Nigeria, Iperu-Remo – On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the ancient town of Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, radiated an aura of divine gratitude, cultural pride, and national admiration as Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu CFR, CON, OON, KJW, FISM, FGPS, FNIJ, Fameds, fondly known as Baba Ijebu, marked his 90th Birthday Thanksgiving at the historic Wesley Methodist Cathedral.
It was more than a celebration; it was a national convocation of gratitude — a thanksgiving of God’s faithfulness upon a man whose name has become synonymous with philanthropy, enterprise, and humility.
The pews of the Cathedral overflowed with dignitaries, clergy, royals, and captains of industry, reflecting the magnitude of Sir Adebutu’s influence across generations and sectors.
Among the notable attendees were the former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, GCON, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, former Ogun State Governors, His Excellency Chief Olusegun Osoba CFR and His Excellency Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel FNSE, Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele FNSE.
Also in attendance were Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central), Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka MHR, Ogun state Commissioners, Local Government Council Chairmen, and dignitaries across the country.
The gathering also witnessed the presence of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola OFR, who joined the congregation in heartfelt thanksgiving, describing Sir Adebutu’s life as “a living testament of grace, greatness, and generosity.”
Traditional royalty was not left out as the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, led an august delegation of Obas across Remoland to honor the celebrant.
There were other royal dignitaries across Yorubaland to honor Odole Oodua. Their presence symbolized a royal endorsement of Sir Adebutu’s enduring legacy of service and humanity.
The thanksgiving service was presided over by an array of clerics, Prelates, Archbishops, Bishops, Presbyters, Priests, Deacons, and Deaconesses, led by His Grace, Most Reverend Dr. Adewale Atanda, Archbishop of RIYE, who delivered a soul-lifting sermon.
The Archbishop’s message, drawn from Psalm 90:12, resonated deeply with the congregation: “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” He described Sir Adebutu as “a vessel of divine wisdom, whose ninety years embody God’s favour, discipline, and purpose-driven living.”
In their separate goodwill messages, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Prince Dapo Abiodun celebrated Sir Adebutu as “a rare gift to Ogun State and Nigeria at large.”
Prof. Osinbajo extolled the celebrant’s entrepreneurial vision and spiritual depth, noting that “Sir Adebutu built not only businesses but also bridges of hope for generations yet unborn.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun, on his part, described Baba Ijebu as “a man whose generosity has redefined the meaning of philanthropy in our contemporary society.” He commended his relentless contributions to education, health, and social welfare through the Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF).
In a chat with newsmen shortly after the event, Ambassador Isola, offered a profound reflection: “It is in this light that we joyfully celebrate Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, a man whose ninety years radiate nobility, service, and significance. Born in October 1935, his life is a vivid parable of God’s grace and human greatness. From humble beginnings, he rose through enterprise, integrity, and faith to become one of Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneurs and humanitarians.”
Ambassador Isola further highlighted that Sir Adebutu’s philanthropy transcends wealth, echoing his stewardship of faith as the Baba Ijo of the Methodist Church of Nigeria.
“He is a steward of prosperity and a servant of God. His humility in success and his compassion in abundance remind us that true greatness lies not in possessions but in purpose,” Isola remarked.
“May your latter years,” Ambassador Isola concluded, “be as golden as your legacy. May generations unborn draw from your exemplary character. Your life is indeed a living scripture of grace, greatness, and generosity.”
Sir Kessington Adebutu’s royal titles, Odole Oodua, Asoju Oba of Lagos, Babalaje of Lagos, Balogun of Remoland and Iperu-Remo, Bobaselu of Ondo Kingdom, Omoluabi of Ikenne LGA, among others are testaments to his bridge-building influence across kingdoms and communities. His national decorations of OON, CON, and the CFR conferred in 2022, underscore his contribution to national development, job creation, and social welfare.
Through KAAF, Sir Adebutu has sponsored scholarships, built hospitals, supported widows and orphans, and empowered countless Nigerian youths. His life’s work reflects a rare blend of entrepreneurship, spirituality, and patriotism.
As hymns of thanksgiving rose within the Cathedral and echoes of joy filled Iperu-Remo, one truth became evident: Sir (Dr.) Kesington Adebutu’s life is a sermon—preached not from the pulpit, but from the heart of service.
