As Cardinal Prophet James Omolaja Odunmbaku, popularly known as Baba Eto, clocks 80 on Friday, September 4, 2026, the CEO of Opulence Creation and Outfits, Alhaji Bashiru Azeez Akande, has joined family, friends, associates and admirers across Nigeria in celebrating the revered statesman, cleric, grassroots mobiliser and philanthropist.
Akande, while congratulating the octogenarian, described Odunmbaku as a rare blend of faith, courage, wisdom, political sagacity, humility and uncommon commitment to humanity, whose remarkable journey has left an indelible mark on both the religious and political landscapes of Lagos and beyond.
For a man whose name has become synonymous with organisation and mobilisation, the sobriquet “Baba Eto” remains particularly fitting.
For a man whose name has become synonymous with organisation and mobilisation, the sobriquet “Baba Eto” remains particularly fitting.
The ‘Baba Eto’ alias, TrendscopeNews understands, was bestowed on Odunmbaku by the late business mogul and politician, Chief MKO Abiola, in recognition of his exceptional organisational abilities during the political struggles of the era.”
Born on September 4, 1946, Odunmbaku has, over the decades, built a formidable identity that straddles Christian ministry, politics, business, philanthropy and community development.
He has remained a prominent voice in Lagos politics and a longstanding associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while also maintaining a powerful spiritual presence through his ministry.
As President of Soulwinners Ministry Worldwide and General Evangelist Worldwide, Cardinal Odunmbaku has devoted a significant part of his life to Christian evangelism and spiritual leadership.
As President of Soulwinners Ministry Worldwide and General Evangelist Worldwide, Cardinal Odunmbaku has devoted a significant part of his life to Christian evangelism and spiritual leadership.
His political journey has been equally remarkable. From the NADECO years and the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12, 1993 presidential mandate to his subsequent roles within progressive political formations, Baba Eto established himself as an influential grassroots organiser and political strategist.
He later became deeply involved in the political structure that grew around Tinubu in Lagos, serving in various campaign and mobilisation capacities.
His longstanding influence has earned him recognition not merely as a party chieftain, but as one of the figures who helped shape the grassroots political machinery of Lagos.
His contribution to national life was further recognised in 2022 when the Federal Government conferred on him the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour.
Akande had at the time described the honour as thoroughly deserved, praising Odunmbaku as an accomplished politician, gifted cleric and unrivalled grassroots mobiliser whose influence extended across religious, political and social circles.
A GRAND CELEBRATION THAT NEVER WAS
Interestingly, Baba Eto’s 80th birthday was originally being planned as a celebration befitting such a milestone.
Preparations had reportedly reached an advanced stage, with aso-ebi already selected, arrangements in top gear and plans for a grand gathering that would have attracted prominent personalities from politics, business, religion, entertainment and society.
The proposed celebration was expected to be nothing short of spectacular, with about eight musicians, including Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, billed to thrill guests.
However, barely months before the milestone birthday, Odunmbaku suffered the devastating loss of his beloved wife, Mother Celestial Olasinmi Akindele-Odunmbaku, who died on June 25, 2026, at the age of 59.
His contribution to national life was further recognised in 2022 when the Federal Government conferred on him the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour.
A GRAND CELEBRATION THAT NEVER WAS
Interestingly, Baba Eto’s 80th birthday was originally being planned as a celebration befitting such a milestone.
Preparations had reportedly reached an advanced stage, with aso-ebi already selected, arrangements in top gear and plans for a grand gathering that would have attracted prominent personalities from politics, business, religion, entertainment and society.
The proposed celebration was expected to be nothing short of spectacular, with about eight musicians, including Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, billed to thrill guests.
Her death dramatically changed the mood surrounding what was expected to be an elaborate 80th birthday carnival.
Rather than the grand celebration initially envisaged, the occasion will now be marked quietly with prayers, family and a select circle of friends, in an atmosphere that combines gratitude for a life richly lived with remembrance of a beloved wife whose absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt.
A WOMAN WHO STOOD BESIDE BABA ETO
Late Olasinmi was not merely the wife of a prominent politician and cleric. She had a public service record of her own and was a respected figure in her own right.
She served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, where she was associated with programmes aimed at improving the social and economic advancement of women.
Rather than the grand celebration initially envisaged, the occasion will now be marked quietly with prayers, family and a select circle of friends, in an atmosphere that combines gratitude for a life richly lived with remembrance of a beloved wife whose absence will undoubtedly be deeply felt.
A WOMAN WHO STOOD BESIDE BABA ETO
Late Olasinmi was not merely the wife of a prominent politician and cleric. She had a public service record of her own and was a respected figure in her own right.
She served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, where she was associated with programmes aimed at improving the social and economic advancement of women.
Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, in mourning her death, described her as a loyal public servant, cherished friend and member of his extended family. (Vanguard News)
Her life also reflected a commitment to Christian faith, humanitarian service and grassroots mobilisation.
Her life also reflected a commitment to Christian faith, humanitarian service and grassroots mobilisation.
