President Bola Tinubu has sparked conversations across social media following remarks about his relationship with billionaire businessman Femi Otedola and other leading Nigerian industrialists. During a visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos on Thursday, June 5, Tinubu described the influential business moguls accompanying him as “wise men.”
Femi Otedola, who is the son of Michael Otedola — a former Governor of Lagos State was once again publicly acknowledged by Tinubu, who referred to him as his “baby brother.” This connection has drawn particular attention, considering Tinubu himself governed Lagos for eight years before ascending to the presidency.
While speaking during his official tour of the refinery, Tinubu identified the four prominent business leaders who accompanied him on the visit. The delegation marked the president’s first major stop at the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery since his assumption of office on May 29, 2023.
Naming them, Tinubu stated:
“I landed here with four wise men: Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank, who is acknowledged worldwide, Femi Otedola, my baby brother, Samad Rabiu of BUA, and, I believe, the wisest of them all, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is so daring in thinking and doing.”
The president’s comments quickly went viral, with a wave of mixed reactions trailing the video clip on social media platforms.
One user, Henry MD, shared his perspective:
“It is amazing to see President Tinubu surrounded by the top Richest Men in Africa, Dangote, Femi and Rabiu (BUA). Interestingly, all of them have their products and companies based in Nigeria. Yet some Nigerians still believe that abroad investment is better! Young people, be wise.”
Fidel Otuya added:
“Jagaban is creating new frontiers of Business Generals. What a brand manager that Mr. President is. You flow with him, and you reap. You turn your back on him, and you’re Mr. Misfortune.”
In a similar tone, Hon. Ab Faj remarked:
“Please, where are those that claimed Mr President is against Dangote and he didn’t want him to thrive with his refinery?”
Honourable Ameenullahi also weighed in:
“Despite how bad this administration has been, you can’t undermine how vocal the President is.”
Meanwhile, a user identified as Magnificent predicted:
“Aliko Dangote for president come 2031… Bookmark this.”
The full video of President Tinubu’s remarks and the delegation’s refinery visit can be viewed here.
