MOGAJI ABDULJELYL KARHEEM (ADANLA)
Engr. Abduljelyl Adekunle Karheem MCIArb, MCIOB, МСАВЕ, popularly known as Adanla, is a construction expert and renowned real estate developer. He is the CEO of Afia Group, who prides himself on being the largest indigenous developer in Ibadan through his company, Afia Construction and Building Engineering Limited. Over the years, he has undertaken many significant projects, including the development of Alhaji Lateef Oyelade GRA, Ring Road, Ibadan. A project in partnership with the Oyo State Government which has since led to the emergence of other notable projects such as Afia Court, Afia Apartment, and more. These achievements, along with his commitment to the development of his immediate environment and his philanthropic efforts, have endeared Engr. Karheem to many. He also holds the titles of Mogaji of the Adanla family of Ibadan, Turaki Adinni of Oyo State, Wakil Faido Tijaniya of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states, and Giwa Adinni of Offa Land.
CHIEF ADENRELE LEKAN SALAMI
The young and dynamic Denrele Lekan Salami is a chip off the old block. He is the youngest child of the late Ibadan business magnate and football enthusiast, Chief Lekan Salami, after whom the popular Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba is named. Like his late father, Denrele, a security expert, is following the paths of philanthropy and community building as the head of the Oyetunde family of Eleta in Ibadan. Many lives have been touched through his Adenrele Lekan Salami Foundation, which explains the clamors from various corners for him to join politics. He is now the Ajia Balogun of Ibadanland.
BRIGADIER GENERAL ABIOLA OLOYEDE-ASANIKE
Call him a silent achiever, and you won’t be wrong. Despite his position as a senior officer in the Nigerian Army, Bridgadier General Mutiu Abiola Oloyede Asanike cherishes a peaceful life devoid of any noise whatsoever. His cool and calm demeanor is understandable, having come from a very prominent yet highly disciplined family. He is one of the sons of the 37th Olubadan, the late Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, who reigned from 1983 to 1993. Major General Asanike is also a philanthropist, who strongly believes in human capacity building, especially in the area of education. He has been giving back to society through his Amdalat Oloyede Foundation over the years. In his usual manner, Bridgadier General Asanike recently distributed 15,000 exercise books to students across some schools in Ibadan metropolis.
DR. SAHEED ADETUNBI IGE
He is arguably one of the most popular and connected young men in Ibadan. He is a thoroughbred professional but remains as humble as possible despite his social and academic standing as an Associate Professor at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. This humility is exactly what has endeared Dr. Saheed Ige to many. He is also blessed with special managerial and coordination skills, which have enabled him to be part of many Ivy League events in Ibadan. Another interesting aspect of Dr. Ige is that he is a man with a golden heart. He is always willing to help. In fact, helping others comes naturally for him. In addition to being a lecturer at LAUTECH, Dr. Ige is currently Member, Council of Oyo State College of Agriculture, Igboora.
MR. SAHEED LAWAL
There is no way you can visit his Bubbles Plus Lounge and Night Club on Ring Road, Ibadan, and not appreciate his innovative skills as a businessman. This is the kind of identity Saheed Lawal has created for himself since he practically changed the face of the nightclub business in the ancient city some years ago. Today, his commitment and sacrifices have paid off, as the business has expanded to include hotels and apartments without negatively impacting his parent business, which is boutique business.
HON. AKINOLA AKINJIDE
He needs little or no introduction in Oyo politics, especially in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, where he hails from. In fact, Akinola Kazeem Akinjide is not just a grassroots mobilizer and politician but also a bridge between the older and younger generations. He is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and is the House of Representatives hopeful for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency in 2027. To cap his very rich CV and impeccable character, Akinjide is also a philanthropist. He recently launched a N12.5 million back-to-school initiative for parents. Away from politics, Akinjide has a fulfilling second address. The retired Captain is a successful businessman with interests in various sectors, including real estate, automotive, and security equipment, among others.
