Music, Family and Friendship: Inside Segun Oduntan’s Memorable 60th Celebration

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When a man turns 60, the real question is no longer how long he has lived, but how deeply he has lived and how many lives he has influenced along the way. For Prince Segun Oduntan, the answer was written clearly in the smiles, tributes and overwhelming turnout that defined his diamond jubilee celebration in Ikeja on Sunday.

Born in Ogui, Enugu, to the royal lineage of the Oduntan family of Itunmoja in Ikorodu Kingdom, Lagos State, the celebrant has built a reputation that stretches far beyond titles. To many in the maritime community, he is not just a successful customs broker, but a mentor, a pillar of support, and a leader whose generosity has shaped careers and strengthened professional relationships.

The celebration itself reflected the life he has lived. The ambience at was one of warmth, gratitude and heartfelt admiration. From young freight agents he guided into the profession to long-standing colleagues who relied on his counsel, the tributes told a consistent story. Oduntan’s greatest investment has always been people.

What made the evening even more memorable was the energy of the celebrant himself. At 60, Oduntan was anything but slow. Throughout the eight-hour celebration, he barely remained seated for more than a few minutes at a time. One moment he was exchanging warm handshakes with old friends; the next, he was on the dance floor, laughing, moving from table to table, and making every guest feel personally acknowledged.

He even jettisoned cutting his cake until his neighbours weren’t just comfortably seated but also lavishly supplied with food and drinks. It was the kind of energy that revealed not just physical strength, but a personality that thrives on connection.

The music added another emotional layer to the celebration. Renowned musical maestro Adewale Ayuba filled the hall with rich Bonsue Fuji melodies that kept the audience completely engaged from start to finish. It was a good thing Ayuba was given the microphone at the later stage of the event, otherwise there would have been no other item on the agenda, but dance.

The rhythm felt almost symbolic – lively, soulful and deeply rooted in tradition, much like the man being celebrated. Even hours after the event ended, many guests admitted the music still echoed in their minds as they made their way home.

But perhaps the most captivating moment of the evening came when his wife, Christiana Oduntan, took the microphone. The hall, which had been buzzing with music and laughter, suddenly became still. With warmth and sincerity, she spoke about how he wooed her years ago, why she chose him, and the qualities that convinced her he was a man worth building a life with. There were moments of laughter, moments of surprise, and those small “juicy” details that only a partner can reveal — the kind that made guests feel less like spectators and more like part of the couple’s journey.
In that moment, the celebration stopped being only about a respected maritime leader and became something more personal. It was indeed the story of a man who has built success not only in business, but also in friendship, family, and loyalty. And as the applause followed her tribute, it became clear that the night was not just marking the life of a sexagenarian, but decades of relationships that continue to grow stronger with time.

As Deputy National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), his influence within the maritime sector is both visible and enduring. Over the years, he has helped nurture young professionals, strengthened institutional respect for the association, and built a reputation as a principled leader whose word carries weight across the ports.

The day began with a thanksgiving service attended by family, friends and industry stakeholders who gathered to appreciate God for a life defined by integrity and service. The celebration then moved to a grand reception that attracted dignitaries from across the maritime value chain.

Tributes flowed from every direction. Colleagues praised his transparency and loyalty. Friends described him as firm yet compassionate. His children spoke of a father who set the standard for discipline, ambition and family values.

Among those present were the President of ANLCA, Sir Emenike Nwokeoji; Chairperson of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Olori Princess Vicky Haastrup; former ANLCA President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu; Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Founder, Kam Holdings, Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf.

The Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, was represented by ACG Nafiu Isiyaku; Customs Area Controller of Tincan Island Port, Comptroller Frank Onyeka; and Customs Area Controller, Lagos FTZ Command, Comptroller Hauwa Abubakar; Customs Area Controller, PTML Command, Comptroller Joe Anani; were also in attendance.

Find more pictures from the memorable event below: