Boss Picks
“I Shall Be Great, I Shall Be the Next Alaafin” – Eulogising Alaafin Oba (Dr.) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III
By Hon. Femi Kehinde
In 1968, the powerful Alaafin Bello Gbadegesin Ladigbolu passed on to join his ancestors. He succeeded Alaafin Adeniran Adeyemi II, in 1955. The 30-year-old Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, then an Insurance executive, with the Royal Exchange Assurance Limited, gleefully pronounced himself as the succeeding Alaafin in an article in major Nigerian newspapers titled “I Shall Be Great, I shall Be The Next Alaafin Of Oyo.” Certainly, the piece was an inspirational product of defiance, faith, boldness, sagacity and audacity. In navigating the labyrinths of Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola’s intriguing, chequered, fascinating, memorable and distinguished career as Alaafin of Oyo, the title of this piece, certainly suits the narratives. Here is the chronicle.
Destiny has an uncanny hand in the conduct and affairs of men. In Yoruba pantheon, it could be likened to “ori”, literally meaning head, that is, a person’s spiritual intuition. It is often personified as an orisha in its own rights. It foretells the human essence and consciousness. Whatever one becomes, or whatever happens in one’s life, according to Yoruba myth is as destined by his “ori.”
Man’s unalterable destiny is usually a navigated journey of an unseen hand. In the course of that journey, the navigator charts the course and directs the route. And such is the life and times of Alaafin Adeniran Adeyemi, and his biological son, Alaafin Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi.
As an interface between the reigns of Adeniran Adeyemi and Lamidi Adeyemi, was a reigning monarch, Alaafin Bello Gbadegesin Ladigbolu, who succeeded Adeniran Adeyemi in 1955, and whom Lamidi Adeyemi also succeeded on November 19, 1970.
Destiny, certainly leads to human destination. Among Oba Adeniran’s children, Lamidi Adeyemi was his favourite. He had seen at Lamidi’s birth on October 15, 1938, the lacerations on his left breast and the spots on his legs, at the same spots on Olayiwola, as tell-tale signs of future royalty. This royal observation, endeared Lamidi’s mother, Olori Ibironke of Epo Gingin Compound, Oke Afin, Oyo, to Adeniran Adeyemi. Unfortunately, Olori Ibironke died at an early age, when Lamidi was still an infant.
Alaafin Siyanbola Ladigbolu I was Alaafin of Oyo between 1911 to 1945, and was succeeded in 1945 by Adeniran Adeyemi. Siyanbola Ladigbolu was a very powerful monarch, and he was a strong ally of the British Resident, Captain W. A. Ross. In 1945, Adeniran Adeyemi succeeded him as Alaafin of Oyo, and was on the throne till 1955, when he was sent on exile by the Western Region Government.
In preparation for royalty, the young Lamidi had a brief training in Quranic knowledge in Iseyin, and also lived under the tutelage of Pa Olatoregun, an Anglican school teacher and headmaster of St. Andrews Primary School, Oyo, and disciplinarian, all in an effort for young Lamidi, to learn the ropes of traditional kingship, statesmanship and dignifying royalty. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in the quest of this preparation for royalty, was at an early age, sent to Abeokuta to live with Oba Adedapo Ademola and had some part of his early education in Ake Palace Elementary School and he was until his death, fluent in the Egba dialect.
Interestingly, Peter Olayiwola Adeyemi and Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, were peers in the palace of their father, Adeniran and were of the same age grade. He saw a great future in these his two children. At the time he sent Lamidi to the palace of the Alake of Egbaland to live, he also sent Peter Olayiwola to the palace of the Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo to live. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, at a later date in his adolescence, also lived with a Lagos Aristocrat, his father’s friend, Sir (Dr.) Kofo Abayomi and his wife, Lady Oyinkan Abayomi.
In Ijebu Igbo, Peter embraced Christianity and became a devout catholic. He was absorbed into the Ijebu culture, had his primary and secondary education in Ijebu land, from where he joined the Catholic seminary, and was eventually ordained a Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of Lagos on November 13, 1975.
He was, for 46 years, devotedly in the vine yard of God. He was described as an awesome and dedicated priest. He died on May 3, 2021 at Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta.
The Very Rev. Peter Olayiwola Adeyemi, was buried at the Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos.
At a condolence visit led by catholic pontiffs to the Oyo Palace, to commiserate with the Iku Baba Yeye on the death of his brother, prince, peer and soul mate, he went philosophical in his response;
“We all try to live a fulfilling life, but there is a great fear of death that tends to hold many people back from living the life they want to. It tends to be the unknown world that makes us be fearful of death, but when you start to look at death from a different perspective, it can clear away some of the fears.”
“These quotes about life and death will remind you to live each day to the fullest and not to fear death so much. Life is such a wonderful gift, it makes me humble each time I stop to think about it. Think about going to sleep and never waking up again”
From Peter Olayiwola Adeyemi’s death, Iku Baba Yeye, like a seer, knew his own exit was imminent. In their early days in the palace, the two Olayiwolas were inseparable duos. Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi also attended St Gregory’s College, Lagos – a Catholic School. The young Lamidi Adeyemi lived with Oba Samuel Oladapo Ademola II, the Alake of Egba Land in the Ake palace between 1947 and 1948 when the Egba Women’s Union, led by Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, protested against payment of taxes without representation.
Mrs. Ransome Kuti, who had earlier in 1943, organised the Abeokuta “Great Weep” was becoming a big thorn in the flesh of Oba Oladapo II. It was regarded as a “hell of a time”. In the streets, the market places, before the Alake’s palace, thousands of Abeokuta women, went about shedding tears. The Alake and the authorities could do nothing to stop it and gave way to the women’s demands.
Mrs. Ransome Kuti picked up the gauntlet again in 1948, when the Alake sanctioned the taxing of Abeokuta women. The Egba Women’s Union was a well-organized and disciplined organization. The Egba women’s refusal to pay abnormal tax, combined with enormous protests, organised under the guise of picnics and festivals, was a decoy to beat the security of the British colonizers, who teamed up with the local lackeys, to subdue the women. At one protest, the “Oro” stick, was brought out – a symbolic artefact of the secretive male cult of the Ogbonis, supposedly imbibed with great powers, and the women were instructed to go home before evil spirits overcame them. When the women shrank back in fear, Funmilayo Rasome Kuti grabbed the stick, waved it around that the women now had the power before taking it with her displaying it prominently in her home. This action gave her a reputation of fearlessness and courage, which led 20,000 women to follow her to the home of Alake of Egba Land (Alake Ademola). As the women protested outside the King’s Palace, they sang in Yoruba, “Alake, for a long time, you have used your penis as mark of authority, that you are our husband, today we shall reverse the order and use our vagina, to play the role of husband.” With this unified action and song, they chased him out of the Palace, condemning him to exile on the threat of castration and this resulted in the king’s abdication and his exile to Osogbo.
Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti was a teacher, a political campaigner, women’s rights activist and traditional aristocrat, who was described by the West African Pilot Newspaper, as the “Lioness of Lisabi.” She was the first woman to ride a car. She was also the mother of Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Her amiable consort in this crusade was Eniola Soyinka, her sister-in-law and mother of the Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka.
It is interesting to note that Oba Oladapo Ademola II was accompanied to exile by Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, who was then living with him, and who witnessed this interesting drama.
As a result of the Macpherson Constitution of 1951, which now gave immense powers to political elites as against traditional institutions, the powers of the traditional monarchs as regards the political control of their domains ceased. Chief Bode Thomas now became the first chairman of the Oyo Divisional council in 1953, while the Alaafin of Oyo became a mere member.
On Chief Bode Thomas’ first appearance in council, after being appointed as chairman, all the council members stood up for him in deference to welcome him except Oba Adeniran Adeyemi II, who for cultural reasons could not show deference to anyone in public. Bode Thomas rudely shouted at the king, for having the temerity and audacity to disrespect him, “why were you sitting when I walked in, you don’t know how to show respect.”
At that time, Bode Thomas was 35 years old and Oba Adeniran Adeyemi was in his 80s. The Alaafin felt very insulted and said, “se emi lon gbomo baun (is it me you are barking at like that?) Oba Adeniran Adeyemi II, for emphasis, was father of the late Alaafin – Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
The confrontation happened on November 22, 1953. Bode got home and started barking! He barked and barked like a dog all night until he died in the early morning of November 23rd, 1953, He cut short his promising career.
Before Alaafin’s deposition, around the middle of 1955, the Western Regional Government, set up the Floyd Commission of Enquiry to look into the causes of persistent unrest in Oyo Land. A few months after the Floyd commission had concluded its enquiries, and submitted its findings, the bombshell fell. At the tottering age of 84 years, Adeniran Adeyemi was told by the Regional Government to quit the palace and that was a journey into the unknown that ended with his demise on February 14, 1960.
From Iwo-Oke to Ilesha and then to Egerton Lane in Lagos, the ex Alaafin, Alhaji Adeniran Adeyemi, certainly saw the other side of life after palace. Alhaji N. B. Soule, a rich Dahomean, (Republic of Benin), who came to Lagos in 1929, offered Adeniran the needed succour and encouragement at this trying period. He offered him and his entourage bed and lodgings in the name of Allah and in allegiance to the NCNC. The NCNC as a party which the Alaafin loved, fought for his reinstatement with various petitions to the Colonial Secretary and parliamentary warfare on the floor of the Western House of Assembly. The Oyos were predominantly NCNC members, and were led by Pa Afolabi.
Alafin Adeniran Adeyemi once said, “I was sent away by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s Action Group government, because of my unflinching support for the cause of the NCNC… I am not angry with Chief Awolowo, in fact, I am not angry with any one person or group of persons or organisations, I am only angry with destiny, that in it has chosen to push me out of my palace and stool to face the uncertainties of life at my old age. The £210 subsidy from the regional government was cut off.”
