Bayo Akinpelu: A River That Runs Deep

BAYO AKINPELU, convener of the first Africa wide Deepwter Exploration Conference anchored by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), former president of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) and the founding African Region President of the AAPG, achieves a consequential milestone, today, Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Herewith, is my testimony to courage and audacity…. 
Where It Truly Began – @ the University of Ibadan, Geology Department -1970

By Layiwola Fatona

The story of BAYO AKINPELU and I began in September 1970, as young undergraduates in the Geology Department at the University of Ibadan.

We all came in as individual students, from different schools and homes from all over Nigeria. But what emerged after three years… was something far greater.

A bond. A tribe. A collective of restless, vibrant, determined young minds.

We found one another. We challenged one another. We sharpened one another. And in time, we received for ourselves a name, from one of our troublesome Lecturers – the late  Makanjuola (a Professor, who was one of our favourite teachers).  One name, that only we truly understand; a name that stuck with us. Today we still fondly call ourselves by that unique name – “The Big Mouths.” Class of 70-73 (The BMs’ of recent times).

“That policy paper…which later opened the door to a new era of marginal Oil field development in Nigeria. At that time, it was not just bold! It was outrightly damn risky. But we-you BAYO AKINPELU and I- both believed.”

The Moment That Changed Everything

There are moments in life when destiny comes quietly. For me, one of those moments came in 1985. I was a very promising and restless Geologist at The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria – SPDC. I will say, Comfortable, Secure and well established. But something within me knew there was more. And in that season, God placed a few people around me, most especially, my beloved wife of nearly 45 years Toyin Fatona.

Then the other few individuals—Dan Lambert Aikhionbare Ph.D., a distinguished earth scientist;  Gilbert Grant ( a fast rising Petroleum/reservoir engineer at the time), and you, BAYO. You did not instruct me. You did something far more powerful. You helped me see clearly. Through calm conversations… through professional clarity…through honest brotherly counsel. You gave me the courage to leave certainty…and embrace purpose.

Geotrex Systems Limited Company @ Gbagada Lagos – Was The Unknown Path

That decision led to Geotrex Systems Limited as my next employment home. At the time, it looked uncertain. But it became…a defining institution. And again, BAYO, you were there.

Quietly ever present. Deeply engaged. Always shaping the future for many people and their life careers.

Oluwole Ariyo was steady, thoughtful, resolute. The venerable  Olu Oshewa, a man we remember today with reverence, whose calm strength and faith helped guide that era.

Together, with my dear old, reliable friend BAYO, more in the forefront for me, they formed part of a quiet but powerful alignment that helped nurture Geotrex Systems Ltd, as a Pioneering Nigerian E&P Consulting outfit and laid the groundwork for something much bigger.

The Courage to Think Differently

BAYO… I remember when we sat together, for many nights, thinking, dreaming, and writing, shaping ideas. That policy paper…which later opened the door to a new era of marginal Oil field development in Nigeria. At that time, it was not just bold! It was outrightly damn risky. But we both believed. And more importantly, we believed together.

The Ogbele Marginal Oil Field Breakthrough

Then came Ogbele marginal Oil Field – In old OML-53. The first Farm-Out Agreement, ever in Nigeria, between an International Oil Company – Chevron Nigeria Limited and Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Ltd (NDPR).

What seemed like a single transaction then…has become a defining moment in our industry today. From that moment came: Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Ltd (NDPR), then the transformation into Aradel… NDWestern…and most recently Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd… But behind all of that, were professional thoughts sharing, friendships. Shared conviction. And quiet courage. And always for and with me… BAYO AKINPELU.

The Man Behind the Story: – BAYO, you are not loud. You do not seek attention. But you own something far more enduring: Influence. The kind that steadies others. The kind that shapes lives. And for me, you helped shaped and redefined mine.

A Personal Truth

There are very few people who stand at the crossroads of one’s destiny. Beyond my wife and life long partner, You are one of mine. When I left Shell, I did not know fully what lay ahead of me. But I knew this: I trusted you. And that trust…changed everything.

Gratitude From the Heart

So tonight, my brother, Friend and Professional colleague. This is simple. This is real. I just want to say it so simply but from deep within – Thank You. 

At 80 – A Life of Meaning

BAYO… Eighty years. Really – just like that! It is all Not just of time, but of deep impact.

Closing Reflection

In our land, we say: A river that runs deep does not shout. BAYO…you are one of those rivers.

The Toast

So today I rise -To my brother…My classmate…My fellow “Big Mouth” My friend…My Professional co-traveller…To BAYO AKINPELU @ 80. May your strength endure. May your wisdom continue to guide. May your legacy deepen.

And may we the BMs of 1973 Class, continue to stand together…as we always have.

Happy 80th Birthday, my dear brother. Thank you and God Bless you and your Household.

Layi Fatona.

Ola Nlu Bi Okun House – Ilewo Orile Abeokuta

Layi Fatona Ph.D., M.Sc. DIC FNAPE, founding Chief Executive of Aradel Holdings, is currently Chairman of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and Vice Chairman of ND Western Limited.