COMRADE ADEMOLA BABALOLA
The outgoing second-term chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Ademola Babalola, is one of the most influential young men in the state but does not flaunt it. Instead, he channels his energy and connections to improve his profession and support his colleagues, as well as contribute positively to Ibadan and the state as a whole. Unknown to many, Demola Babalola, aside from his work in journalism, is also a farmer and a community leader. He holds the title of Agbaakin Baale of Idi-Oro, Elewa Ologuneru, Ibadan.
CHIEF WALE OLADITI
Here is another chip off the old block: Wale Oladiti is a well-groomed entrepreneur and the CEO of Weeldrop Petroleum and Logistics. He is one of the sons of Otunba Salimon Akanni Oladiti, the Chairman of SAO Petroleum and former National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) Branch of NUPENG. It would not be out of place to say that business acumen runs in the family, as Wale, aside from his father's thriving business, is also building an empire for himself. Weeldrop filling stations are scattered throughout Ibadan and even in other states across the Southwest. In addition to oil, gas, and haulage, Wale is also making significant strides in the real estate sector.
HON. SAHEED FIJABI
Saheed Fijabi, like his businessman and socialite father, Alhaji Ismaila Akinade Fijabi, is becoming an icon in Oyo politics. He is a former federal lawmaker who represented the Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was recently appointed by Governor Seyi Makinde as the Chairman of the Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee. Outside of politics, he is a significant player in the hospitality business, serving as the CEO of Thames Hotel.
HON. BIMBO ADEKANMBI
Bimbo Adekanmbi is a young cosmopolitan politician who is also making an impact in the business world, particularly in the real estate sector. His educational qualifications, political exposure, and philanthropic gestures have seen him undertake many responsibilities both in and out of public office. He is the former Deputy Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning under the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi in the APC. As a Chartered Accountant, Bimbo Adekanmbi is creating positive impacts not only in modern politics in Oyo State but also at the grassroots level, improving life for the people in his immediate environment. While still in the APC, Adekanmbi, who recently resigned his membership from the party, chaired the committee that oversaw the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan to international standards. This, to many, speaks to the closeness between him and Governor Seyi Makinde and also fuels speculation about him being a likely successor to Makinde in 2027.
ALHAJI TAIWO AKANDE ADEBISI
Today, there is no way to discuss successful Fuji musicians in Nigeria without mentioning Taye Currency. Born Taiwo Akande Adebisi from the prominent Foko clan in Ibadan, Currency has created a niche for himself in the industry. He is accomplished both as a professional musician and in his private life. With several years of experience, he has released many hit music albums to his credit, along with numerous international trips and shows. His son, Hon. Yusuf Adebisi, is an emerging political icon as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Yusuf's siblings, Aishat, Rokibat, and others, are all graduates and are doing wonderfully well. In fact, the youngest of the family, Samsudeen Adebisi, recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LL.B) from Alhikma University, Ilorin, Kwara State. Furthermore, Currency has diversified into real estate, making him one of the biggest property holders in the music industry.
MR. GOODNESS MORAKINYO
Goodness Morakinyo, through several years of dedication and commitment, has set unprecedented standards for his Valencia Group of Schools, making it one of the most patronized citadels of education in Ibadan. These indelible impacts are what the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) recognized when they honored Good Morakinyo two years ago.
CHIEF ABIOLA IYIOLA
Oloye Abiola Iyiola is the Chairman and CEO of Safeway Drilling. He has provided technical training to numerous university students in Petroleum Engineering, Geology, Civil Engineering, and other science-related fields through Industrial Training Programs. He has also empowered young entrepreneurs to establish water drilling businesses, thereby reducing unemployment. Furthermore, he has significantly impacted the health and education sectors by providing functional wells and boreholes to various communities
MR. AYOBAMI OGUNLOWO
Kay Manchy, as Ayobami Kayode Ogunlowo is popularly known, is not just a businessman but also a prominent brand in Ibadan. The CEO of Manchy Automobile Limited and De Manchy Hotel & Suites, Kay, is one of the most well-known figures in town. He has a powerful social network and connections in high places across various sectors, which have contributed to his success over the years. Despite his affluent status as a young man, he is both humble and stylish. Nothing less should be expected of him, having come from a decent and disciplined background. This also reflects on his circle: himself, Dare Adekanmbi, the award-winning journalist and Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS Executive Chairman, and Sikiru Akinola, the debonair publisher of Oyoinsight.com, all share a common mentor in Oloye Zacch Adedeji Adelabu, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).