In exile in Lagos, at the No. 31 Egerton Lane, thousands of men and women flocked the residence, to pay their respect and obeisance to the 88-year-old ex-monarch and in retrospect and appreciation, he once said, “these people are very kind and their daily respect to me remind me of my palace at Oyo. And there were many people in that palace during my time. I had over 200 wives and many children and of course, I was receiving a stipend of £210 every month from the regional government. This, together with the gifts many of my subjects were making me, was enough to support my household. What you see here, though the best of the worst, is not like home home is still the best.”
The ex-Alaafin always had about 30 odd wives at a time in Lagos.
These 30 from the pool of 200 wives will come at one time and spend all the time they can afford with their royal husband and go back to Oyo, making place for another 30, who will come and take over from them, until the number is rounded up and begins to rotate again. But to Alhaji Adeniran Adeyemi, it was not all merry. He lost his crown prince, Aremo Adeyemi, in a ghastly motor accident on his way to llesha to visit him. Certainly, the mishmash of the life of Egerton lane, could not be compared with the royal revelry, elegance and candour of the Oyo Royal Palace.
Sometime in early 1960, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, secured admission to study law in the United Kingdom. He got a loan from the African Continental Bank, (ACB) Yaba Lagos, through the influence of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, his father’s friend and was to proceed to the United Kingdom, when unfortunately, his father, Alhaji Adeniran Adeyemi died 48 hours to the London trip on February 14, 1960, at the age of 88.
This death truncated his career training in Law in the United Kingdom. He later became an insurance executive with the Royal Exchange Assurance Limited, Marina Lagos, where he rose steadily. In the course of his career in the insurance industry, an incidence happened at the Iga Idunganran Palace of Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.
Oyekan was installed the Oba of Lagos in 1965. Some burglars invaded the Iga Idunganran palace and carted away various items like air-conditioners and all sorts. Luckily, these items were assured by the Royal Exchange Assurance. Lamidi Adeyemi was asked by his employer, as a loss adjuster, to visit the palace and recommend appropriate payments to cater for the loss.
As a prince of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi introduced himself to the Lagos Monarch, and that as a future Alaafin, he was only in the Palace to extend traditional courtesies and not to ask questions about the incidence. He nevertheless recommended handsome payments to the monarch; and that was quickly settled by the Royal Exchange Assurance.
In an attempt to repair the leaked roof of a rented apartment in Lagos, he discovered some iron metals needed by the Railway Corporation, at the roof top of the apartment. The Railway Corporation bought from him all the iron metals and was even asking for more. At an impressionable age, he was able to buy his first house in Lagos, with the proceeds from this “manna” from heaven, that eventually prepared him for the throne after the death of Alaafin Ladigbolu. Alaafin Gbadegesin Ladigbolu installed SLA Akintola, the Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yoruba Land. Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi also, on the throne installed two Aare Ona Kakanfos – M.K.O.Abiola and Ganiyu Adams.
The stool of the Alaafin became vacant, following the death of Bello Gbadegesin Ladigbolu, who joined his ancestors after 12 years on the throne. He hailed from the Agunloye Ruling House and it was the turn of Adeyemi Alowolodo Ruling house, to produce the next Alaafin. As an aftermath of Adeniran’s exile, Lamidi’s ascension to the throne was almost a near miss.
Lamidi Adeyemi contested with ten other princes for the coveted throne of the Alaafin, in a keen competition that started in 1968 and ended in November 18, 1970, when he was officially pronounced the Alaafin of Oyo, by the Western Region Government of Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, at the age of 32 years. He was crowned on January 14, 1971.
The road to the throne before his endorsement was certainly a very difficult terrain. Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, then as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Adebayo’s Government, was certainly God sent.
He took full charge of the process and made very wide consultations. In one of such robust consultations, his mind went on the Ooni of Ife, Sir Oba Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi, for spiritual and traditional guidance.
