When Femi Otedola shared a photo from Saudi Arabia, where he was seen breaking fast with the family of Aliko Dangote, it wasn’t just another Ramadan post. It was a subtle reminder of something many Nigerians already know: that the wealthy often move in tight, powerful circles.
It’s like an affirmation of the popular saying, “Show me your friend, and I will tell you who you are.”
To be clear, the people in the photo Otedola posted aren’t his close friends, but the family of one of them, Aliko Dangote. Still, it got me thinking about the men he counts as pals. 
Over the years, Otedola has been seen attending events and supporting key players across the banking, oil and gas industries, politics, and even personal functions. These men, we believe, have shaped his public image, influence, and level of wealth.
Aliko Dangote
Otedola and Dangote share more than wealth. They share history. Both men rose to prominence during Nigeria’s economic liberalization era and have operated at the very top of Nigeria’s private sector for decades.
They have appeared together at high-profile events, celebrated milestones publicly, and maintained a cordial relationship over the years.
Jim Ovia
If there’s one relationship frequently cited as pivotal in Otedola’s rise, it’s his connection to Jim Ovia, the founder of Zenith Bank.
In Otedola’s early oil trading days, access to financing was crucial. Ovia’s banking support reportedly played a key role in enabling Otedola to scale operations in what would later become Zenon Petroleum and Forte Oil.
Wale Tinubu
As Group CEO of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu operates in the same energy ecosystem that once defined much of Otedola’s career.
Though they have led different companies and strategies, they have both existed within the same elite oil and gas circles for years. Both men represent different styles of energy entrepreneurship, yet their paths have intersected within boardrooms, regulatory conversations, and investor spaces.
Donald Duke
Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke moves in similar elite social and political circles as Otedola.
Their relationship appears rooted more in personal shared elite networks than in direct business collaboration. Duke, known for his reformist branding while in office, remains a respected figure among Nigeria’s establishment class. The two are occasionally seen together.
Abdul Samad Rabiu
When it comes to Femi Otedola and Abdul Samad Rabiu, their relationship is best described as elite-circle familiarity rather than a publicly flamboyant friendship.
Otedola’s friendship with the BUA Group founder has been quiet.
Although there are no widely publicized images of them vacationing together or celebrating birthdays on yachts, Otedola recently hosted his dear friend for dinner in his family home.
Segun Awolowo
Before his passing in 2025, Segun Awolowo shared a warm and longstanding relationship with Femi Otedola.
Segun Awolowo was the grandson of Obafemi Awolowo and the former Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Public appearances and social media posts over the years showed moments of warmth between their families. Otedola was known to publicly celebrate Awolowo on birthdays and speak of him with familiarity and respect.
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Bola Tinubu
He is the President of Nigeria and a long-time political associate. Tinubu has publicly referred to Otedola as his “baby brother” and included him among influential business leaders on official visits. Otedola too often refers to Tinubu as his very good friend and even endorsed him during the 2023 general elections. Their connection is one of mutual respect and extends through Lagos political and business circles.
Final Take
Otedola’s friendship network isn’t loud; however, there has been a consistent pattern of people he has been seen with over the years. These relationships illustrate how Nigeria’s power structure often operates: through long-standing alliances, trust-based networks, and shared elite spaces.
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