After over two decades shaping Nigeria’s advertising landscape, Dolapo Ogunbambo has embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Insight Publicis. Now, he has launched AIKIDO Agency. This creative firm is built on a provocative premise: agencies should be judged by the outcomes they deliver, not what they create.

The announcement was made via LinkedIn. It positions AIKIDO as a direct challenge to industry norms. Specifically, Ogunbambo targets the trend where creative awards often matter more than measurable business impact. For this veteran, the new venture represents both a personal evolution and an industry correction. He has managed advertising portfolios exceeding N11 billion and led strategy for major multinational brands.

Precision with Purpose

The agency’s name carries deliberate symbolism. “In the real world, AIKIDO is precision. It’s energy directed with intention to create a result,” Ogunbambo explained in his announcement video.

AIKIDO Agency launches at a critical moment for Nigerian brands. Economic pressures now demand that every naira spent on marketing show a tangible return. Ogunbambo’s critique of the industry cuts deep. Indeed, he notes that most agencies celebrate what they make rather than what they achieve. However, the leaders they serve are not buying creative concepts or media plans. Instead, they are buying growth, demand, and market impact.

A Career Built on Strategic Transformation

Ogunbambo brings formidable credentials to his entrepreneurial venture. He has over 21 years of experience spanning media planning, research, and strategy. Consequently, he is positioned to lead both the commercial and technical functions of AIKIDO.

His tenure at Insight Publicis provided a masterclass in agency leadership during turbulent times. Under his operational stewardship, the firm won Agency of the Year at LAIF 2024. Furthermore, he helped embed the “Lead the Change” philosophy in the organization’s culture. Reflecting on that win, he noted that awards represent the trust of clients and the impact of the work. Nevertheless, he insists that the goal is to create legacies and deliver results that matter.

Before Insight Publicis, Ogunbambo served as Business Director at Starcom Media Perspectives. There, he played a pivotal role in business development for an N11 billion enterprise. His track record includes leading successful pitches for major brands like Kraft Heinz, VISA West Africa, and Mondelez. Also, his earlier roles provided a deep grounding in the mechanics of modern marketing, from campaign planning to boardroom strategy.

Academic Foundation Meets Practical Wisdom

Ogunbambo’s educational background reflects a blend of scientific rigor and psychological insight. He holds a Master’s Degree in Managerial Psychology from the University of Lagos. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Ibadan.

His Senior Management certification from Lagos Business School rounds out his formal credentials. These span business strategy, coaching, and team leadership. As a result, these skills now converge in the challenge of building an agency from the ground up.

What distinguishes AIKIDO from the crowded field is its explicit accountability framework. “That is the reason Aikido Agency exists,” Ogunbambo declared. Clearly, AIKIDO is built for one purpose: to be the agency that is truly accountable for outcomes.

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