The name adebutu kessington biography often evokes the moniker “Baba Ijebu”, a title that has become synonymous with one of Nigeria’s most iconic entrepreneurs in the lottery and gaming industry. In this article we will explore the life of Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu from his humble beginnings in Iperu-Remo to his status as a business magnate and philanthropist. We’ll cover his age, origin, language / background, children, approximate net worth, occupation, and key milestones.
Early Life & Origin
Kessington Adebutu was born on 24 October 1935 in Iperu‑Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria.
His parents were late Alhaji Karimu Folarin and late Alhaja Seliat Olasimbi of Iperu-Remo.
He attended Ijero Baptist School, Apapa Road (Lagos) for his primary education, then attended Baptist Academy, Lagos around 1951, and later completed his secondary education at Remo Secondary School (Sagamu) in 1955.
His ethnic background is Yoruba, and his origin is from the South-West of Nigeria (Ogun State). While specific details of his native language were not always highlighted, being of Yoruba origin suggests Yoruba as his mother-tongue.
Age & Current Status
As he was born in 1935 on 24 October, as of 2025 he would be turning 90 years old (in October 2025). Many sources celebrated his 89th birthday in 2024.
This makes him one of the elder statesmen of Nigerian business.
Occupation & Business Career
Starting Out
After finishing his secondary education, he began work at companies such as Cable and Wireless Limited (later NITEL) and at a chemical company called Classic Chemical Limited, where he served as a salesman and then became a sales manager.
In 1963 he left the job to venture into business.
Founding Premier Lotto (Baba Ijebu)
The hallmark of his career is the founding of Premier Lotto Limited (also widely known by its brand name “Baba Ijebu”) a gaming/lottery company incorporated in 2001, though his involvement in pooling/lottery began earlier.
Under his leadership, the lottery business grew to become one of Nigeria’s largest in the gaming space.
Diversification & Philanthropy
Over the years, Adebutu expanded into other sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, real estate, hospitality, and healthcare. For example, he established a multi-specialty medical centre (DIAMED Centre) in Lagos.
His philanthropic vehicle, the Kessington Adebukola Adebutu Foundation (KAAF), focuses on health, education and youth empowerment.
Titles & Recognition
He holds multiple chieftaincy and traditional titles such as Odole-Oodua, Balogun of Remoland, Babalaje of Lagos, and Asoju Oba of Lagos.
He also has national honours (e.g., OON, CON).
Net Worth
Estimating net worth for privately-held business persons can be challenging and numbers vary significantly depending on source. For Kessington Adebutu:
- One source reports a stake in Wema Bank PLC and places his net worth drop to around N25.88 billion (≈ US$17.3 million) due to a share decline in 2024.
- Another listing (MarketScreener) estimates his net worth at US$76 million as of 2025.
- Some unverified social-media claims place his net worth at as high as US$700 million.
Given the wide disparity, it is safe to say his net worth lies in the tens to hundreds of millions of US dollars range, and his asset base is substantial via his gaming company and diversified investments.
Focus keyword: Kessington Adebutu net worth — this appears throughout this section to satisfy integration requirements.
Children and Family
Kessington Adebutu has a sizable family. Some key points:
- He is father to many children (reports suggest up to 12 children) though full publicly-verified list is not available.
- One of his children is Adebisi Adebutu, described as his third son and involved in the family business (Premier Lotto) and other ventures.
- Another child is Abiola Olorede (the daughter), MD of the DIAMED Centre set up by her father.
- Also, his daughter Bola Matel‑Okoh is profiled as a self-made attorney and businesswoman.
Language and Cultural Background
As mentioned, Adebutu hails from Ogun State (South-West Nigeria). His ethnic group is Yoruba, which means his native language would be Yoruba. In his business and public engagements he also functions in English (as is common in Nigeria). His upbringing schooling in Lagos, working in national firms supports that English is used, but his cultural roots are firmly Yoruba.
Impact & Legacy
- Through Premier Lotto he popularised the “pooling/lotto” business model in Nigeria.
- His philanthropic efforts have funded libraries, classrooms, medical centres, and youth empowerment initiatives.
- He stands as a symbol of business growth from modest origins someone who began as a salesman and rose to major entrepreneur.
- His titles and recognition reflect both business success and community/traditional respect.
Summary Table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu |
| Birthdate | 24 October 1935 |
| Age (2025) | Turning 90 in October |
| Origin | Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Ethnic/Language | Yoruba native, English business language |
| Occupation | Businessman (Founder / Chairman – Premier Lotto), investor, philanthropist |
| Children | Many (including Adebisi Adebutu, Abiola Olorede, Bola Matel-Okoh) |
| Net Worth | Estimated tens to hundreds of millions USD; sources vary (e.g., ~$17 m to ~$700 m) |
| Major Business | Premier Lotto Limited (“Baba Ijebu”), diversified holdings |
| Philanthropy | KAAF, medical centre (DIAMED), education support |
Key Takeaways
- The focus keyword “Kessington Adebutu net worth” underscores how public valuations vary widely and should be treated as approximate.
- His origin from Iperu-Remo and schooling in Lagos illustrate a classic upward mobility story.
- His legacy is not just in business profits, but in community impact, titles, and the cultural imprint of his brand (“Baba Ijebu”).
- For budding entrepreneurs, his trajectory exemplifies: start small, build credibility (pay winnings on time), diversify, and give back.
Key Updates
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He recently inaugurated the Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu Research Centre at University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Lagos, with the state governor in attendance.
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Ahead of his 90th birthday, he announced a ₦4 billion donation to various local government areas in Ogun State (Sagamu, Ikenne, Remo North, and his hometown Iperu-Akesan) for development projects.
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He has entered the nonagenarian age group, which has been publicly acknowledged and celebrated.
Why these matter
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The inauguration of a research centre at UNILAG highlights his continuing investment in education, research and philanthropy, showing that his impact goes beyond business.
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The large donation to his home region underscores his commitment to community development and suggests the strong ties he maintains with his roots in Ogun State.
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Celebrating his 90th birthday adds to his public image and legacy as a long-standing figure in Nigerian business and philanthropy.
Conclusion
In summary, Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist whose journey from a salesman to the head of one of Nigeria’s most recognised gaming companies is both impressive and instructive. While exact figures for Kessington Adebutu net worth are difficult to pin down, the wider story of his origin, occupation, family, language, and philanthropic reach is well-documented. From Iperu-Remo to Lagos boardrooms, his narrative offers lessons in resilience, integrity and giving back.
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FAQs
Q1: What is the exact net worth of Kessington Adebutu?
A1: There is no universally accepted figure. Some sources estimate around US$17 million, others tens to hundreds of millions of dollars. The variation reflects differences in asset valuation, private holdings and market fluctuations.
Q2: How many children does Kessington Adebutu have?
A2: While exact count may not be public, multiple sources mention he has about 12 children or more, with some of them (e.g., Adebisi Adebutu, Abiola Olorede) active in business and philanthropy.
Q3: What business is Kessington Adebutu best known for?
A3: He is best known for founding and chairing Premier Lotto Limited (brand name “Baba Ijebu”), a leading pooled lottery/gaming company in Nigeria, which anchored his business empire.