Widely regarded as one of Africa's most accomplished marketing communications professionals, Dr Oyedeji brings nearly three decades of experience spanning Africa, North America and Europe. His appointment is expected to strengthen the agency's ambition of becoming Africa's leading independent integrated marketing communications company.
Throughout his career, Dr Oyedeji has led several of the industry's most respected organisations, advising leading brands across diverse sectors on business transformation, marketing, communications, media planning and strategic development.
Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Insight Redefini/Publicis Groupe Nigeria. Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Publicis Media Africa, based in Johannesburg, where he oversaw media operations across the continent. His extensive career also includes senior leadership positions at OMD, Publicis Groupe and other leading independent agencies, providing him with broad experience that combines global best practices with a deep understanding of African markets.
The appointment also marks a return to the agency he co-founded alongside Dolapo Ogunbambo. Beyond advertising, Dr Oyedeji has built and scaled technology businesses while establishing high-performing corporate organisations, reflecting his commitment to integrating strategy, creativity, technology and entrepreneurship in building enduring businesses.
Academically, Dr Oyedeji holds a PhD in Media Management from the University of Missouri–Columbia and an MBA from the University of Oxford, credentials that complement his extensive leadership experience in the communications industry.
As Chief Executive Officer, he will work closely with AIKIDO Agency's Co-founder and Managing Director, Dolapo Ogunbambo, to broaden the agency's service offerings, strengthen client relationships and drive business expansion across Nigeria and the wider African market.
The agency has earned recognition for its strategic thinking, award-winning creative work and integrated media expertise, serving an expanding portfolio of Nigerian and pan-African brands.
Speaking on his appointment, Dr Oyedeji expressed confidence in the future of independent agencies and the opportunities ahead for AIKIDO Agency.
"The future belongs to independent agencies that combine world-class strategy, exceptional creativity, data, technology and speed," he said.
"AIKIDO Agency has built an outstanding culture and a strong reputation for delivering meaningful business impact. I'm excited to partner with Dolapo and the team as we build an agency that not only delivers extraordinary work but also helps redefine what an African agency can become."
Welcoming the appointment, AIKIDO Agency Co-founder and Managing Director, Dolapo Ogunbambo, described Dr Oyedeji's return as a significant milestone for the organisation.
"Having Dr Oyedeji back at the helm is a defining moment for AIKIDO Agency," Ogunbambo said.
"His experience, strategic vision, and passion for building enduring businesses perfectly complement our ambition. Together, we're building an agency that competes with the very best in the world while remaining proudly African."
With its renewed leadership team, AIKIDO Agency said it will focus on strengthening integrated brand strategy, advancing creative excellence, driving media innovation, expanding technology-enabled marketing solutions and delivering measurable business results for clients across Africa and beyond.