God has done wonders in my life. Some people work harder than I do and are not getting results. At my age, I should be living on my reserve or my pension, but I thank God at my age I am still making money. I am very grateful to God, I don’t hide it.

    You were honoured with an award by members of Youth Advancement for Qualitative Education (YAQE) Africa. How does this make you feel?

    I am really surprised, because I was not informed that I will be receiving an award. Nevertheless, I feel great about it and I am honoured. The truth is that this award is a challenge for me to continue to do more for the youths, and at the same time continue to inspire and encourage youths in the society.  My commitment to the affairs of young people will not wane.

  • Kessington Adebutu explores new grounds

    Kessington Adebutu explores new grounds

    THE story of popular businessman and founder of Premier Lotto in Nigeria, Chief Kessington Adebutu, is one that has dispelled the notion that underprivileged kids cannot break into the rank of high society or that coming from a humble background would always work against one’s ability to climb the ladder of success. Adebutu’s main asset is the ability to sense change and quickly adapt to it. That perhaps explains his ability to survive and thrive where others fade out.

    He has once again proved his ability to turn a moribund business around by opening the former Gateway Hotel, Abeokuta, for business again after acquiring and renaming it Park Inn by Radison. Adebutu reportedly acquired the hotel from the Ogun State Government in the twilight of the Otunba Gbenga Daniel administration.

    The deal was said to have been executed by Gateway Holdings, the agency responsible for managing the state’s investments. The hotel, which had almost lost its glory, is now wearing a new look with a new name after millions of naira were said to have gone into its renovation.

     

  • Kessington Adebutu prepares for 80th birthday

    Kessington Adebutu prepares for 80th birthday

    No one seems to understand the art of transforming a seemingly unprofitable business into a money yielding venture better than Chief Kessington Adebutu a.k.a. Baba Ijebu. The business magnate, who sits atop a multi-million naira betting business, is synonymous with lottery business in Nigeria. His numerous ventures include Face to Face Pools, Kessington Industries, Afri-Prints Limited and Kessington Foundation.

    The billionaire philanthropist will be joining the octogenarian club in the next few weeks, and going by the elaborate soiree he is known for hosting, his 80th birthday will be anything but a small affair. Baba Ijebu, who has been in lottery business for most of his life, wields immense influence in that sector of the economy with his Premiere Lotto Limited, which he founded in 1956.

  • Kessington Adebutu throws victory party for son

    If you are a billionaire and money becomes the least of your problems, chances are that you would celebrate every victory in the most extravagant way. Feeling immensely proud with the triumph of his son, Oladipupo Adebutu (Lado), in the Remo Federal Constituency election for House of Representatives, the senior Adetubu threw a lavish victory party for him.

    The pool magnate invited friends and family member to his magnificent mansion in Ijebu, which served as venue for the party. Adebutu and his son played the perfect hosts, making sure that food and drinks were supplied in profuse abundance.