According to Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo,
“The late Ooni was very much into Yoruba religion, folk-lore and spiritual matters. He sent back to me that I should meet him at his Onireke Guest House in Ibadan. Though some people often accused him of being pro-Awo, I found things rather very different. In matters spiritual, the Ooni probably has no equal in Yoruba land. At the appointed time, on the appointed day, I took our entire pile of sixteen files on Alaafin of Oyo along. I had studied them seriously, as if going for examination, indeed ready for any question that might arise at the meeting. It turned out I did not need any file. The Ooni asked of my mission. I told him I came for some traditional guidance on the matter of choosing the next Alaafin of Oyo. He then asked who we were planning to install. I told him we did not fix our mind on any particular aspirant. It was not for us to impose our petty wishes. He should kindly advice us as to who or what kind of candidate was appropriate. He sighed. He congratulated me for my effort in the ministry of education and proceeded to offer me a bottle of vintage 66 Moet et Chandon Champagne. He demonstrated to me the two principal ways of decorking a bottle of champagne. As we sipped the high quality 66 Vintage Moet, he said my first visit was unusual because government scarcely ever consult those who communicate effectively with the anscestors. They leave matters too late until their decisions result in riots and breakdown of law and order. He praised me for inheriting the wisdom of my fathers. He then left me alone with the champagne in the small sitting room. He said he would go to the back of the house for a while to consult an oracle handed over to him by his fathers. There was an eerie atmostphere as he left me alone. He returned after ssome twenty five minutes to announce the result of his consultations. He said the oracle spoke straight and quickly. The result was coded thus-”
“Olunloyo, omo eni o ba je ri ni o je o je. Yio sipe nibe”
Which translates –
“Olunloyo allow only someone whose father once occupied the throne to ascend it. He would actually last long”
“The message was crystal clear. I reported the result of my research later to the Governor. I however concealed the source. I thereafter went carefully through the files and found incidentally that only one candidate fitted the Adesoji Aderemi criterion. The rest is history. We later embarked on all the formalities at Oyo, the Secretary of the Competent council, the family meeting, the handing of the lists to the Babaiyaji and the Bashorun and a successful candidate’s name was announced by Chief Esuola Akano, the Bashorun as the new Alaafin of Oyo. As Ooni told me, our path had been cleared. We also obtained six extra special security reports ordered from outside our state. All backed Lamidi. We also made a vital amendment to the Chief’s Law in respect of ruling houses chieftaincies.
“At a critical state, there was a perceived threat of loss or theft of high voltage live files. I removed all of them for safe keeping outside the Ministry.”
Before Lamidi’s ascension to the throne at the age of 32 years, he had married two wives – Alhaja Olori Abibat Adeyemi (Iya Adodo) and Alhaja Olori Rahamat Adeyemi (Iya ile Koto). He was blessed with other wives and children. Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had beaten the records of his forebears – Alaafin Adeyemi Alowodu I, who reigned between 1876 and 1905 and his father – Alaafin Adeyemi II, who reigned between 1945 and 1955 and as Alaafin Adeyemi III, he reigned for 52 years as His Imperial Majesty.
He became Alaafin at 32 and was Alaafin at 83, when he joined his ancestors on Friday, April 22, 2022.
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III had in about 52 years bestrode the Yoruba Nation and the Traditional institution of the Alaafin as a Colossus. No wonder, he had gleefully predicated in 1968 in the newspaper article- “I shall be great” and “I shall be the next Alaafin”.
I had a nourishing and enchanting relationships of about 15 years, with the late traditional potentate and cultural icon, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.
I was to him, a private solicitor, advisor, confidant and son. In the last 15 years, we met regularly, travelled together severally, and shared personal and memorable thoughts. On Saturday, April 9, 2022, we met for the last time in the Alaafin’s palace. On this memorable day, in company of my uncle – Professor and Essayist – Professor Adebayo Williams, who had come to deliver a personal invitation to the Alaafin of Oyo, to his installation ceremony as the Asiwaju Otun Olufi of Gbonganland, slated for Friday, May 6, 2022. He received the invitation and prayed for Professor Adebayo Williams. The Gbongan people are descendants of Olufiade, son of Alaafin Abiodun of Oyo. He went down memory lane of his relationships with the two previous Olufis; Oba (Dr.) Solomon Babayemi and Olufi Adeoye. Unusually, the Alaafin showed us the spots that were on his legs, that were also on his late father, Alaafin Adeniran’s legs. As a parting note, he told us that he now lived, with the spirits in the palace. In his words:
“Awon anjonnu ni mo nbaa gbe bayi o” we could not decode the message. At each of our discussions and engagements, Alaafin’s knowledge of Yoruba folklore, history, customs, mores and philosophy, was nonpareil i.e. no equal. He was a philosopher-king.
May the soul of Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Atanda Adeyemi III, Iku Baba Yeye, the Alaafin of Oyo, continually find peaceful repose with the Almighty Allah.
Hon. (Barr.) Femi Kehinde is a Legal Practitioner and Former Member of the House of Representatives Representating Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State (1999-2003)
By Eric Elezuo
The Koumagnon Family and Allied Families of Seme-Kpodji, of the Republic of Benin, led by Monsieur Alberto Koumagnon, has declared their unflinching support for the candidacy of Romuald Wadagni as he steps out on Sunday to vie for the presidential seat of the Republic of Benin.
In statement of declaration, the families observed that Wadagni is propelled by a ‘vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country’.
The declaration is presented in full:
DECLARATION OF SUPPORT BY THE GREAT KOUMAGNON FAMILY AND ALLIED FAMILIES OF SÈMÈ-KPODJI FOR CANDIDATE ROMUALD WADAGNI
The great KOUMAGNON family and allied3 families of Sèmè-Kpodji, deeply committed to the values of peace, progress, and development, followed with particular interest the presentation, on Saturday, March 21, 2026, of the “Further Together” (Plus loin ensemble) social project by our dear candidate, President Romuald WADAGNI.
