President Tinubu sparked reactions after describing four influential businessmen as wise men during his visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos.
Among them was billionaire Femi Otedola, whom Tinubu affectionately called his “baby brother,” drawing attention online.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sparked widespread discussion among Nigerians following remarks he made about his close relationship with billionaire businessman Femi Otedola. During a recent visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, Tinubu referred to Otedola as his “baby brother,” a comment that has since drawn attention online.
The visit, which took place on Thursday, June 5, marked President Tinubu’s first official tour of the refinery since assuming office on May 29, 2023. Speaking at the high-profile event, the President praised several notable Nigerian business leaders who accompanied him, likening them to “wise men” for their influence and achievements in the country’s economic space.
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.”
This public acknowledgment of his bond with Otedola, who is the son of former Lagos State Governor Michael Otedola, has sparked conversations on social media. Many users have weighed in, interpreting Tinubu’s words as a reflection of longstanding personal and political ties that influence Nigeria’s leadership and business landscape.
Femi Otedola is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s corporate scene and has maintained a significant presence in the oil, gas, and finance sectors. His ties to Tinubu, who also governed Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, have long been a subject of public interest.
As reactions continue to emerge, some Nigerians have expressed admiration for the camaraderie among the country’s top business elites, while others question the implications of such relationships in governance and national development.
More responses are expected as clips from the President’s speech continue to circulate across social media platforms.
Watch below:
