…Marks 80th Birthday, To Launch Memoir Today
As he marks his 80th birthday today, veteran advertising guru and distinguished former lawmaker, Senator Akin Akinola Odunsi, says he has no regrets about the life he has lived. He said this at an exclusive sideline interview with Brand Communicator at an intimate pre-birthday celebration dinner held Monday evening at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos.
The advertising leader, co-founder of Rosabel Advertising and one-time senator representing Ogun West also revealed that he will formally launch his long-awaited memoir, a “compendium” of his remarkable life journey, on Wednesday, July 24th.
Odunsi, whose name is synonymous with the golden era of Nigerian advertising, played a pioneering role in shaping the structure, ethos, and partnership culture that defined the early industry. As co-founder of Rosabel Advertising, one of Nigeria’s most iconic creative agencies, his emphasis on integrity, humility in leadership, and shared purpose laid a foundation that many still speak about with reverence.
Speaking about his journey in advertising, Senator Odunsi noted that he takes pride in the influence he had on others who ventured into the profession. “Yes, I spent over 30 years in advertising and I believe, like many of them said, I influenced many of them to come into this profession,” he recalled. “The industry has changed. We are in the digital age now, so things are not the way they were when we were in practice, but I believe many of those whom you saw here tonight are those that left the legacy of hard work, integrity and they are doing very well.”
Organised deliberately at the Metropolitan Club to recall the cherished days when men were boys, the celebration reunited the legendary ‘Three Musketeers’ who co-founded Rosabel Advertising and later built STB-McCann into an industry creative powerhouse.
The dinner, which was as much a reunion as it was a celebration, drew a constellation of industry leaders and pioneers across generations. Distinguished advertising professionals in attendance included Chief Olu Falomo, Sir Steve Omojafor, Otunba Babatunde Adelaja, Mr. Udeme Ufot, Mr. Kolawole Anyanwu, Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, and the current President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Mr. Lanre Adisa.
Also in attendance were stalwarts from the Nigerian political class and long-time friends of the celebrant, including his mentor, former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Dr. Iyiola Omisore; and Senator Sefiu Adegbenga Kaka, among others.
Reflecting on one of his most enduring contributions to the industry, the partnership culture that Rosabel Advertising was built upon, Odunsi shared timeless principles that many believe remain relevant today.
“One thing about partnership is that, if there is understanding and contentment amongst the partners, the spirit of contentment is very important,” he said. “When we started Rosabel, we sacrificed a whole lot. We were not on salaries initially… eventually, we fixed salaries and began earning. What we underscored was hard work, diligence, and integrity.”
He emphasized that emotional intelligence and mutual respect were critical success factors in their partnership model. “We understood each other. We knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses and we would build on each other’s weaknesses for the interest of the company… I didn’t carry the title of leader on my head. We treated ourselves as equals and that is very key in partnership success.”
Looking beyond his personal story, Senator Odunsi expressed hope that the current crop of industry leaders would embrace selflessness and collective interest, especially when occupying leadership positions within sectoral groups.
“For the industry to grow, I believe sectoral groups should collaborate and work together. But one of the serious issues is when some people get to top positions in the industry’s associations and want to take advantage of that for their own company. That is not going to help the industry,” he warned.
“Whatever decisions we make must be with the interest of everybody. Don’t use the opportunity of being President of whatever association to undermine your other colleagues.”
Despite his satisfaction with life and career, the octogenarian acknowledged that there were still things he hoped to see come to fruition in the industry he helped build. He particularly emphasized greater collaboration and alignment within sectoral bodies. “They need to collaborate more. They need to have a clear understanding of what they are doing so that each sectoral group would be able to operate efficiently, and then the industry will blossom.”
With a career that bridges advertising and politics, and a life guided by principle, humility, and service, Odunsi represents a rare breed. His 80th offers a mirror to a generation that came before and a torch for those yet to fully understand what it means to build, to lead, and to leave a legacy.
