Baba Oba, Dr Oladele Fajemirokun, Billionaire Businessman and Philanthropist, Turns 76 Today

Chief Oladele Fajemirokun was born on April 16, 1950, into the families of late High Chief Henry Oloyede Fajemirokun (Ifewara & Ile-Oluji descendants) and Chief (Mrs.) Osebosade Fajemirokun (Yeye Bobagunwa – nee Adepetun of Ondo descendants).

He had his early education in various schools in Lagos, Ogun, Osun, and Ondo states. He completed primary school at Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State, and secondary school at Loyola College, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Thereafter, he completed his Advanced Level Studies at Gboluji Grammar School, Ile–Oluji, before proceeding to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Economics.

Baba Oba Oladele Fajemirokun is a Nigerian and African entrepreneur who has carved out a niche for himself as a respected, talented, and accomplished investor and trader. He has over 49 years of extensive business-building and wealth-creation experience within and outside Nigeria, having built a business empire that is unique compared to conventional businesses at the young age of 28.

Baba Oba gives free rein to entrepreneurship, coaching, and mentoring, and empowers talented people to drive his various businesses, while providing overall strategic direction and navigation. An entrepreneur par excellence, Baba Oba has cultivated and invested in several best-in-class companies in Nigeria, amassing a portfolio of high-performance enterprises in key sectors of the economy, including insurance, telecommunications, oil & gas, agriculture, Supply Food Chain and Manufacturing.

These include American International Insurance Company, Food Concepts & Entertainment Plc – owners of Chicken Republic, Xerox Nigeria, Johnson Wax (Johnsons & Johnsons – makers of Baygon & Raid insecticides, Kings Guards Securities Group Limited- the largest employer of labour with more than 25,000 employees across the country in both private and public companies and parastatals, assets & difficult terrains, Henry Stephens Group, FSS Gases Ltd and Bluechip Communications Ltd.

As an ardent believer in the ideals of good corporate citizenship and community development, Fajemirokun had, over the last three decades, actively supported initiatives that had profoundly impacted the larger society. He is no doubt a visionary and exemplary business leader who believes in a society where endless opportunities abound for both wealth and value creation for the upcoming generation.

Fajemirokun has been involved in various businesses, appointments in non-executive, executive and directorship functions, and activities. Some of the positions he has held include: DF Holdings Limited – Executive Chairman; AIICO Insurance Plc. – Non-Executive Chairman; AIICO Pensions Managers Limited – Non-Executive Chairman; AIICO Capital Limited – Non-Executive Chairman; and Amaiden Oil and Gas Limited – Non- Executive Chairman.

Others are: Xerox (HS) Nigeria – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Johnson Wax- Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Kings Guards Securities – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; FSS Gases Limited – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Food Concepts & Entertainment – Non-Executive Chairman of the Board; Henry Stephens Group – Executive Chairman of the Board.

Fajemirokun has held the following appointments in the past, relating to banking, insurance, and telecommunications services: Nigerian French Insurance Plc – Non-Executive Director; Nigerian-American Merchant Bank – Non-Executive Director; National Bank of Nigeria – Non-Executive Director; Spar Aerospace/GS Telecoms – Executive Chairman.

Fajemirokun is a recipient of various awards and international honors, including: Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from City University, Los Angeles, United States (July 1985); Alumni Merit Award – Loyola College Old Boys Association, Ibadan (1996); Fellow of Institute of Administrative Management of Nigeria; Fellow Award, Institute of Directors (April 2005); Junior Chamber International, OAU Award of Excellence (July 2008); Honorary Award from Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (2008); and Recognition Award – Milestone Nigerian Magazine (July 2014).

Others are: Merit Award from Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos (Dec 2014); Ministry of Education Recognition Award (December 2015); 40th Anniversary OAU Special Alumni Merit Award; Honours Award – The Diocesan Elderly Ministry, Lagos; Merit Award from Diocese of Ile-Oluji Church of Nigeria; Appreciation Award from Inclusive Unity School (December 2015).

Fajemirokun is also a recipient of chieftaincy titles, including Bajulaiye of Okeigbo, Ondo State; Bobagunwa of Ifewara, Osun State; Obaluaro of Ado–Ekiti, Ekiti State; Fiwajoye of Ipetu–Modu, Osun State; Amuwajoye of MOPA Kingdom, Kogi State; Chief Atanyese of Ondo Kingdom, Ondo State; Baba Oba of Ifewara, Osun State.

He is an avid reader of current affairs. He loves swimming, watching tennis and football, and supporting Arsenal Football Club and the Super Eagles.

Fajemirokun is a devout Christian who believes in the efficacy of prayers and is a silent philanthropist contributing to his community, society, and the country at large. He has contributed and donated in his silent way to various religious bodies, schools, individuals’ empowerment, etc.

Baba Oba Dr Dele Fajemirokun is happily married to Chief (Mrs.) Edith Fajemirokun. The union is blessed with children who are all qualified in their chosen professions. He is also blessed with many grandchildren.”

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