Olatunji Ajisomo Alabi

Olatunji Ajisomo Abubakar Sadiq Alabi (20 February 1915 – 14 November 1998), better known as Lord Rumens, was a Nigerian noble business tycoon, philanthropist and socialite.[1][2] Lord Rumens hailed from Abeokuta, and was of the Egba tribe.

Olatunji Ajisomo Alabi
Born(1915-02-20)20 February 1915
Lagos, Nigeria
Died14 November 1998(1998-11-14) (aged 83)
NationalityNigerian
Other namesLord Rumens
Alma materMethodist Boys High School
OccupationBusiness Tycon
Known forSports and Philanthropy
RelativesMolade Okoya-Thomas (Nephew)
Mobolaji Bank Anthony(cousin)
Simeon Adebo(cousin)

Personal life

Lord Rumens was born in Oke-Ona, Abeokuta, Nigeria. His parents were Alhaji Muktar Alabi Alamutu and Alimotu Sadia Kanleara. Lord Rumens attended Holy Trinity School in Abeokuta before going on to attend Methodist Boys High School in Lagos in 1934. Lord Rumens, as fondly called by his friends and family, worked for Total Oil Nigeria Ltd for many years.

In 1994, Lord Rumens released an autobiography and titled the autobiography "Lord Rumens". The autobiography centred around the journey on his life so far. In the autobiography, he also lamented about the fate of tennis in Nigeria "Those who have been entrusted to run out tennis club and championship have been less than serious."

During his reign, Lord Rumens was popularly known for the importation of Carrara Marble into Lagos, Nigeria as well as his love for Tennis. Lord Rumens was also known as the Vice-Chairman Red Fox Industries Nigeria Ltd, Executive Chairman of Tapol Nigeria Ltd as well as the Chairman of Nigeria Marine & Trading Company Ltd.

Sports and philanthropy

Much like his nephew, Molade Okoya -Thomas, Lord Rumens, who was a big Tennis fan, also has Tennis court named after him at the Lawn Tennis club in Onikan, Lagos.[3][4]

Lord Rumens served as the President of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club in Onikan from 1966 to 1975.

In 1971, he brought the likes of the late Arthur Ashe and Stan Smith to Nigeria for a tournament.

Demise

Lord Rumens is survived by 7 children and 14 grandchildren.

In remembrance of the late philanthropist, Lord Rumen has a street named in his honour in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria (known as Lord Rumens road).

References
  1. "Late Lord Rumens children battle trustee company over his estate". Encomium. 1 February 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  2. UNIFECS; Olugbemi Fatula (2002). UNIFECS (Obafemi Awolowo University) Encyclopaedia of 2,000 Foremost Nigerians: Featuring 100 outstanding Nigerians of the African International Biographical Order (AIBO) Volume 2. Afribic. p. 46. ISBN 978-9-783-4922-26.
  3. "Williams sisters rumble in Lagos". Vanguard Nigeria. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
  4. "MTG, Sports Veterans mourn Okoya-Thomas". Pressreader. Nigeria: ThisDay. 27 February 2015. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
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