By Funsho Arogundade
Celebrating one’s 70th birthday is a big enough deal. But it’s deserving of a carnival if you are a successful highflier in the oil industry —and by extension, a titan in Corporate Nigeria. That’s the case of Dr Mutiu Olaniyi Adio Sunmonu who clocked 70 on Tuesday May 27.
His resume is awesome. As an oil & gas expert with a rich history of experience and performance both locally and internationally, Sunmonu was the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Vice President Production Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Country Chair of the Shell Companies in Nigeria, roles which he held concurrently from January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2010 respectively. He retired from SPDC in 2015 after 36 years of meritorious service.
A respected private sector leader who continues to provide leadership and professional guidance to established and upcoming businesses, Sunmonu, a Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON, sits on the Board of a number of blue chip companies including Unilever Nigeria Plc, SanLeon Energy UK, Petralon Energy Limited, Imperial Homes Mortgage Limited, Coronation Group and Julius Berger Plc where Sunmonu was once the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
On evidence above, Sunmonu owns every right to celebrate his platinum birthday in a spectacular style. And that’s what he got as a lavish celebration took place at the ballroom of the exquisite Lagos Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island. The soiree was a significant affair, highlighting the wealth and influence of the Abeokuta, Ogun State-born oil titan, with the uppermost elite, deep-pocketed backers, and top politicians —more than enough for a cabinet meeting— all gathered for the ‘knees-up’. The newly minted septuagenarian —flanked by his beloved wife, Ekaete— was a perfect host. They warmly moved through the hall, exchanging pleasantries and expressing gratitude to their high profile guests.
The grand ceremony had begun earlier with a Thanksgiving Service led by Pastor Tunde Bakare and later cascaded into a more relaxed reception rich with tributes and emotional moments amidst music, laughter, and dancing carried on into an evening of elegance. King Sunny Ade headlined the lavish soiree that also featured Veentage Band,, compere Gbenga Adeyinka and comedian Okey Bakassi.