Following this important political event, and gathering on this day, 04/04/2026, we wish to express our full support for the vision embodied in this ambitious, realistic project, resolutely focused on the future of our country.
From the outset, we, descendants of the KOUMAGNON family and allied families, commend the enlightened leadership of President Patrice TALON who, faithful to his commitment to building a modern and prosperous Benin, has been able to propose to the presidential majority a competent, credible candidate who brings hope for consolidating achievements.
In this dynamic of continuity and progress, the candidacy of President Romuald WADAGNI is fully in line with the continuation of the structural reforms undertaken over several years in all sectors, particularly in infrastructure.
In this regard, we recognize and commend the many achievements of the government, especially road infrastructure, which has significantly improved mobility and living conditions for the populations of the communes of Sèmè-Kpodji and surrounding areas.
Moreover, these remarkable efforts reflect a constant determination to connect localities, stimulate economic exchanges, and sustainably strengthen the attractiveness of our territories.
Building on these achievements and firmly oriented toward the future, we are convinced of the relevance of the “Further Together” project.
Therefore, the great KOUMAGNON family and allied families of Sèmè-Kpodji give their firm, committed, and unconditional support to candidate Romuald WADAGNI, as well as to his running mate, Mrs. Mariam Chabi Talata Zimé Yérima.
In the same spirit, we call on all daughters and sons of Sèmè-Kpodji, as well as all citizens committed to peace and development in our country, Benin, to mobilize massively in support of this hopeful momentum by turning out in large numbers on April 12.
We also wish to assure our dear candidate of our commitment to mobilize widely to ensure a high voter turnout in the commune of Sèmè-Kpodji.
Together, let us continue the efforts undertaken.
Together, let us consolidate our achievements.
Together, let us go further.
Long live Benin on its path toward progress!
Long live the WADAGNI–TALATA ticket!
Thank you.
Done at Sèmè-Kpodji, on 04/04/2026
The great KOUMAGNON family and allied families
By Eric Elezuo
With a loud ovation, Nigerians reveled at the announcement of its billionaire-quartet, Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Femi Otedola, and Abdulsamad Rabiu as among Africa’s richest individuals in 2026.
The four has constantly put Nigeria in the limelight, ensuring that Forbes is never complete without a mention of the giant of Africa, Nigeria
According to the latest Africa Billionaires ranking released by Forbes, Dangote retained his position as Africa’s richest man, with an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion. He added about $4.6 billion to his fortune over the past year, largely driven by the strong performance of Dangote Cement on the Nigerian Exchange Limited.
Telecommunications magnate Adenuga also retained his place among Africa’s billionaires.
The founder of Globacom and chairman of Conoil Producing remains one of Nigeria’s most influential entrepreneurs with diversified interests spanning telecoms, oil and gas, and banking.
Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power Plc, also featured on the list despite a slight dip in his wealth over the past year. Forbes estimates that the billionaire investor lost about $200 million following the sale of a majority stake in the power generation company at a discount to its market price.
The increase in Rabiu’s net worth was largely driven by the performance of BUA Cement, whose shares rose 135% over the past year, outperforming the broader rally on the Nigerian stock market.
The 23 billionaires on the continent are now worth a combined $126.7 billion, representing a 21% increase from 2025 after they collectively added $20.3 billion to their net worth.
Across the continent, billionaire fortunes were boosted by strong equity market performance, record corporate profits, and improving currency stability in several African economies.
South Africa remains the highest number of billionaires on the list, with seven individuals, followed by Egypt with five, Nigeria with four, and Morocco with three.
Here is a peep into the world of Nigeria’s Billionaire-Quartet.
ALIKO DANGOTE
For the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and his multifaceted group, playing second fiddle has never been an option. Both the enterprise and the entrepreneur have maintained market leadership to the extent that Dangote himself has appropriated the richest man in Africa status to himself, and has hardworkingly sustained the tag for as long as anyone can remember.
Since 2014, when Forbes magazine named him the world’s 23rd billionaire, jumping 20 spots on the scale from his previous 43rd position among the elite club of the world’s richest people. Aliko Dangote has not looked back, winning back to back the accolade among African billionaires, and never slipping from the world ranking.
Again, as expected, the famous Forbes has proclaimed the soft spoken businessman as Africa’s richest man for the 12th time in a row; a proof that the name Dangote is synonymous with consistency. He is a businessman, who understands that no man rest on his oars if turnovers have to continue to turn over. With marked differentiation, he has demystified the business terrain, and proved that if it can be done, then it must done. His establishment of the humongous fertilizer and sugar plants and the ambitious refinery in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, are testimonies of the trajectory of one who knows his onions.
Worth $13.4 by the last Forbes ranking, which sustained him as the richest man in African for the 11th time, entrepreneur extraordinaire has the following points to his name:
- Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person, founded and chairs Dangote Cement, the continent’s largest cement producer.
