In the competitive arena of Nigerian banking, Optimus Bank emerged as a “digital-first” challenger to the status quo. While the bank is a corporate entity supported by a consortium of visionary investors, its identity is largely shaped by the distinct professional journeys of its two primary architects: Mr. Oghogho Akpata and Dr. Ademola Odeyemi.
Oghogho Akpata: The Legal Powerhouse (Chairman)
Mr. Oghogho Akpata provides the high-level governance and international perspective that the bank prides itself on. A renowned legal mind, Akpata brought a unique perspective to the bank’s formation—one rooted in corporate governance and international best practices. He earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Benin in 1990 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991.
Akpata is a co-founder and the Managing Partner of Templars, one of Africa’s most prestigious full-service law firms. He has spent over 30 years advising on multi-billion dollar transactions in oil, gas, and infrastructure.
Under Akpata’s leadership, the bank secured its National Commercial Banking License in 2022. He has consistently championed the idea that banking should be a “catalyst for nurturing talent” and a force for positive community change. At Optimus, he is the guardian of ethical standards, ensuring that “digital-first” is always backed by “safety-first” governance.
Dr. Ademola Odeyemi: The Banking Veteran (MD/CEO)
If Akpata is the visionary, Dr. Ademola Odeyemi is the architect of the bank’s day-to-day disruption. He is a product of the “new school” of Nigerian banking that prioritized technology and customer experience.
• Educational Pedigree: He holds a First Class Honours degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), an M.Sc. from the University of Lagos, and a PhD in Finance. He is a Fellow of both ICAN and the CIBN.
• The GTBank Foundation: Before taking the reins at Optimus, Odeyemi spent over 20 years at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank). He served as an Executive Director overseeing Commercial Banking and played a pivotal role in GTBank’s international expansion, notably serving as a director for GTBank UK.
• Strategic Specialty: An expert in Corporate Strategy and International Finance, Odeyemi’s background allowed him to witness the evolution of digital banking in Europe, a roadmap he is now replicating with Optimus Bank’s “Optiverse” ecosystem.
Beyond the executive leadership, Optimus Bank is backed by high-profile Nigerian entrepreneurs who understand the intersection of technology and mass-market services:
• Hon. Kunle Soname: A billionaire businessman and the founder of Bet9ja. His involvement signals the bank’s intent to capture the retail and youth demographic through high-speed digital platforms.
• Ayo Ojuroye: A seasoned executive and co-founder/CEO of Bet9ja, bringing deep expertise in scaling tech-heavy businesses in the Nigerian market.
The partnership between Akpata and Odeyemi creates a balanced leadership structure that defines the Optimus brand. Akpata’s legal background ensures the bank is a fortress of compliance, while Odeyemi’s retail banking pedigree provides the roadmap for scaling a modern financial institution.
Since its official launch in August 2023, the bank has moved rapidly to deploy its “Optiverse” mobile app. The name “Optimus” (Latin for “The Best”) reflects their shared commitment to optimizing opportunities for a new generation of Nigerian businesses and individuals.
“We are not here to be another regular bank. We are here to dismantle barriers and ensure no one is left behind in their pursuit of financial prosperity.” — Dr. Ademola Odeyem
