Otunba (Dr.) Adejare Nurudeen Adegbenro, the First Otunba Laje of the Owu Kingdom, is a man whose life is a testament to self-motivation, hard work, and humility. These qualities have earned him success and the respect of many.

A Legacy of Political Dynasties Otunba Adegbenro’s roots run deep in two prominent political dynasties. His paternal grandfather, Chief Dauda Soroye Adegbenro, was the Premier of the defunct Western Region. His maternal grandfather, Pa Alfred Rewane, was a pro-democracy crusader who helped finance the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

Education and Business Acumen Born on March 26, 1973, in Lagos, Otunba Adegbenro’s education spanned multiple countries. He attended Saint Bernadette’s Primary School and Adrao International School in Lagos before proceeding to Dover Preparatory School in the UK. He completed his secondary education at Federal Government College in Warri, Delta State. He holds an advanced diploma in business management from POMA International University and a certificate in “Public Policy Challenges of the 21st Century” from the University of Virginia.

With a knack for taking on challenges, Otunba Adegbenro began his career at John Holt Engineering in 1996 and later moved to Motorfone. Driven by a passion for success, he founded his own companies:

First Planet, which focuses on large-scale telecoms transactions;

Balmoral International Limited, specializing in international trade and importation; and DDSS International Company Limited, a security technology firm with clients including the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Ministry of Defense.

Honors and Philanthropy Otunba Adegbenro has been recognized for his service with numerous chieftaincy titles:

• The 1st Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom from Oba Olusanya Dosunmu II on January 20, 2019.
• Asiwaju Ogbenioja of Awowo from Oba Abdul Gafar Olasunkanmi Tijani.
• Ekerin Babalaje Egba from the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland.

He also holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree as ‘Doctor of Business’ from POMA International Business University.

Beyond his business and traditional titles, Otunba Adegbenro is dedicated to philanthropy through the

Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF), which he founded in 2019 to give back to the people of Ogun State and beyond. The foundation focuses on job creation, health, and social intervention. OAAF has provided free medical eye tests and glasses to over 2,000 beneficiaries, and installed boreholes and built health centers in various parts of Nigeria. The foundation also provided food items and palliatives during the COVID-19 pandemic to IDP camps in Abuja and the palace of the Alake of Egbaland.

A Man of Family and Interests Otunba Adegbenro is a devoted family man, married to Mrs. Barbara Jumoke Adegbenro, the daughter of the late music legend, Bobby Benson. They have four children. When not working, he is an active member of social clubs like the Polo Club, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Ikoyi Club, and Yoruba Tennis Club. He is a staunch supporter of Liverpool FC and enjoys rugby, swimming, and cycling.

He is also a political analyst and lives by the mantra, “I am a Nigerian, my tribe is second”. Sources