Seventy Springs of Life: McGuinnis-Olu Otubusin’s Tale of Melodies and Milestones

Houston, Texas – a home to over 300,000 Nigerians, reputed as the 2nd largest center for natural resources in America and the 7th economy in the world – has a rich history of watershed moments that have shaped the city and placed it on the global stage. From the implementation of the first jaywalking ordinance to the commissioning of the Houston Ship Channel and the Apollo 13 crisis, Houston has proven to be a place of timeless relevance with over 400 years of existence which have solidified the city’s reputation as a center of innovation and progress.

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The annals of Houston’s history are replete with momentous occasions, some of which predate the very conception of the author of this piece. But there is one event etched in recent memory that stands out as a proud moment for the African immigrant community in Houston – the Houston Rockets’ back-to-back NBA Basketball championships in 1994 and 1995. This triumph was led by none other than the Nigerian-born basketball legend Akeem Olajuwon and marked the first major basketball championship victory in Houston’s history.

The impact of this win on Houston’s social, political, and economic landscape cannot be overstated. The entire city was ablaze with excitement, with the streets filled with revelers in a week-long celebration of the Rockets’ historic victory. Olajuwon was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, cementing his place in the annals of Houston’s sporting history and rewriting the narrative of Nigerian immigrants’ contributions to the city’s cultural fabric.

While some few Nigerians have dragged the name of the country in the mud, a host of others are hoisting the Nigerian flag and living out the nation’s creed like Akeem Olajuwon.

The Houston community is bracing up again for another portentous moment comparable to the great epic moments that have defined its landscape as another Nigerian immigrant is set to celebrate seven decades of existence and over 40 years of meaningful contribution to the vibrancy of Houston’s economy.

In recent times, Houston has not witnessed a moment of such unparalleled euphoria that would lead to a total shutdown of the bustling economy. However, that is all about to change as the week of April 28th, 29th, and 30th approaches. On these auspicious days, friends, family members, and well-wishers will gather to celebrate the legendary contribution of Dr. Olumuyiwa Otubushin – a true embodiment of altruism whose tireless efforts have helped alter the course of humanity.

Houston is set to enter a state of complete lockdown as the pulse of the city will race with the fervor and excitement of the event taking hold of every corner of the city.

A birthday celebration is a beautiful reminder of the magnanimous benevolence of the creator, a time to pause and ponder on the journey of a lifetime with all its challenges, vicissitudes, twists, and turns. It is a time to revel in the present and look forward to a bright and prosperous future. But beyond that, it is a moment to show gratitude for the gift of life, especially in the face of the most virulent pandemic that has ravaged the entire world. It is a time to cherish the cherished moments and to share love and joy with those around us.

On this 70th birthday, Olu has every reason to celebrate in grand style, for he has defied the odds and survived some of life’s most daunting challenges. Not once, not twice, but thrice has he battled and overcame the scourge of Covid19, and to top it all off, he also survived a heart attack that could have easily ushered him into the great beyond. Yet, through it all, Olu has persevered, emerging from the fiery trials of life stronger

To say Olu has seen more triumphs and adventures than Indiana Jones, Sherlock Holmes, and Romeo all combined is stating the obvious. He has been through so many valleys, snatching victory after victory from the jaw of failures and still hanging on to the banner of his amazing life. Dr. Olumiyiwa Otunbushin has orbited around the sun, leaving indelible footmarks upon the canvas of his existence as he traversed this terrestrial globe for seven decades.

His quest to capture the proverbial golden fleece commenced in January 1976 after his primary and secondary education at Holy Trinity Ebute Ero, St. Johns School, Aroloya, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga, respectively, when he left for the United States of America to further his education.

He had a stint at the University of Wisconsin and transferred to Howard University, Washington D.C., for his B.B.A-Management and Minor in Economics. He bagged his MBA from Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, and has since made Houston his home. He made a mark in the corporate world after his MBA program when he worked as a senior Budget Analyst- at Gulf Oil E&P Int. Houston, Texas.

Also, as a senior Accountant-Standard Oil of Ohio, Houston, Texas, his insatiable quest for knowledge continued with his enrollment at the prestigious Thurgood Marshall School Of Law, Houston, Texas, where he bagged the Doctor of Jurisprudence

He is licensed to practice in Texas, Washington D.C., and Nigeria. Dr. Olumuyiwa Mcguinnis Otubushin, a high-flying Attorney, is the Principal Partner of Law Chambers of McGinnis & Associates, Houston, Texas. With a resume longer than a CVS receipt, Olu has proven himself a jack-of-all-trades and a master of fun!

McGuinnis, a true Democrat with Republican affiliation, remains on the frontline of the fight for our nascent democracy. In the NADECO movement, he fought alongside illustrious figures like President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the esteemed scholar Prof Wole Soyinka. His open-mindedness knows no bounds, as he has served as the former President of Egbe Omo Yoruba in both the USA and Canada. But he’s equally cherished by the Igbo community, so much so that he could be a viable candidate for OHANEZE NDIGBO. His broad appeal and affinity for diverse cultures make him a unique Nigerian.

As a high-flying lawyer, he’s taught us that a good sense of humor is the best legal defense – especially when facing the court of public opinion.

But that’s not all! Fanto, as popularly called, is also the face of love that stands the test of time, proving that 40 years of marriage can be a rollercoaster of passion and laughter. Dr. Olu McGuinnis has been married to his God-gifted wife, Mrs. Darlene Otubusin, for over 40 years and blessed with six children, the only woman in the world to accommodate Olu’s antics and shenanigans.

Olus’s social life is just as impressive as his illustrious and accomplished life. Baba Igbadun, as he is fondly called, whose mantra is “I work hard, and I play hard” Indeed, he does exactly that as his social life mirrors his lifestyle.

A sports enthusiast, he was a sprinter and a swimmer during his primary and secondary school days when he represented his school and Lagos State in swimming and 4×100 relay competition.

Dr. Olu Mcguinnis is a leader per excellence, a quality he imbibed during his primary school days when he was a prefect. This continued until his secondary school when he was also prefect up to the HSC level. Not surprisingly, he was the first Food Prefect at CMS Grammar School because Olu loves good food.

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When Dr. Mcguinnis isn’t lawyering or loving, he’s championing his communities, redistributing kindness and goodwill to those who need them.

Community Activities:

• Member of Board of Directors -African Coalition PAC
• Member of Board of Directors African Pride Media Group
• Former President of Egbe Omo Yoruba U.S A & Canada
• Former Chairman of Concerned Yoruba Committee of Houston, Texas
• Chairman CMS Grammar School Alumni Association, Houston Chapter
• Member American Bar Association
• Member American Trial Lawyers Association
• Member of Nigerian Bar Association Ikeja Branch
• Former Chairman Board of Directors Eko Club, Houston, Texas
• Former Chairman Board of Directors Eko Club International

As Dr. Olu blows the candles, we give him his flower while he yet lives with our presence at 3 touchstone events to celebrate this septuagenarian as follows:

• Old Skool Nite on Friday, 28th April, at Hilton Garden Inn Sugarland Texas, by 8:00 p.m.
• Main Event on Saturday, 29th April, at Expo Event Center Houston, by 8 p.m.
• Thanksgiving on Sunday 30th, April at House of the Word Church Houston, Texas, by 12 noon

We look forward to the boundless potential that still lies ahead of Dr. Olu. We also wish him every good thing he wishes for himself as he starts another journey around the sun. Best birthday wishes to Baba Igbadun!

Best birthday wishes to Fanto and Best birthday wishes to Baba Kofoshi.

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