Accolades, Encomiums As Generations Of Industry Leaders Hail Senator Akin Odunsi At 80

Industry icon and elder statesman, Chief (Senator) Babalola Akinola Kamarudeen Odunsi, clocks 80 today. The milestone has not only drawn admiration from across the marketing communications and political spaces but also evoked tributes from generations of professionals whose careers he shaped, inspired, or mentored.

Following an intimate pre-birthday dinner held Monday evening at the Metropolitan Club in Lagos…which drew advertising veterans, associates, and political allies, the advertising industry has continued to pour out glowing tributes to one of its most respected founding fathers. Many of these tributes are not just in celebration of longevity but in honour of a life characterized by integrity, professionalism, and deep, values-driven leadership.

Here are some of the highlights of the tributes rendered by some of Nigeria’s foremost advertising professionals, many of whom were present at his intimate dinner celebration:

“He Has Gone Round the Circle” – Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor, FRPA, OON

Sir Steve Omojafor, respected industry statesman and co-founder of the Rosabel Group (one of the three musketeers, as the founding members of the Rosabel Group were fondly called) described Senator Odunsi as a man of “strong character and integrity,” adding that he has successfully completed the journey of life as an icon in business, politics, and leadership.

“Chief (Senator) Babalola Akinola Kamarudeen Odunsi has been partner with Otunba Babatunde Adelaja and myself in the formation of a group of marketing communications companies since 1978 and we have maintained a successful partnership since then,” Omojafor shared.

“He has gone round the circle—as an Advertising Icon, Political Heavyweight, and now an Elder Statesman. He is a good family man and a wonderful father. At 80 years, he has lived a good life and it’s my prayer that the Lord grants him continuous peace, happiness and excellent good health in many more fulfilling years ahead.”

“He Is Forthright, Disciplined, Content” – Otunba Babatunde Adelaja

Otunba Babatunde Adelaja (another musketeer), Senator Odunsi’s long-time business partner and lifelong friend, spoke with visible admiration and emotional reflection.

“He is an epitome of discipline, integrity and professionalism. He is straightforward and content. He’s not greedy and he’s a good person.” Adelaja, who has known Odunsi since their secondary school days, praised his moral uprightness and creative brilliance.

“You can read him like a book. As Managing Director, he led the agency brilliantly. He was Secretary and later President of the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria, and in all these, he remained humble and God-fearing.”

“He Blazed Trails Across Commerce, Creativity and Public Service” – Lolu Akinwunmi, Group CEO, Prima Garnet

For Lolu Akinwunmi, Senator Odunsi’s impact extends beyond advertising. He is a role model who showed that ethical leadership could exist in both boardrooms and the Senate chambers. “Senator Akin Odunsi stands as a towering figure in Nigeria’s advertising landscape. A consummate professional, a gentleman of immense grace… He carried his values into the Nigerian Senate, where he served with distinction, proving that integrity, vision, and intellect can thrive in public office.”

“As he turns 80, we honour not just his years, but the impact of a life well-lived.”

“A Founding Father Who Taught Us Industry Values” – Mrs. Bunmi Oke, MD/CEO, Ladybird/Former AAAN President

Mrs. Bunmi Oke referred to Odunsi as one of the “founding fathers” of Nigerian advertising and said his legacy is one that continues to shape careers today. “They showed us how to nurture businesses, how to be respected advertising men and women. Whether you become a Senator or Chairman of a bank, what you learn in advertising can be applied to build a meaningful life.”

Reflecting on the honour of being invited to celebrate with him, she said: “It’s an honour to celebrate with him today. It tells me that we’re still being given responsibility to do our best and continue to support the ecosystem we all love.”

“He’s a Pillar of the Industry” – Kola Ayanwale, Founder, Centrespread Group

Advertising veteran and founder of Centrespread, Kola Ayanwale, was unequivocal in his admiration: “He is an icon, one of the pillars on which this industry rests. He is a good man, a leader, and a consummate professional.”

Ayanwale recounted his first professional encounter with Senator Odunsi. “I met him during my first pitch when I was 27. Now 43 years later, he’s still the same principled man I’ve known. That’s why many of us are here today, to honour a man who deserves it.”

“He Treated Me With Respect Even as a Young Professional” – Lanre Adisa, President, AAAN

Lanre Adisa, AAAN President and CEO of Noah’s Ark Communications, shared a touching personal story that illustrated Odunsi’s humility and mentorship style. “Although I only spent six months at Rosabel, I’ve known him since 1995, 30 years now. When I wanted to start my agency, he was one of the first I consulted. He gave me his blessings and guidance.”

Adisa noted how deeply Senator Odunsi respects the younger generation. “He treated me with dignity and respect, not just as a mentee but as a peer. That tells you the kind of leader he is.”

A True Nigerian Icon, Our Brightest Industry Beacon” – Steve Babaeko, President, IAA (Nigeria chapter)/CCO & CEO, X3M Ideas Group

For Babaeko, Senator Akin Odunsi truly is a Nigerian icon, “one of the brightest beacons in our advertising industry. His legacy as one of the founders of Rosabel advertising, has shaped not just the advertising landscape in Nigeria and across Africa, but also inspired generations of professionals.

He added, “Even when he transitioned into his role as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his dedication to the advertising community never wavered. As he celebrates his 80th birthday, here’s to wishing him robust health and many more wonderful years ahead.”

“A Mentor, A Politician Without Scandal” – Ayo Oluwatosin, Group Managing Director, Rosabel

In his vote of thanks at the pre birthday celebration, Ayo Oluwatosin of Rosabel called Odunsi a mentor with a sterling legacy not just in advertising but also in politics. “He is hardworking, forthright, and exemplary. He went to the National Assembly and came out without any scandal. That’s a rare thing in this country.”

Oluwatosin added: “He’s one of the few Nigerian politicians without any dent. That’s not just admirable—it’s aspirational.”

“A Man of Inspiration and Longevity” – Udeme Ufot, MD/CEO, SO&U

Udeme Ufot reflected on over 40 years of admiration from a distance and up close.“He’s an icon of the advertising profession in Nigeria. A man who has been a great inspiration to my generation. We watched how he conducted himself and his business.”

Ufot noted that Odunsi’s journey from building Rosabel into a group, to maintaining a spotless public image is a masterclass in consistency. “His longevity in the industry has been an inspiration. He’s always shown integrity and support for the younger generation.”