“Destiny prevails.”
That was the opening line from Femi Otedola as he addressed guests at the lavish wedding of his daughter, Temi, and her husband, Tosin Ajibade. The celebration was held in a stunning location in Dubai, filled with friends, family, and dignitaries, and was a heartfelt mix of love, laughter, and reflection.
He recounted the very moment he knew Tosin was destined for Temi. “In 2017, about eight years ago, Temi wanted to introduce me to Tosin. I saw his dreadlocks and knew immediately, this is Temi’s husband. Eight years later, the dream has come true,” he shared with warmth and delight.
Credit, he added, goes to his wife, Nana, who dedicated herself to nurturing Temi while he was busy building his business empire. “She sacrificed everything to make sure our children were well cared for,” Otedola noted.
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The billionaire also acknowledged his special guests, including Ritidura, Shankant, Sinotu, Sunita, and Tunde and Rene Falawiyo. He recalled nostalgic stories from decades past, such as the first time Temi mentioned Samad Rabio’s Honda car, highlighting achievements and lifelong bonds.
Femi Otedola, iconic Nigerian businessman who has graced the front cover of Forbes Africa, is a philanthropist and former chairman of Forte Oil PLC. He hails from one of Nigeria’s prominent families, the son of the late Sir Michael Otedola, former governor of Lagos State, and Lady Doja.
Otedola’s vision transformed Forte Oil PLC into one of the highest-performing companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, growing it exponentially into a model of possibilities inherent in Nigeria. He is also the founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd and owns businesses across shipping, real estate, and finance.
Recognized for his contributions to the Nigerian economy, Otedola was awarded the prestigious “Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)” in May 2010 and is the current Chancellor of Augustine University in Ilara, Epe, Lagos State. He has held several board memberships, including president of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, past chairman of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, member of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, and member of the National Economic Management Team.
A philanthropist at heart, Otedola is deeply involved in educational causes, supporting financially disadvantaged students through the Sir Michael Otedola Scholarship Awards Foundation. In November, he donated $14 million (USD) to the Save the Children Fund, supporting programs for destitute children in northeastern Nigeria. He is vice-president of Save the Children UK and a devoted family man, married with four children.
Reflecting on the wedding itself, Otedola shared stories of divine intervention. From missile threats in Qatar before the engagement in Dubai to a storm destroying the wedding tent just a week before the ceremony, he marveled at how God’s guidance turned potential setbacks into blessings.
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“Money you don’t spend is not yours. Life is for the living,” Otedola said, describing how he purchased the Dubai properties for the engagement and after-party, following Temi’s suggestion.
Otedola offered heartfelt advice to Temi: respect her husband, cherish their love, and nurture it privately. “You are truly in love, both entrepreneurs, and perfectly matched. This is made in heaven,” he said.
To Tosin, he emphasized the importance of protecting their love and partnership. “Keep your challenges within yourselves, and God will bless your marriage,” he concluded, blending humor, wisdom, and heartfelt family pride in his speech.
As the celebrations carried on into the night, the wedding was more than a union of two souls, it was a testament to destiny, faith, and the enduring bonds of family and love.
