It is no longer news that the Ogbeni Oja of Ijebuland, Chief Adebayo Kuku is dead. The billionaire business tycoon and philanthropist was said to have died at the early hour of yesterday and will be buried today in his hometown, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. He was said to have battled with a terminal illness for years before he finally bow to death at the age of 84.
But what is however worth talking about is the legacy Chief Bayo Kuku (C.O.N) left behind. In his lifetime, Bayo Kuku, the Ogbeni-Oja as he was popularly known, was amongst the Nigeria's successful billionaires.
Despite his enormous wealth Bayo Kuku lived an exemplary life; he touched so many lives and contributed immensely to the economic growth of the nation.
Bayo Kuku, born 14th September 1930 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He attended University College, London (1959-62); and University of California (1962-63). He started his career as a State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice (1963-64) and rose to become the Executive Vice-Chairman of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (1964-81) and Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (1981-83).
In 1976, he co-founded West Africa Offshore Limited (WAO) alongside his friend, Dr. Mudiaga Odje (SAN) O.F.R. The company was formed with an aim to provide quality marine services to the Nigerian offshore oil industry.
He also served as member, Federal Board of Tax Appeal Commission (1967-73); Chairman and Acting Pro-Chancellor, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Governing Council (1978-79).
He was a founding member, Board of Directors FBN (Merchant Bankers) Limited; Member, International Bar Association (IBA).
Chief Kuku headed the Board of Directors of various companies in his lifetime. He was President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (1987-91). He won many several awards including the Distinguished Service Award of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce (June 1991); DCL (Honorius Causa)-Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (December 1992)
He was Fellow, University College, London (December 1994); and he became Honorary Citizen-City of New Orleans, USA (1977).
The Ogbeni-Oja of Ijebuland was Chairman, Council of Ijebu Chiefs; Honorary Life Vice President, Ijebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His numerous philanthropic activities include Endowment of Professional chairs in Nigerian Universities, Annual prize-Best Student in Oil & Gas Law, University of Lagos; scholarships to indigent Students and many more.
Bayo Kuku was conferred with the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his immense contribution to the country.
But what is however worth talking about is the legacy Chief Bayo Kuku (C.O.N) left behind. In his lifetime, Bayo Kuku, the Ogbeni-Oja as he was popularly known, was amongst the Nigeria's successful billionaires.
Despite his enormous wealth Bayo Kuku lived an exemplary life; he touched so many lives and contributed immensely to the economic growth of the nation.
Bayo Kuku, born 14th September 1930 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He attended University College, London (1959-62); and University of California (1962-63). He started his career as a State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice (1963-64) and rose to become the Executive Vice-Chairman of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (1964-81) and Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (1981-83).
In 1976, he co-founded West Africa Offshore Limited (WAO) alongside his friend, Dr. Mudiaga Odje (SAN) O.F.R. The company was formed with an aim to provide quality marine services to the Nigerian offshore oil industry.
He also served as member, Federal Board of Tax Appeal Commission (1967-73); Chairman and Acting Pro-Chancellor, University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) Governing Council (1978-79).
He was a founding member, Board of Directors FBN (Merchant Bankers) Limited; Member, International Bar Association (IBA).
Chief Kuku headed the Board of Directors of various companies in his lifetime. He was President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (1987-91). He won many several awards including the Distinguished Service Award of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce (June 1991); DCL (Honorius Causa)-Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife (December 1992)
He was Fellow, University College, London (December 1994); and he became Honorary Citizen-City of New Orleans, USA (1977).
The Ogbeni-Oja of Ijebuland was Chairman, Council of Ijebu Chiefs; Honorary Life Vice President, Ijebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His numerous philanthropic activities include Endowment of Professional chairs in Nigerian Universities, Annual prize-Best Student in Oil & Gas Law, University of Lagos; scholarships to indigent Students and many more.
Bayo Kuku was conferred with the honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in recognition of his immense contribution to the country.
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