- He owns 85% of publicly-traded Dangote Cement through a holding company.
- Dangote Cement has the capacity to produce 48.6 million metric tons annually and has operations in 10 countries across Africa.
- After many years in development, Dangote’s fertilizer plant in Nigeria began operations in mid-2021.
- Dangote Refinery, under construction since 2016, hit the public space since 2024, and is one of the world’s largest oil refineries, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day production.
The above and many has remained the factors that have made it easy for the billionaire to remain in the top echelon of world’s money men, and the supremo among African businessmen. Little wonder he is one of the few recipients of the GCON national honours reserved for top politicians of vice president ranking and top government appointees.
Born in Kano in 1957, Dangote proudly shuttles between three wonderful tags as the richest man in Nigeria; the richest man in Africa and the richest Black man in the world. He has paid his dues, and mankind is the better for it.
Releasing impacts, Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), the private charitable foundation of Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Incorporated in 1994, as Dangote Foundation, is saddled with the mission to enhance opportunities for social change through strategic investments that improve health and wellbeing, promote quality education, and broaden economic empowerment opportunities. 20 years later, the Foundation has become the largest private Foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor.
The primary focus of ADF is child nutrition, with wraparound interventions centered on health, education and empowerment, and disaster relief. The Foundation also supports stand-alone projects with the potential for significant social impact.
The Foundation works with state and national governments and many highly reputable international and domestic charities, non-governmental organizations and international agencies to advance its humanitarian agenda.
In one of its biggest collaboration to date, Aliko Dangote Foundation started working in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and key northern State Governments in Nigeria from 2013 to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization in Nigeria.
Worthy of praise is the fact that nearly a decade, the Foundation has spent over N7 Billion in the course of feeding, clothing and the general welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons in the Northeast.
To make his host communities feel at ease, and the impact of his presence, Dangote has embarked on an initiative to provide further support to improving educational systems in Ibeju-Lekki and Epe locality. The educational support initiative is a tripartite programme consisting of scholarship, capacity building for teachers and school infrastructure projects.
In addition, Scholarships have been awarded to 52 secondary school students whilst some financial support was provided to their parents and/or guardians. Tertiary students will be included in the next batch of the scheme.
Furthermore, about 100 teachers, principals and school administrators were trained in teaching techniques for the 21st century. After which they were monitored in class on how they were using the skills acquired.
There is hardly any sector that has not felt the milk of human kindness running through Aliko Dangote; the military, media, politicians, governments across boards and more.
Dangote is surely an asset to this world!
As at today, there is no space for slowing down for Dangote as he continues to trudge on, creating firsts after first for himself and for humanity. He is blessed with three wonderful daughters, who have followed the rewarding footprints of entrepreneurship, and is looking forward to hitting the richest man in the world status. And very soon too.
ABDULSAMAD RABIU
Abdulsamad Rabiu’s consistent climb on the ladder of success has become phenomenal. The unassuming Chairman at BUA Group has become a study in entrepreneurial discipline, focus, philanthropy and intentional sacrifice. But what can actually be said of a man who has steadily evolved as one of Africa’s biggest investors, in fact, the biggest in the order of reckoning on the Nigerian Exchange. He has graciously used his BUA Foundation and the phenomenal Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative to not only affect lives, but ensured that the people of the world, especially his native Nigeria, live in better comfort. The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Bua Group, makers of quality cement, sugar, flour among other wonderful household items has been a epitome of enterprise. He is presently by divine and entrepreneurial orchestration one of Nigeria’s richest investor. He is also the third richest man in the Africa, by Forbes calculation behind Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote, South African billionaire, Johann Rupert.
In 2023, via a list compiled by Billionaires in Africa revealed the rankings on the Nigerian Exchange, NGX, showing that Abdulsamad Rabiu, the billionaire businessman and industrialist, overtook Aliko Dangote as the richest investor in the country, albeit temporarily.
According to data tracked by Billionaires.Africa, Rabiu’s holdings in his publicly-listed businesses on the local bourse were valued at an impressive $6.01 billion, making him the only investor with an investment portfolio worth over $6 billion then. This is a feat that can only be achieved through wholesome business acumen and dedication.
Born August 4, 1960, in Kano, to one of Nigeria’s foremost industrialists in the 1970s and 1980s, Khalifah Isyaku Rabiu, Abdul Samad Isyaku Rabiu CON is a perfect combination of many things in one.
It was in his native Kano that he kick-started his academic pursuit, carousing through elementary education with ease as a gifted child, and obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. He was later admitted into the Federal Government College, Kano, where he had his secondary education, and gradually with honours.
With a combination of fate, brilliance and determination, Abdulsamad was catapulted to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, where he studiously studied Economics, and acquired his tertiary education before returning to Nigeria, all before his 24th birthday, to oversee his family business. He was that much sought after, and highly brilliant, and considered capable of holding fort for his father, who was being detained by the administration of General Muhammadu Buhari over matters concerning import duties.
