In March 1980, Adetunji Oyebanji embarked on what would become a 45-year odyssey in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, starting as a Marketing Representative Trainee at Mobil Oil Nigeria. With patience, determination, and a relentless drive to learn, he navigated the complex world of downstream petroleum, laying the foundation for a career defined by expertise, vision, and integrity.
A journey marked by leadership
Over the decades, Oyebanji held a series of pivotal roles: Planning Associate, Pricing Manager, District Manager, Branch Manager, Manager of Fuels Services, and Executive Director of Fuels. Each position honed his strategic and operational skills, preparing him for the ultimate leadership role. In October 2008, he became Chairman and Managing Director of Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc. After ExxonMobil’s divestment, he assumed the role of Managing Director/CEO of 11 Plc in April 2017, steering the company through transformation and growth while solidifying its status as a trusted Nigerian brand.
Contributions beyond the company
Oyebanji’s impact extended beyond corporate walls. He served as President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, past Chairman of the Major Energy Marketers Association, and led the Petroleum Downstream Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was also a past council member of the Nigerian Institute of Management and contributed over a decade as a board member of the Society for Corporate Governance, Nigeria.
Global experience, local impact
His expertise was not confined to Nigeria. Oyebanji served internationally as Project Associate at Mobil Oil Corporation in Fairfax, Virginia, Manager of Planning at Mobil Africa Sales Inc., Executive Director at Mobil Oil Cameroon and Mobil Oil Ethiopia, and ultimately as Manager of Industrial and Wholesale Fuels, Africa and Middle East, based in Belgium. This global exposure enriched his leadership back home, bringing best practices and a wider perspective to Nigeria’s petroleum marketing sector.
Steering industry growth
Under his leadership, 11 Plc maintained operational excellence during significant transitions, while he also influenced national industry policies. His tenure witnessed strategic expansion, stronger governance, and a focus on nurturing talent, leaving a lasting imprint on the company and the sector at large.
A legacy of dedication
Oyebanji’s journey is remarkable not just for its duration but for the consistency of his service. From trainee to CEO, his career reflects diligence, humility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions have helped shape Nigeria’s petroleum industry and inspired countless professionals to follow in his footsteps.
Inspiration for the next generation
As he steps into retirement, Oyebanji leaves behind a blueprint for success: a career built on perseverance, continuous learning, and integrity. His story is a reminder that with dedication and vision, it is possible to transform early promise into enduring leadership leaving a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.