ALHAJI MORUF OPATOLA
He is the Chairman and CEO of Al-Moruf Oluyole Hajj & Umrah Travels. Due to his philanthropic efforts and dedication to the development of Islam, Opatola is very popular, well-loved, and respected in Ibadan.
PROF. SAHEED ADERINTO
Prof. Saheed Aderinto is one of the young personalities making Ibadan proud both at home and abroad. The 46-year-old Aderinto is a professor of History and African Diaspora Studies at Florida International University in the US. He is also an award-winning author, filmmaker, and the founding president of the Lagos Studies Association. He is the 2023 winner of the Dan David Prize, the largest financial award for excellence in the historical discipline in the world, in recognition of his outstanding scholarship that illuminates the past and seeks to anchor public discourse in a deeper understanding of history. According to his profile on Wikipedia, Aderinto has published eight books, thirty-six journal articles and book chapters, forty encyclopedia articles, and twenty book reviews. His debut documentary film, The Fuji Documentary, which chronicles the life and times of late Fuji icon Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, was premiered in 2024.
ACH. HASSAN GIWA
Hassan Olawale Giwa is a real estate expert and the MD/CEO of Amron Group. The Asiwaju Adinni Musulumi of Ibadanland, Giwa is also the founder of the Hassan Olawale Giwa (HOG) Foundation, through which he has touched many lives.
MR. ABIODUN ADENEKAN
He is an astute banker and the Branch Manager at First Bank of Nigeria. Adeneken is also a renowned businessman with an interest in caterpillar and earthmoving equipment as a dealer.
MR. ADEWUMI OLADITI
Dewumi Oladiti is the Managing Director of SAO Petroleum and Logistics. Both Dewumi and his elder brother, Wale Oladiti of Wheeldrop, take after their father, Otunba Salimon Akanni Oladiti, in business. It is little wonder that SAO, under the leadership of Dewumi, has experienced a good turnaround. Several other business interests have since been added to the group as a result of Dewumi's expertise. He's also the Chairman/CEO of d20 Logistics and Petroleum Nigeria Limited, d20 Auto Mart and Ara Farms Ventures.
ACH. MUYIWA OJO
Very rich, handsome, and sociable, Muyiwa Ojo sits at the helm of a flourishing Ibadan-based real estate consultancy firm, RSS Properties. He knows his onions when it comes to real estate matter.
MR. AJIBOLA BABALOLA
Ajibola Babalola is another influential figure making significant strides in the oil and gas sector. He is well-loved and respected for his intellect and calm demeanor.
MR. IDRIS AJIMOBI
Idris Ajimobi is the son of the late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi. He is the heir apparent to the Ajimobi political dynasty and is undoubtedly one of the young politicians to watch in the state. The younger Ajimobi contested the Ibadan South-West Constituency II seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections and is currently the Senior Special Assistant to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Livestock Development.
CHIEF MOSES ADEBAYO
Otunba Cruzer, as he is popularly known, is a young serial entrepreneur in Ibadan. He is the CEO of Basco, Cruzer Lounge & Bistro, and Manhattan Events Centre. Additionally, he is a major distributor for a number of Chinese motorcycle and auto manufacturers, as well as construction equipment manufacturers in Nigeria.
MR. SUNDAY ONI
Sunday Oni is the CEO of Broadnet Concepts, a multimedia company that specializes in cinematography, photography, and event management. He is also involved in politics.
Credit: City People
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