At 65, Mayor Akinpelu stands tall as a pioneer of Nigerian soft-sell journalism, a cultural icon, and a revered storyteller of the elite

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]reat men are not born; they are forged in the crucible of time, resilience, and passion. At 65, Mayor Akinpelu born Mayowa Abiodun Akinpelu emerges as a shining testament to that truth.

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A pioneer of Nigeria’s soft-sell journalism, a cultural trailblazer, and a master of storytelling, his life and work continue to shape the media landscape and inspire generations.

My first encounter with Mayor was through The Guardian, where he contributed while serving with the Ministry of Interior.

Though attached to the Correctional Services, his destiny lay beyond bars within the boundless world of journalism.

What began as a public service journey evolved into a life-long mission to chronicle the lives of Nigeria’s powerful, the glamorous, and even the infamous.

From Prime People to Vintage People: Laying the Foundation

As the sun set on the Daily Times weekend legacy, a new dawn rose for soft-sell journalism, with Mayor Akinpelu at its helm.

Starting with Prime People and later Vintage People, he worked with media greats like Muyiwa Adetiba, laying the groundwork for what would soon become a media revolution.

A turning point came when he teamed up with Kunle Bakare (KB), Desola Alapafuja (now Bakare), and Femi Akintunde-Johnson (FAJ) to establish the iconic Fame Weekly Magazine, under the guidance of Aare Dele Momodu.

At their legendary Simbiat Abiola Street office in Ikeja, they produced the publication that defined high-society journalism in Nigeria.

If you weren’t famous or at least infamous you didn’t make it into Fame. With a talented editorial team including Wale Olomu, Azuh Arinze, Michael Effiong, Dayo Ashaju, and cartoonist Sanya Ojikutu, the magazine became Nigeria’s high-society bible.

Fame, Music, and Cultural Influence

Mayor Akinpelu didn’t just report on fame he lived it. The Fame Music Awards (FMA) and The Movie Awards (THEMA) were born under his watch, celebrating creative excellence.

He was also the man behind the legendary Mosun’s Diary, penned by Desola Alapafuja, which I, Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare, later adapted for radio alongside Liz Benson and Bimbo Manuel on Raypower FM—the station’s first independently produced programme.

A cultural icon, Lord Mayor was a regular at Stadium Hotel, Surulere, revelling in Sir Shina Peters’ Afro-Juju beats.

He became immortalised in music when SSP and later K1 the Ultimate famously hailed him in their lyrics: “Mayor Akinpelu, ore mi o!”

Reinvention and Enduring Legacy

When Fame encountered internal turbulence, Mayor moved on to Today’s Choice Magazine before founding the enduring Global Excellence Magazine.

The Global Excellence Awards and Couples’ Night became staples of Nigeria’s elite events calendar. His regular appearances on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout confirmed his place as a revered public affairs analyst.

Mayor Akinpelu’s reach extends far beyond journalism. From classic cars to high fashion, from political chambers to editorial rooms, he’s revered by everyone from Senate Presidents and Governors to captains of industry.

A Living Legend at 65

At 65, Mayor Akinpelu is more than a media veteran—he is a living legend. His legacy is inked in stories that shaped public perception and gave colour to Nigerian society.

“Success is not about how high you climb but how many lives you touch along the way.”

From ink-stained pages to broadcast brilliance, from high-society coverage to cultural commentary, Mayor Akinpelu’s journey is a masterclass in passion-driven excellence.

Poetic Salute

Sixty-five years, a journey profound,
A legacy built on solid ground.
From ink-stained pages to TV screens,
A storyteller of kings and queens.
Your words, like echoes, linger still,
Chronicling tales with golden quill.
The high society, the tales untold,
Through you, their lives in ink unfold.
From Fame to Global, the journey long,
Yet in your heart beats the same old song.
The passion, the fire, the unyielding grace,
A journalist’s soul time can’t erase.
May your years be long, your heart stay light,
May wisdom guide your steps so bright.
Lord Mayor, legend, storyteller divine,
Happy 65th—may you always shine!

Happy 65th Birthday, Mayor Akinpelu!