Tinubu, Obasanjo, Sanwo-Olu, Others Honour Kessington Adebutu at 90
President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and several prominent Nigerians gathered on Friday in Lagos to celebrate billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Sir Kessington Adebutu, as he marked his 90th birthday with a thanksgiving service and grand reception.
The colourful event, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, was the climax of a weeklong series of celebrations honouring the renowned industrialist for his decades of philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and service to humanity.
Representing President Tinubu, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila delivered a goodwill message, describing Adebutu as a rare example of a man who has lived both long and well.
“The President finds your words of wisdom, counsel, and support invaluable. In life, some people live long but not well, while others live well but not long. Rarely do we find those who live both long and well, and that is the story of your life,” Gbajabiamila said.
He added that President Tinubu deeply appreciates Adebutu’s immense contributions to national development and humanity at large.
The thanksgiving service featured uplifting performances by gospel artistes Beejay Sax and Yinka Alaseyori, whose renditions set the celebratory mood as guests joined in a spirited birthday chorus.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Adebutu’s son, Oladipupo, accompanied by his wife, Adenike, expressed gratitude to attendees, saying, “We are sincerely grateful to everyone who made time to honour our father. Your presence means more than words can describe.”
Among the dignitaries present were Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; former Lagos State governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Dame Abimbola; former Ogun State governors Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and Olusegun Osoba with his wife, Aderinsola; former Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko; and Chief Bode George and his wife, Roli.
The event also drew leading traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; and the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
Others in attendance included Erelu Oodua of Lagos, Abiola Dosumu; Channels Media Group CEO, John Momoh, and his wife, Olusola; real estate magnate Sir Olu Okeowo and his wife, Adejoke; and human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN).
The birthday festivities began on October 17 with a symposium themed “Odale Oodua: Symbol of Wealth Creation and Catalyst for Development” at the Alaperu Palace in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.
During the event, Adebutu donated ₦4 billion to Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North local government areas, as well as his hometown, Iperu-Remo.
Other highlights of the weeklong celebration included the commissioning of the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Centre on October 20, a novelty football match on October 22, and the conferment of an Honorary Fellowship on Adebutu by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers on October 23.
