This is the story of Nigeria’s grand old men who are in their 70s, 80s and 90s even 100 and still aging gracefully. They still go out and they are still agile.
For instance, the new Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo is 92 but he does not look it. He is still very strong and can give any young man a run for his energy. So also the Grand Commander, Ebenezer Obey will be clocking 79 next week. And this will surprise you because Chief Commander still performs on stage at parties back to back, across the South-West. And there is always never a dull moment.
One man who has attained the age of 100 and still counting is the Doyen of Accountancy Papa Akintola Williams. He will be 102 in August. He is the oldest of them all. He still walks on his own though heavily supported but still very sound mentally. He was well celebrated when he turned 100, 2 months ago. Close to him Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, OFR, CON. He is now 98. is Ogunbajo is a corporate lawyer and philanthropist. He is the founder of Messrs Chris Ogunbanjo & Co and he’s not tired yet.
89-year-old diplomat, Dr. Christopher Kolade is still as agile as ever. He was Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He is the Chairman, Board of Directors of SystemSpecs. The veteran broadcaster is a communicator and a quintessential information disseminator who is nationally and internationally renowned for his business skills and integrity is one of the grand old men who is rich and has not retired from the corporate scene. What of the Chairman of Eagle Paint, Chief Akin Disu? He is also aging gracefully. He still attends events. At age 84, The chairman of the Frontline Paint brand, a distinguished legal icon, traditional fellow and philanthropist per excellence remains one of the most visible role models in the country today. He is a man not only loved and admired by the vast majority of his people in his local community today but also revered higher as evidenced by many traditional titles conferred on him like Abobagun of Lagos, Borokini 1 and so on.
Prof. Akinyanju Oluwole, a Physician and Haematologist is better known as the Founder & Chairman of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria. He is among these grand old rich men aging gracefully, he will be celebrating his 85th birthday in October.
Also is Professor Deji Femi-Pearse, a former Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, he serves as the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council of Lagos State University (LASU), and Head of World Health Organisation Training Centre. He is 89 years old and still waxing stronger.
Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun is 87, he is a Nigerian banker and philanthropist who founded First City Merchant Bank. The white-loving man who is exceptionally rich was a long-time member of the council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. He is still hale and hearty at close to 90 years.
Eleganza Chairman, Chief Razak Akanni Okoya is 81, he is a billionaire industrialist and the Aare of Lagos. He is the owner and founder of Eleganza group of Companies, which has a market spanning Western Africa. He is one of the grand old men aging gracefully
Chief Kesington Adebutu is the billionaire who owns the multi-million Naira betting business – Premier Lotto (Baba Ijebu). He is 86 years old. He is the owner of the popular premier lotto. He is also waxing stronger at his age.
The name, Prince Samuel Adedoyin, rings so much of a bell and one can also say the same of Doyin Group of Companies. With over 14 subsidiaries under its umbrella, Chief Adedoyin is an accomplished businessman, industrialist. He will be 86 in November. He is also very strong.
Chief Michael Ade-Ojo is a successful entrepreneur, businessman and Philanthropist of repute. He is the Founder and Chairman of Elizade Group of Companies. Popularly called the Toyota man, he is still strong at 83.
The life of Enoch Adejare Adeboye is a fulfillment of the scriptures. No doubt Pastor E.A. Adeboye is spiritually wealthy and divinely connected, his story is an amazing one. Though very humble, he sits atop over 500 billion naira empire known as Redeemed Christian Church of God. He is the General Overseer of RCCG Worldwide, He is 79 and still waxing stronger.
Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, (Head of Chamber) is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He is the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Nigerian Communications Commission. He is 88 years old.
94-year-old, Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark is a politician from Delta State who worked with the administrations of Military Governor Samuel Ogbemudia and Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon between 1966 and 1975. The man who is still hale and hearty is the chairman of the Delta State elders forum.
The Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion’s will turn 87 in September. The man who yearly celebrates his birthday is still very strong. Despite he stays in Benin, he travels to the South regularly to attend A-list events. His business empire includes an international property portfolio and a private TV and radio station. He owns a private bank, oil refinery, diamond, gold, marble mines over Africa, a private university and a large number of hotels.
Former interim president, Chief Earnest Shonekan is a British-trained Nigerian lawyer, industrialist, politician and traditional chieftain. He was appointed as interim president of Nigeria by General Ibrahim Babangida. He will be 85 in the next 5 weeks.
General Yakubu “Jack” Dan-Yumma Gowon is the former head of state of Nigeria. Meeting General Gowon for the first time will not suggest his age to you as 87 years. He is still dandy and one of the most outgoing former presidents in Nigeria.