In 1988, just after learning the ropes of entrepreneurial excellence, Abdul Samad Rabiu established BUA International Limited, for the sole purpose of commodity trading. The company followed after the footsteps of his father, and imported rice, edible oil, flour, iron and steel.
In 1990, having exhibited the character worthy of a world class entrepreneur, and the ability to execute classical projects, Rabiu’s BUA was invited by the government, which owned Delta Steel Company to supply its raw materials in exchange for finished products. This provided a much-needed leverage for the young company, and consequently expanded further into steel, producing billets, importing iron ore, and constructing multiple rolling mills in Nigeria.
Rabiu’s dexterity showed further a few years later, when the company acquired Nigerian Oil Mills Limited, the largest edible oil processing company in Nigeria, and there erupted the company’s and BUA’s influence and care over the people in the provision of affordable edible oil. His passion to see people excel in comfort has continued to make him churn out one great tiding after another, and endearing him in the hearts of the generality of the public.
A man with a vision for tomorrow, Rabiu, in 2005, started two flour-milling plants, in Lagos and in Kano, and by 2008, had broken an eight-year monopoly in the Nigerian sugar industry by commissioning the second-largest sugar refinery in sub-Saharan Africa. This was a feat only a bravest of hearts could wroth. As a result, in 2009, the company went on to acquire a controlling stake in a publicly-listed Cement Company in Northern Nigeria and began to construct a $900 million cement plant in Edo State, completing it in early 2015. Rabiu’s passion for expansion is unequalled.
BUA Group has since concentrated and excelled in manufacturing, infrastructure and agriculture and producing a revenue in excess of $2.5 billion. This is in addition to being the chairman of the Bank of Industry (BOI).
The Group, in 2019, announced plans to merge its privately owned BUA Cement with the publicly traded Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc (CCNN), to create Nigeria’s second largest cement producer thereby consolidating the grip on the cement market and breaking its monopolistic status.
MICHAEL ADENUGA
Michael Adenuga Jr. is one entrepreneur, who has proved over the decades that he is not the regular billionaire. He is of the stock that is not regulated by stock market figures, but by liquid cash. And that explains why his wealth and net worth supercedes whatever figures churned out by any institution, or any position he is placed in the billionaires’ list.
Adenuga is, for all intent and purpose, in a world and class of his own. This is because his business trajectory and personal philosophy are uniquely his, and therefore worthy of emulation.
Sitting atop one of the most cherished and subscribed network, Glo, Adenuga has not only inspired lives, but practically lifted not a few to enviable heights.
Known for his diverse investments in oil, gas, telecommunications, banking, construction, and real estate, Mike Adenuga notably shook up the African telecom sector with the launch of his telecommunications network, Globacom Limited (Glo), in August 2003.
Also referred to as The Guru, Adenuga is like the proverbial Iroko tree, who is unlike any other. In terms of humility, pedigree, magnanimity, wealth and portfolio of investments, he is one of a kind.
“As of Jan. 1, 2024, Forbes, the U.S.-based business magazine renowned for tracking global billionaire fortunes, estimated Adenuga’s wealth at $6.1 billion. By Dec. 31, 2024, his net worth had grown to $6.8 billion, ranking him as the 448th richest person in the world. Adenuga’s wealth is anchored in his control of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest mobile telecommunications and digital services provider, which boasts over 60 million subscribers,” according to Billionaires.Africa
Adenuga is fondly remembered for launching operations on Per Second Billing, thus ensuring subscribers only pay for actual time spent on a call instead of the practice of billing customers N50 per minute even when the call cuts off at just 2 seconds. It also crashed the cost of SIM card from N30,000 to N6,999 and later N100, thereby making it possible for low income earners, students and artisans to own GSM lines today. It is now one of the most recognizable brands across the continent.
Love him or hate him, you can’t fault him. He is an enigma. A definition of class, humanity, intellectual discipline and entrepreneurial acumen. He is the very epitome of when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. And of course, a reference point and research material when it comes to philanthropy. Dr. Mike Adenuga doesn’t give little or give just for giving sake. He gives to sort and solve a lasting challenge. Yes, he is Dr. Michael Adenuga Jr., ‘The People’s Billionaire,’ and without introduction, the brain behind the increasingly success stories recorded at the Globacom Group, among his many other conglomerates and subsidiaries.
Known by many appellations, such as the Spirit of Africa, a rare gem, walking kindness, moon amongst the stars, owner of wealth beyond money, the mighty oak, the man with the gift of Foresight, the Bull, Pillar of sports among a whole lot more, Adenuga’s image looms large. He appears little, and achieves so much more. Hardly seen, but gracefully and consistently felt.
Born on April 29, 1953 to Oloye Michael Adenuga Sr and Chief (Mrs) Juliana Oyindamola Adenuga, the Yeyeoba of Ijebuland, Otun Gbadebo of Ikija and Iyalaje of Ijebu-Igbo, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr was not a silver spoon kid, but his parents were comfortable.
