President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has honoured Nigerian billionaire and elder statesman, Sir Dr Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu, with the prestigious Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON,  taking the national honour directly to the businessman’s Lagos residence during a presidential courtesy visit.
The President was accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as he visited the Adebutu family home, where the rare private conferment took place, drawing national attention because such honours are traditionally awarded during formal state ceremonies.
The event was shared publicly by Ladi Adebutu, son of the honouree and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Â governorship candidate in Ogun State during the 2023 general election.
He expressed heartfelt appreciation to the President and First Lady for what he described as a deeply meaningful recognition of his father and the Adebutu dynasty.
In an emotional message, Ladi Adebutu thanked President Tinubu for the gracious visit and the honour bestowed on his father, describing the gesture as humbling and unforgettable.
He said the conferment of the GCON symbolised national appreciation for decades of service, dedication, and contributions to Nigeria’s development by the billionaire philanthropist.
He further noted that the award also reflected the long-standing personal relationship between President Tinubu and Sir Kesington Adebutu, describing the bond between both men as one that has endured for decades.
Also Read:Tinubu departs Lagos for Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
He prayed for the friendship to continue in good health and mutual respect.
Sir Kesington Adebutu, popularly known as the Odole Oodua of the Source, is widely respected for his influence in business, philanthropy, and community development, and the GCON places him among a select group of Nigerians recognised with the country’s second-highest national honour.
The event has also attracted political interest due to Ladi Adebutu’s recent political history. He contested the 2023 Ogun State governorship election against incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress, APC, President Tinubu’s party, but lost the contest.
In a separate development, Ladi Adebutu was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, during the Ogun State local government elections held in November 2024 over alleged disturbances during the polls.
The PDP in the state confirmed the arrest, stating that he was invited for questioning, while noting that no formal charges were publicly stated at the time.
Despite the surrounding political undertones, the presidential visit and honour were presented as a celebration of Sir Kesington Adebutu’s lifetime achievements and enduring contributions to Nigeria’s national growth and unity.
Legit News