The white-bearded former president, General Abdulsalam Abubakar is Nigeria’s eighth military Head of State since the country’s independence from Britain. The northern top shot who will turn 87 in October is one of the few generals in the Nigerian army who rose to the top without holding political office. He has held only command and military positions, and has, in general, stayed out of the political limelight.
Though former military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR, does not attend parties anymore due to his health but he is still living very large in his palatial Minna home, he is one of the very rich few generals we have around. He will clock 80 in August.
General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma GCON is a multi-millionaire businessman and philanthropist. He was Nigerian Army Chief of Army Staff. He was also Minister of Defence under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration. He turned 82 last December.
In every generation, God has a way of blessing mankind with a few exceptional colossus individuals whose ways and accomplishments would be confounding to their fellow countrymen. Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON the founder of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) is one of such rare distinguished few in Nigeria. He runs the biggest law chamber in Nigeria. He is waxing stronger at 91.
Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of the Ijebu was installed as the king in 1960, making him one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Nigeria. Though he seldom attends events, he is still living large in his palace in Ijebu. He will be 87 in the next 5 weeks.
Alake of Egba Land, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo is on this list. The highly revered King is hale and hearty at 78. He still plays his Golf.
Edo-born auto magnate, Chief Sunny Asemota, the Chairman of Sunny Motors and Omoregie Motors, is one wealthy Nigerian whose indelible footprints in Nigeria’s auto business have remained a reference point for many decades. He still looks good as he will be turning 86 in April. Chief Emmanuel Inwanyanwu is also one of the billionaires in the east with vast businesses scattered around the city. He will be 79 this year.
Gen. Ike Nwachukwu Mni is a retired Army officer and Nigerian politician who, among other positions, has served as Foreign Minister of Nigeria twice and as a Senator in the National Assembly delegation from Abia State.He is still strong at 81.
Oba Saliu Adetunji is a first class monarch who currently sits as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan following his coronation on March 4, 2016. Prior to his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Saliu Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadan land. He is now 92 years old.
Oba (Dr) Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran II, PhD, CFR is the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland. He is age 84 years old. He ascended the throne in 1982 by succeeding Oba Peter Adeniran Olatunji Agunlejika II. Oba Aromolaran is the first Nigerian Oba to hold a PhD(Economics).
Award winning Nigerian playwright, poet and essayist, Prof Wole Soyinka never looked his age, infact he is waxing stronger everyday and gets on his energy to always involve himself in seeing a better Nigeria. The 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature and the first African to be honoured in that category is 87 years old. Chief Arthur Mbanefo is the frontline diplomat, and former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He is 91 years.
Former Civilian Governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo is a mathematician who became governor of Oyo State in October 1983, holding the office briefly until the military regime of Muhammadu Buhari took power in December 1983. He will be 85 in few weeks.
When you mention some billionaires in Nigeria, Chief Bode Emmanuel’s name will crop up. He is one of the board room guru of our times, very stylish and high revered amongst his contemporaries. He owns an oil company Saipem. He is 84 years.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCVO, CFR, CON born 18 January 1933, is 88 years old. He is a Nigerian diplomat of Igbo descent. He was the third Commonwealth Secretary-General. Aside from his international career, Chief Anyaoku continues to fulfill the duties of his office as Ichie Adazie of Obosi, a traditional Ndichie chieftainship.
Chief Femi Okurounmu was elected Senator for the Ogun Central Constituency of Ogun State at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, running on the Alliance for Democracy platform. Okurounmu was earlier Commissioner of the Ogun State Ministry of Works. He is one of the grand men waxing stronger.
Chief Olusegun Osoba, a journalist and politician per excellence was elected on two different occasions as Governor of Ogun State. He holds the National Honours of the Commander of the Order of the Niger CON. He is 82 years.
88-year-old former Federal Commissioner for Works, Alhaji Femi Okunnu SAN is a Lawyer and former pro-chancellor and chairman governing council of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He is still strong at his age.
Chief J. A. Obafemi Olopade, undoubtedly the most influential member of the inner-circle during the regime of former President Olusegun. He runs a Consulting and Construction firm, International Engineering Consultants. He is 95 years old.
Otunba Adekunle Ojora is a Lagos High Chief and prince from the Adele Ajosun Ruling House. He was once reported to be the most quoted name on the boards of bluechip companies in Nigeria, thus earning the accolade of “ Guru of Nigeria’s boardrooms. Chief Adekunle Ojora is 89 years.