The indigene of Oru, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State was born and schooled in Ibadan. He attended the famous Ibadan Grammar School. He had his university education in the United States. He majored in Business administration with emphasis on Marketing.
While in school, to augment the allowance sent by his parents, he worked as a cabbie (Taxi Driver), putting in many hours of work a week. This culture of back-breaking hard work shaped him for his ambitious business adventures later in life.
Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr is married to Mrs. Titi Adenuga (nee Adewale). She provides the comfort and stability that such an incredibly busy man requires. His children are Oyin, Babajide (Bobo), Paddy, Bella, Eniola, Bimbo, Sade and ‘Niyi Jnr. He also has grandchildren.
FEMI OTEDOLA
Billionaire businessman, and Chairman, Geregu Power Plc, simply addressed as Femi Otedola (CON), is a focused and determined man. He made his choice from day one, and has refused to be derailed. This explains his prolific nature in the world of entrepreneurship, which has directed his life.
One thing is very obvious before all and sundry, and that is the fact the dotting father of four adorable children is really an Epicurus son, and has no place for half measures when it comes to giving himself, his business and of course everyone around him the good life.
It won’t be forgotten in a hurry how the philanthropist spent a whopping Three Million Pounds to rent a cruise boat in celebration of his 60th birthday in 2022.
Born on November 4, 1962, in Ibadan to the family of the late Sir Michael Otedola, a former governor of Lagos State, Otedola is a definition of everything good, positive and encouraging. He has lived his 60 years representing the very essence of living, affecting lives as a philanthropist, developing careers and manpower as a businessman, industrialists and entrepreneur, and raising biological children, who has stood their own in the society. There is hardly anywhere this tall, handsome phenomenon of a personality can be faulted.
The billionaire businessman started his education at the University of Lagos Staff School before attending Olivet Baptist High School from where he was admitted into Obafemi Awolowo University in 1980. He graduated in1985.
A former chairman of Forte Oil Plc, the Chancellor of St Augustine University, Epe, Lagos, is the founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, and the owner of a number of other businesses across shipping, real estate and finance. He has recently invested in power generation as part of the liberalisation of the sector in Nigeria.
The author of the bestseller, MAKING IT BIG, who has homes in Lagos, Abuja, Dubai, London and New York City has a much impressive existence since he set out to take the bull by the horns in the field of enterprise. This is as chronicled by wikipedia. In 2003, having identified an opportunity in the fuel retail market, Otedola secured the finance to set up Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, a petroleum products marketing and distribution company.
As owner and chairman of Zenon, in 2004 he invested N15 billion in downstream infrastructure development and acquired storage depots at Ibafon, Apapa as well as four cargo vessels, amounting to a combined total storage capacity of 147,000 metric tonnes. The same year he acquired a fleet of 100 DAF fuel-tanker trucks for N1.4 billion.
By 2005, Zenon controlled a major share of the Nigerian diesel market, supplying fuel to most of the major manufacturers in the country including Dangote Group, Cadbury, Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries, MTN, Unilever, Nestle and Guinness.
Nation Building Reimagined: Integrated Principles and Strategies for Sustainable Growth
Dear CDS, NSA, Your Prodigal Sons, Brothers Have Killed General Braimah
Voice of Emancipation: Lessons from the Iran/USA War
Ovation @30: A Triumph of Vision, Courage and African Excellence
ADC National Convention: To Be or Not to Be?
Israel Questions Pakistan’s Credibility in Mediating over US-Iran Ceasefire Agreement
Osun 2026: INEC Planning to Recruit APC Members As Electoral Officials, Lawmakers Allege
‘ADC Membership Hits 500,000 after INEC Derecognition of Leadership’
Trump Delays Iran’s Strike by 2-Weeks As Pakistani Leaders Intervene
FG Expels US Missionary Alex Barber
Benin Republic 2026: Romuald Wadagni, The President in Waiting
ADC Raises Alarm over INEC’s Plot to Prevent Party from Fielding Candidates
Prominent ADC Leaders Storm INEC Hqrs in Protest Against Dictatorship
Iran’s Intelligence Chief Killed in US-Israeli Strikes
-
News6 days ago‘ADC Membership Hits 500,000 after INEC Derecognition of Leadership’
-
World4 days agoTrump Delays Iran’s Strike by 2-Weeks As Pakistani Leaders Intervene
-
National3 days agoFG Expels US Missionary Alex Barber
-
Featured2 days agoBenin Republic 2026: Romuald Wadagni, The President in Waiting
-
Featured5 days agoADC Raises Alarm over INEC’s Plot to Prevent Party from Fielding Candidates
-
News3 days agoProminent ADC Leaders Storm INEC Hqrs in Protest Against Dictatorship
-
World4 days agoIran’s Intelligence Chief Killed in US-Israeli Strikes
-
Middle East2 days agoAgain, Iran Blocks Strait of Hormuz, Alleges Ceasefire Violation