The Man Behind Naira Pools: Celebrating the Life, Business Empire, Philanthropy and Legacy of Ijebu-Igbo Icon, Sir Otunba Ezekiel Agbolade Badero

MarvelTvUpdates Newspaper & Media, in collaboration with renowned media analyst, Kakaki and renowned photographer Bhenji, is proud to present this special publication on the life, achievements and enduring legacy of the late Sir Otunba Ezekiel Modupe Agbolade Badero, one of Nigeria’s most respected businessmen, philanthropists and illustrious sons of Ijebu-Igbo.

This publication is the result of extensive research, interviews and access to family records. We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of his first son, Mr. Olajide Badero, who welcomed our team, shared valuable photographs and provided family-verified information that helped preserve the true story of his father’s remarkable life.

Early Life

Sir Otunba Ezekiel Modupe Agbolade Badero was born on 12 September 1939 in Bukuru, a town about twelve kilometres from Jos in present-day Plateau State, to Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Badero, both indigenes of Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

He proudly traced his roots to the famous Oke-Agbo lineage, celebrated with the traditional praise:

“Omo Beje Roku, Beje Pa le o pa ta, Omo Eru Keru, Ari Owo Eko bu na, Omo Oniyan Ojo ke fa gbona le le, Omo a na owo be eni go, Omo won ni Aledo.”

Education

He began his education at St. John’s African Primary School, Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo (1948–1950) before continuing at St. Michael’s Anglican Primary School, Kaduna (1951–1954).

He later attended Government Secondary School, Zaria (now Kufena College), Zaria, where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1960. That same year, he proceeded to the P & T Training School, Oshodi, Lagos, further preparing himself for a successful professional career.

Professional Career

Before becoming one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs, Otunba Badero built an impressive career in both the private and public sectors. His places of employment included:

• Standard Bank, Kaduna (1960–1961)
• P & T Training School, Oshodi (1961–1962)
• Royal Exchange Assurance Company, Lagos and Ibadan (1963–1968)
• Federal Ministry of Finance, Lagos (1968–1970)
• Lagos High Court (1970–1976)

His dedication and work ethic laid the foundation for his future business success.

Sir Otunba Ezekiel Modupe Agbolade Badero lived on the prestigious Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, while maintaining strong ties with his hometown of Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

Building a Business Empire

Sir Badero first worked as an agent in the football pools business owned by billionaire businessman Sir Otunba Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu (Baba Ijebu). Through hard work, determination and God’s grace, he later established his own successful enterprise.

He founded Naira Pools Limited in 1975, which expanded with branches across several states, including Ogun State. In 1983, he established the famous Naira International Motel in Ijebu-Igbo, which became one of the town’s most prominent hospitality centres.

Constructed in the early 1980s, both his magnificent mansion and Naira International Motel ranked among the finest private properties in Ijebuland at the time.

According to accounts gathered during our investigation, Naira International Motel was commissioned by the wife of former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. It is believed that General Gowon and Sir Badero were schoolmates, but official duties prevented him from attending the ceremony, prompting him to delegate his wife.

The family also recalled that Sir Badero’s magnificent estate in Ijebu-Igbo was commissioned by his uncle, the late Chief Abraham Adesanya. Years later, following the renovation of the motel’s main hall for his 70th birthday celebration, the hall was recommissioned by Baba Ijebu through his son, Ladi Adebutu.

When he commissioned Naira International Motel in Ijebu-Igbo, he personally financed the tiling of the road from the INLG Secretariat to Naira International Motel, extending towards the Topon Divisional Police Station. This major infrastructure project, carried out in the early 1980s, significantly improved accessibility and eased transportation along the route, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

A Devoted Christian and Community Leader

Although many knew him for his business success, Sir Badero was also a committed Christian.

He was a respected member of St. John’s African Church, Oke-Agbo, Ijebu-Igbo, and his dedication to the church earned him the distinguished title of Knight, which is why he was proudly addressed as “Sir.”

He was conferred with the title of Grand Commander of the Christian Faith (G.C.C.F.). He was also honoured as the Babalaje of St. John’s African Church, Oke-Agbo, and the Balogun Onigbagbo of Ijebuland, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith, philanthropy and community development.

Family members emphasized that his Christian faith remains an important part of his identity and should always be accurately represented.

Traditional Titles

Beyond his religious service, High Chief Agbolade Badero was honored with several prestigious traditional chieftaincy titles in recognition of his contributions to society.

Among them were:

• Bajulaye of Ijebu-Igbo
• Lisa of Ilaro
• Ekerin Bobagunte of Ibadanland
• Babalaje of Ikeja
• Babalaje of Mushin
• Baba-Oba of Oke Sopen

The title of Bajulaye of Ijebu-Igbo was conferred on him by the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo in recognition of his outstanding service to the town and humanity.

He also served as Baba-Oba of Oke-Sopen Kingdom under the reign of His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Mufutau Adesesan Yusuf (Erinkintola I), the Sopen Lukale of Oke-Sopen.

