The Alaafin of Oyo and Titan of Yorubaland, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has extolled the virtues of the Akogun of Yorubaland, Chief (Dr) Tunde Afolabi, MFR, as he clocked 75 years, describing him as “a gift to earth and a blessing to humanity.”
According to a statement released by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, the monarch joined family members, dignitaries, and well-wishers in celebrating the oil magnate and philanthropist, commending his humility, intellectual depth, and remarkable contributions to national development, particularly in the oil and gas sector, education, and youth empowerment.
Chief Afolabi, a distinguished geologist and founding Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited, is widely respected for his quiet disposition and passion for excellence. Despite being one of Nigeria’s wealthiest men, he is known for his modesty and preference for a simple lifestyle.
A graduate of Geology from Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA, Chief Afolabi built his fortune the traditional way—through hard work, determination, and consistency. Since the 1980s, he has remained a towering figure in Nigeria’s oil industry and later became a prominent investor across energy, finance, and real estate sectors.
Through Amni Petroleum, which he founded in 1993, Chief Afolabi has expanded his company’s operations beyond Africa, ensuring it competes favourably with global oil giants. His visionary leadership, professionalism, and dedication have made him a mentor and role model to many within and beyond the petroleum industry.
It will be recalled that on January 16, 2021, the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, installed Chief (Dr) Tunde Afolabi (MFR) and his wife, Engineer (Mrs) Oluseyi Afolabi, as the Akogun and Yeye Akogun of Yorubaland, respectively, in recognition of their selfless service to humanity.
During that installation, the late Alaafin praised Chief Afolabi’s philanthropy, especially his scholarship scheme for indigent students in tertiary institutions. Oba Adeyemi described him as “a round peg in a round hole” and lauded his rare sense of humanism and compassion for the underprivileged.
At his 75th birthday celebration, held in Lagos, the current Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, served as the Royal Father of the Day, accompanied by his Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade.
In his royal message, Oba Owoade described Chief Afolabi as “a quintessential oil magnate, mentor, and role model to countless Nigerian youths”, emphasizing that many have benefited from his empowerment programmes and business mentorship.
He further remarked that Chief Afolabi is not only an intellectual but also a visionary entrepreneur whose ability to translate ideas into action has birthed several thriving businesses across Nigeria.
Quoting the monarch, Durojaiye stated:
“Human beings are born with a specific purpose and mission—like a target or mandate that must be fulfilled. You are known for humility, an attribute that has earned you admiration in many circles. Count your life by smiles, not tears; count your age by friends, not years.”
The Alaafin also extended heartfelt birthday wishes to the celebrant, saying:
“Whatever you ask, may you receive. Whatever you seek, may you find. Whatever you wish, may it be fulfilled on your birthday and always. The joy you have spread will return to you in abundance. Your life is about to pick up speed and blast off into the stratosphere—wear a seat belt and enjoy the journey.”
Concluding his message, the monarch added:
“I wish you abundant happiness, love, and life’s biggest joys. After all, you yourself are a gift to earth, and you deserve the best. Count not the candles, but the light they give. Count not the years, but the life you live. Wishing you a wonderful time ahead.”
Chief Tunde Afolabi, a member of several professional bodies including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, is a past President of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists and a council member of the Nigerian Association of Indigenous Petroleum Exploration and Production Companies.
He has also been honoured with two honorary doctorate degrees — Doctor of Technology (Honoris Causa) from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho (2009) and Doctor of Geology (Honoris Causa) from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo (2017) — in recognition of his contributions to education, industry, and human capital development.
SIM Multimedia reports that the Alaafin’s royal tribute and heartfelt words reflect the deep respect and admiration Chief Afolabi commands, not only as a business icon but also as a rare gem and “gift to the earth.”
This is Great!