Professor Wale Omole is the Chairman, Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspapers. His academic career was capped by becoming Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife between 1991and 1999. Thereafter, Professor Omole became a citizen of the world bagging several awards and playing different roles in different fields. He is still hale and hearty at 79.
The Aro of the source, Chief Alex-Duduyemi is a businessperson who has been the head of 7 different companies and holds the position of Chairman & Chief Executive Officer. He recently lost his wife, a Yeye Olusola. He is 85 years old. Chief Adebola Adegunwa OFR, is a foremost businessman, philanthropist, and former chairman of Sterling Bank Plc. He is strong at over 80.
Another top socialite, Otunba Bush Alebiosu is also on this list. He is 85 years old.
Former Nigeria’s president-chief Olusegun Obasanjo is still as strong as ever. He is one if the rich grand president Nigeria has produced. He is 84 years old.
Olorogun Sunny Kuku is an Ijebu High Chief. He is an expert endocrinologist. A recipient of First Distinguished Alumnus award University Lagos, 1991, Ambassador of Goodwill Award City of Freetown, Sierra Leone, 1992. He is the Chairman division medicine, The Eko Hospital, Lagos. He is a top socialite who is living large and healthy at 77.
Like a good wine, Chief Kola Daisi gets better with age. At a time when his contemporaries are either slowing down or have halted their activities completely, he is on the go, determined to make every passing day better than the previous one for those in his immediate and remote environment. He is 89 years old.
Otunba Lekan Are OON is an elder statesman and Chairman, Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Dr Lekan Are, is 87 years… He has provided job creation for many Nigerians through his various businesses and investments for over 30 years. He remains one of Nigeria’s foremost agronomists, civil/public servants, philanthropists.
Chief Ogunsola is best known for being the Chairman of Punch Newspapers who brought new life into Punch and made it the most widely read newspaper in the country. He is 77 years old.
Although one of Nigeria’s eminent commercial legal practitioners and entrepreneurs, Chief Adebayo Akande was never loud about his influence and worth. But the Ibadan- born industrialist, whose investment spans the entire gamut of the communications industry–telephony, satellite cable television and radio broadcasting, can be rather passionate about affairs and interests relating to his native city, where he holds the chieftaincy title of the Agbaakin Olubadan of Ibadanland. He is growing strong at 82.
King of world beat, Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye MFR, known professionally as King Sunny Adé, is one of the first African pop musicians to gain international success. He has been called one of the most influential musicians of all time. He will be 75 in September.
Popular musician, Prof. Sir Victor Uwaifo (MON) is 80 years old and still strong. The writer, sculptor, and musical instrument inventor also served as commissioner for arts and culture in Edo State under the government of Lucky Igbinedion. Uwaifo is famous for his joromi music.
82-year-old chief Bisi Akande was a governor of Osun State. He is a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) party, and was the first interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress. He is still waxing strong too.
Chief Olu Onagorowa is also another grand old man who is equally among the rich and famous.He is the Principal partner of his Oluonagorowa and co. He was born in Ogun State, Nigeria and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1971.
Gaby Yardua, who is from Edo state is rich and he is an unmistakable figure in Lagos social circles. Now retired, Gabby had held a high managerial position in Guinness Nigeria Plc. He belongs to many Lagos social clubs and was recently the Chairman of Abe Igi Club in Shitta, Surulere, Lagos. Otunba Alex Onabanjo is the CEO of Terra Energy Nigeria, Atco furniture, Rainbow FM, he is also a hotelier… to mention but a few of his enterprises.
Apart from being an ace entrepreneur, and a highly notable personality in Nigerian society and abroad, Otunba Alex Onabanjo is an educationalist. He was once the Pro-chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Justice Oguntade is one of the revered justices in Nigeria. The man who started as a Court clerk at the High Court of Justice, Ibadan went into private Legal Practice in Lagos and from high court bench to court of appeal then to justice of Supreme Court. He was chancellor, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). He was awarded the National Honour Commander of Nigeria (C.O.N).In addition to serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of IRM Ltd,, Justice Oguntade also sits on the board of several companies in Nigeria. He is waxing strong at 81.
England born, Arch. Olufemi Majekodunmi grew up in Nigeria .He later returned abroad to study architecture at the Glasgow School, Kingston College of Art (now Kingston University).he is one of the prominent and rich architects in Nigeria. He is also aging gracefully.
Insurance expert, Senator Omilani made this list, he is one of the grand old men living big at 85 years. Borno Billionaire, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi is Aldo living larger than life at his age. The man who is an oil magnate is 74 years. He is the Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources.
Foremost politician, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is also on this list, the rich northern top shot is still growing strong as he will turn 86 in September.
-TAYO OYEDIJI