Social Life

Sir Badero actively participated in several social organisations. He was a member of Lagos Country Club and Ijebu-Igbo Club, President of Tuesday Social Club, Mushin, Patron of Ikeja Club, Patron Club 3 Ibadan, Orepeju Social Club and the Nigeria Football Supporters Club.

He was widely respected for his generosity, leadership and friendly personality.

Love for Football and Music

Football was one of his greatest passions.

A devoted Manchester United supporter, Sir Badero travelled extensively to watch major football tournaments around the world. He visited countries including Britain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Canada, France and Germany, particularly during FIFA World Cup tournaments.

He also sponsored members of his staff to England to watch the prestigious FA Cup.

His passion for football extended beyond personal enjoyment, as he travel to England to experience the excitement of the FA Cup Final firsthand.

In a remarkable twist of fate, Sir Otunba Badero passed away on 11 July 2010 while in London during the Spain and Netherland final was played 2010 FIFA World Cup, a tournament he had travelled to follow, just as he had done on many occasions throughout his lifetime.

Sadly, he passed away in London on 11 July 2010, the same day the World Cup final.

Away from football, he loved music and celebrations. He was an admirer of legendary Fuji musician Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Juju music icon Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, whose music often featured at his social gatherings.

A Philanthropist Without Religious Boundaries

Perhaps Sir Badero’s greatest legacy was his generosity.

He was known for helping people regardless of their religion or background.

Although he was a devoted Christian, he funded the repainting of the Ijebu-Igbo Central Mosque, donated a vehicle to the Chief Imam and sponsored numerous Muslims on pilgrimage to Hajj in Mecca.

He equally sponsored many Christians on pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

In total, family records indicate that he sponsored more than 70 Christians and Muslims on holy pilgrimages over the years.

These acts reflected his belief in peaceful coexistence, unity and service to humanity.

Many people who knew him described him simply as “too generous.”

Family Life

Sir Badero was blessed with a large family.

He was survived by 21 children.

While some reports claimed he had nine wives, family members explained that his final marriage lasted only a few months before his death. The woman had no children with him and later remarried.

For this reason, the family recognises him as having had eight wives.

One remarkable aspect of his family life was his fairness and love. Within his mansion in Ijebu-Igbo, he built separate but identical houses for each of his wives, ensuring they all lived together peacefully within the same family compound.

During his elaborate 70th birthday thanksgiving celebration in September 2009, photographs of his wives dressed in matching attire beautifully reflected the unity and harmony that defined the Badero family.

Final Days

On 11 July 2010, Sir Otunba Ezekiel Modupe Agbolade Badero passed away in one of his London residences at the age of 71.

Following his passing, Sir Otunba Badero was laid to rest on 6 August 2010 within the grounds of his magnificent mansion in Ijebu-Igbo, where his final resting place remains a lasting symbol of the remarkable life he lived and the legacy he left behind.

He was buried within his magnificent mansion in Ijebu-Igbo, where his final resting place remains a point of remembrance for family members, friends and admirers.

During our research, MarvelTvUpdates visited the famous Naira International Motel, toured more than twenty chalets built by the business icon and also visited his final resting place.

A Legacy That Lives On

Many years after his passing, the name of Sir Otunba Ezekiel Modupe Agbolade Badero continues to command respect.

From his achievements in business to his generosity, commitment to community development, support for traditional institutions, love for humanity and devotion to God, his legacy remains firmly established.

His mentor and close business associate, billionaire Sir Otunba Kesington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, shared a long-standing relationship with him that helped shape one of Nigeria’s most successful business stories.

Today, places such as Badestay in Iju, Lagos, and the iconic Naira International Motel continue to remind many Nigerians of the remarkable man who built an empire through vision, hard work and compassion.

Sir Otunba Ezekiel Modupe Agbolade Badero was more than a businessman. He was a nation builder, a philanthropist, a respected traditional chief, a devoted Christian, a family man and a proud son of Ijebu-Igbo whose impact continues to inspire generations.

MarvelTvUpdates Newspaper & Media is honored to preserve this family-verified account of his life so that future generations will know and appreciate the extraordinary legacy of one of Ijebu-Igbo’s greatest sons.

Photo Credits & Appreciation

All photographs of the magnificent Badero family mansion, Naira International Motel, chalets, and other locations featured in this special publication were professionally captured by renowned photographer Bhenji Shot It during our research visit. Additional historical photographs were generously provided by the Badero family from their private collection.

MarvelTvUpdates Newspaper & Media, alongside Kakaki and Bhenji, sincerely appreciates the family of the late Sir Otunba Ezekiel Modupe Agbolade Badero for the love, warm reception, trust and support extended to our team throughout this remarkable research project.

We are especially grateful for the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of his life, access family archives and document the inspiring story of one of Nigeria’s legendary businessmen and philanthropists.

It is our hope that this family-verified publication will preserve his remarkable legacy for future generations and remind the public of the extraordinary impact Sir Otunba Ezekiel Modupe Agbolade Badero made through his generosity, leadership, business achievements and unwavering commitment to humanity.

Though he is gone, his legacy and memories continue to live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless lives he touched.

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