Japaul GMD Akinloye Oladapo Resigns as Abubakar Lawal Joins Board

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Group Managing Director of Japaul Gold and Ventures Plc, Mr Akinloye Daniel Oladapo, has resigned from the position, a statement on Wednesday confirmed.

It was disclosed that the resignation of Mr Oladapo took effect from October 13, 2025, with no reason given for his decision to exit the position.

However, the board thanked him for “his dedicated service and valuable contributions to the growth and development of the company during his tenure,” wishing him success in his future endeavours.

In a related development, the company announced the appointment of Mr Abubakar Lawal to the board as a non-executive director effective February 10, 2026.

The organisation said this development marks a pivotal moment in its evolution, as it positions itself to capitalise on emerging opportunities in gold exploration, mining technology, and sustainable resource development across Africa and beyond.

The new board member is the co-founder of an investment banking company, GTI Group, with specialities in public sector/corporate advisory, restructuring, and finance. It pioneered a private trading floor in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr Lawal has, over the last three decades, contributed immensely to the growth and development of investment banking in Nigeria. He has led various landmark transactions, some of which involved corporate restructuring and recapitalisation of publicly-quoted companies like International Breweries Plc, Eterna Plc, Wema Bank Plc, Morison Industries Plc, and state/sub-national accounts, among others.

An alumnus of Harvard Business School, he has a strong finance background, built on international relationships with local expertise. He is value-focused and quick to see diamonds in the rough.