The “Quiet Power” of Baba Ijebu: Lessons from a Nonagenarian Icon

LAGOS — Sir (Dr.) Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu, the billionaire industrialist widely known as “Baba Ijebu,” recently marked his 90th birthday with a landmark autobiography titled Legacy in Motion: The Quiet Power of a Nigerian Icon. Launched on October 24, 2025, the book has quickly become a manual for “perpetual hope” and a blueprint for ethical entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s 2026 economic landscape.

Far from being just a story of wealth, the book explores the philosophy of the man who transformed a “stigma-filled” gaming industry into a vehicle for national development and philanthropy.

The “Diligence” Blueprint

For the younger generation—particularly those under 50—Adebutu’s counsel is anchored in “old-school” virtues adapted for the modern age. He outlines a specific hierarchy for success:

• Diligence & Early Rising: Small tasks are the foundation of great ones.

• Integrity as Capital: “Let your word mean more than a signed contract.” He argues that in an era of “cutting corners,” an Empire of Trust is the only sustainable business model.

• Profit vs. Principle: “If the people around you are poorer because of your wealth, then your wealth is a curse, not a crown.”

The Philosophy of “Hope” in Gaming

Perhaps the most striking revelation in the book is Adebutu’s defense of the lottery. While often dismissed as mere gambling, he frames it as a societal safety valve:

• Renewed Hope: He argues that for the average Nigerian, a lottery ticket provides a reason to look forward to tomorrow.

• Personal Connection: The book features testimonials, including a life-changing 1973 win that allowed a student (now a prominent analyst) to return to Nigeria and pay off a mortgage, proving that for some, “one dollar made tomorrows better.”

• Isale-Eko Transformation: Stories of “wretched carpenters” turned home-owners through a lucky strike serve as community-level evidence of his “perpetual hope” theory.

A 90th Year of Record Philanthropy

To celebrate his entry into the nonagenarian club, Sir Kessington committed to his philosophy that “true wealth is not stored in vaults, but in lives shaped.” His 2025/2026 philanthropic activities have set a new benchmark for private giving in Africa:

• Medical Innovation: Donated the ₦5.2 Billion Medical Research Centre to the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (LUTH).

• Community Endowment: Announced a ₦4 Billion total donation (₦1 billion each) to the Sagamu and Ikenne Local Government Areas, as well as his hometown, Iperu-Remo, for socio-economic development.

• Monthly Social Safety Net: The Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF) reportedly spends an average of ₦150 Million monthly on humanitarian activities.

Chieftaincy and National Honor

Recognized as a bridge between tradition and modernity, Adebutu holds prestigious titles including the Odole Oodua of the Source and the Balogun of Remoland. In 2025, President Bola Tinubu conferred upon him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), making him the first Nigerian to be awarded four distinct National Honours.

Legacy Snapshot: Sir Kessington Adebutu (2026)