She was described by the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide as a passionate worshipper and pillar of the church, while political associates remembered her as a formidable grassroots mobiliser and businesswoman.
Her death drew condolences from prominent Nigerians, including President Tinubu, who described her as his longtime associate’s beloved wife and commiserated with the Odunmbaku family over the loss.
At her funeral in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa were among the prominent dignitaries who paid their respects, with tributes focusing on her compassion, generosity, public service and commitment to women’s empowerment.
That loss gives Cardinal Odunmbaku’s 80th birthday an unusually poignant dimension.
He will not simply be counting eight decades of existence; he will be entering a new chapter of his life without the woman who shared a significant part of that journey with him.
AKANDE: ‘A LIVING LEGEND’
Akande, whose admiration for the celebrant dates back several years, said Cardinal Odunmbaku deserved to be celebrated for the breadth of his contributions and the lives he has touched.
He recalled his earlier description of Baba Eto as a man who had “come, saw and conquered on many fronts”, stressing that his greatest distinction lies in his ability to combine his spiritual calling with political leadership and service to humanity.
For Akande, Baba Eto represents more than a political structure or religious institution. He represents experience, resilience, loyalty, leadership and service, qualities that have kept him relevant across generations and through changing political seasons.
His story is also one of reinvention. From his early years and grassroots political activism to his emergence as a respected cleric, businessman, philanthropist and political elder, Odunmbaku has remained a visible force in the affairs of Lagos and Nigerian society.
His humanitarian activities have also formed part of his legacy, with his work reportedly extending to vulnerable people, widows, the elderly, the sick and those facing serious financial difficulties. He also founded the Centre for Humanitarian Support, an organisation focused on drug-abuse awareness and related interventions.
80 YEARS, A LIFE OF IMPACT
As family and friends gather in prayer on Friday, the atmosphere may be far removed from the grand spectacle that was originally planned.
Yet, beneath the subdued celebration lies something perhaps more enduring: gratitude for 80 years of life, leadership, faith and service.
Akande therefore wishes Cardinal Prophet J.O. Odunmbaku a remarkable 80th birthday, praying that the years ahead will bring him renewed strength, sound health, peace of mind, divine protection and greater fulfilment in his service to God and humanity.
He also prayed that the octogenarian would be granted the grace to continue mentoring younger generations, strengthening communities and leaving behind an even greater legacy.
At 80, Baba Eto has every reason to look back with gratitude.
Eight decades after his birth on September 4, 1946, the story of Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku remains one of faith, politics, resilience, leadership, family, service and survival.
Even though the music, glamour and mega celebration may have given way to prayers and quiet reflection, one thing remains unchanged: Nigeria’s “Baba Eto” has reached 80 with a lifetime of stories behind him and, God willing, more chapters still ahead.
Her death drew condolences from prominent Nigerians, including President Tinubu, who described her as his longtime associate’s beloved wife and commiserated with the Odunmbaku family over the loss.
At her funeral in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa were among the prominent dignitaries who paid their respects, with tributes focusing on her compassion, generosity, public service and commitment to women’s empowerment.
He will not simply be counting eight decades of existence; he will be entering a new chapter of his life without the woman who shared a significant part of that journey with him.
AKANDE: ‘A LIVING LEGEND’
Akande, whose admiration for the celebrant dates back several years, said Cardinal Odunmbaku deserved to be celebrated for the breadth of his contributions and the lives he has touched.
He recalled his earlier description of Baba Eto as a man who had “come, saw and conquered on many fronts”, stressing that his greatest distinction lies in his ability to combine his spiritual calling with political leadership and service to humanity.
For Akande, Baba Eto represents more than a political structure or religious institution. He represents experience, resilience, loyalty, leadership and service, qualities that have kept him relevant across generations and through changing political seasons.
His story is also one of reinvention. From his early years and grassroots political activism to his emergence as a respected cleric, businessman, philanthropist and political elder, Odunmbaku has remained a visible force in the affairs of Lagos and Nigerian society.
His humanitarian activities have also formed part of his legacy, with his work reportedly extending to vulnerable people, widows, the elderly, the sick and those facing serious financial difficulties. He also founded the Centre for Humanitarian Support, an organisation focused on drug-abuse awareness and related interventions.
80 YEARS, A LIFE OF IMPACT
As family and friends gather in prayer on Friday, the atmosphere may be far removed from the grand spectacle that was originally planned.
Yet, beneath the subdued celebration lies something perhaps more enduring: gratitude for 80 years of life, leadership, faith and service.
Akande therefore wishes Cardinal Prophet J.O. Odunmbaku a remarkable 80th birthday, praying that the years ahead will bring him renewed strength, sound health, peace of mind, divine protection and greater fulfilment in his service to God and humanity.
He also prayed that the octogenarian would be granted the grace to continue mentoring younger generations, strengthening communities and leaving behind an even greater legacy.
At 80, Baba Eto has every reason to look back with gratitude.
Eight decades after his birth on September 4, 1946, the story of Cardinal James Omolaja Odunmbaku remains one of faith, politics, resilience, leadership, family, service and survival.
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