Akin Alabi is a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur, politician, and creative professional. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work as a music video director during the early days of Nigerian hip-hop, as well as for founding NairaBET, Nigeria’s first online sports betting platform. In addition to his success in entertainment and business, Alabi has served as a two-term member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, where he actively contributes to legislative development. His career spans multiple fields, including music, entrepreneurship, literature, and public service.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Akinola Adekunle Alabi |
| Date of Birth | March 31, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Ekiti State, Nigeria |
| Spouse | Bunmi Alabi |
| Children | Yes |
| Occupations | Entrepreneur, Politician, Author, Music Video Director, Philanthropist |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $47 million and $75 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on March 31, 1977, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Akin Alabi grew up in a family of five children. Though originally from Ekiti State, he spent much of his childhood in Lagos and Ibadan.
He attended Lara Day Nursery and Primary School in Lagos and completed primary school at Command Children School, Ibadan. For secondary education, he went to Federal Government College, Enugu.
After several attempts at the JAMB exams, Alabi enrolled at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, earning a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration.
He later pursued a Master of Science in Marketing at the University of Liverpool in the UK and obtained a certificate in Intellectual Property Strategy from Harvard University.
This solid educational foundation in business and marketing laid the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial success.
Career
Music and Entertainment
Alabi’s creative journey began during his university years, initially as a songwriter and graphic designer. After releasing an album in 1999, he transitioned into music video directing following a decision to invest in his own equipment.
His breakthrough came in 2005 with the video for “Crazy” by Big Bamo and Paul Play, which earned him recognition in Nigeria’s music industry.
He has directed videos for many prominent Nigerian artists such as 9ice, Timaya, Tope Alabi, Onyeka Onwenu, Reminisce, and Tim Godfrey.
Alabi is regarded as a pioneer in Nigerian hip-hop video production. Alongside his wife, he formed the musical group T.I.V, which released the popular single “Komole” in 2012, winning awards for choreography.
He also founded Over The Top Entertainment, a record label that has signed notable artists including Skuki.
In addition to music, Alabi created the animated series “My Nigerian Proverb,” aimed at preserving African cultural heritage through proverbs from various Nigerian ethnic groups.
He has authored several books on Nigerian proverbs, further promoting cultural education.
Business Ventures
Alabi’s entrepreneurial spirit began in 2003 with writing and selling books. He later launched a seminar and consulting business for startups and published newspapers focused on business and sports.
His most significant business achievement is founding NairaBET in 2009, Nigeria’s first online sports betting platform.
Inspired by his exposure to sports betting in the UK, Alabi capitalized on Nigerians’ passion for football to build a thriving company with over 1,000 physical outlets nationwide. NairaBET is valued at over $75 million.
He also founded Nightlife.ng, a platform covering Nigeria’s nightlife scene, and owns Lekki United F.C., a Lagos-based football club.
Political Career
In 2018, Alabi stepped down as CEO of NairaBET to enter politics. Running under the All Progressives Congress (APC), he was elected to represent Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency in Oyo State in 2019.
During his first term, he sponsored bills establishing medical and vocational centers and advocated for constitutional reforms and human rights issues, including motions against SARS abuses.
Re-elected in 2022, Alabi continues to serve actively in the House of Representatives, currently chairing the House Committee on Works. In 2024, he set a record by presenting ten bills in a single week.
Author and Publisher
Alabi is a prolific author, especially in entrepreneurship and business strategy. His bestselling book, Small Business Big Money (2017), shares practical advice on starting and growing businesses, including the story behind NairaBET.
Other works include How to Sell to Nigerians and How to Create and Make Money from Free Blogs, which provide actionable insights for Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Personal Life
Akin Alabi is married to Bunmi Alabi, an entrepreneur and his partner in the musical group T.I.V. The couple met in the late 1990s and married in 2008. They have children together and often speak about the importance of faith and mutual support in their marriage.
Despite his busy professional life, Alabi remains committed to family and philanthropy through the Akin Alabi Foundation, which supports community development and empowerment initiatives in his constituency.
Akin Alabi Net Worth
Akin Alabi’s net worth is estimated to range from $47 million to $75 million. He built his fortune mainly through establishing NairaBET, Nigeria’s pioneering and leading online sports betting platform, which has grown to become a major force in the African betting market.
In addition to his core business, his wealth is supplemented by ventures in entertainment, publishing, and sports, as well as his involvement in politics.
Filmography and Creative Works
Music Videos Directed
- “Crazy” – Big Bamo and Paul Play (2005)
- Videos for 9ice, Timaya, Tope Alabi, Onyeka Onwenu, Reminisce, Tim Godfrey, Ayanjesu, Paul Ik Dairo
Musical Releases
- “Komole” – T.I.V (2012)
- “Komole (Remix)” – T.I.V featuring Vector and Proverb (2011)
- “I Komole” – T.I.V featuring Angeloh (2021)
Other Creative Projects
- My Nigerian Proverb – 2D animated series promoting African proverbs
Books
- Small Business Big Money (2017)
- How to Sell to Nigerians
- How to Create and Make Money from Free Blogs
- My Book of Nigerian Proverbs
- My Book of Yoruba Proverbs
- My Book of Igbo Proverbs
- My Book of Hausa Proverbs
- Moremi the Brave
Awards and Recognitions
- Nigerian Students Merit Award (2020) – Federal Legislator of the Year
- Nigeria Music Video Awards (NMVA) – Best Use of Choreography for “Komole” (2012)
- NMVA Nominee for Best Hip Hop Video
Alabi has also received traditional honors such as the Jagun Olubadan title in recognition of his contributions to his community.
His legislative achievements include initiating empowerment programs, infrastructure projects, and critical bills addressing social issues.
Akin Alabi’s dynamic career across entertainment, business, politics, and literature illustrates his versatility and commitment to innovation and service in Nigeria.
