Financial advice received from a deceased father following an encounter with MKO Abiola, as disclosed by Femi Otedola
Femi Otedola's Memoir Reveals Insights on Money, Power, and Politics
Femi Otedola, the billionaire businessman, delves into the intricate relationship between money and power in his new memoir, 'Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business'. The book, scheduled for release on 18 August, offers candid insights into how business success often intersects with political influence and the challenges that come with it.
One of the pivotal moments that shaped Otedola's perception of this interplay was his encounter with the late business magnate, philanthropist, and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. This encounter took place shortly after Otedola's father, Michael Otedola, was elected governor of Lagos State.
During the encounter at the Lagos State guest house in Ikeja, Abiola addressed Otedola as a "great man". Otedola recalls being surprised by his father's decision to host Abiola and his wife despite the suggestion that he be secluded in the guest house. His father's response, "There is a difference between power and money; money will always bow before power", further solidified Otedola's understanding of the interplay between the two.
The memoir also sheds light on heated political struggles, including Otedola's clash with former Nigerian President Obasanjo over diesel deregulation in 2004. This episode underscores the delicate and sometimes adversarial relationship between business leaders and political authorities.
Otedola's memoir is praised for its brutal honesty, including his admission of personal weaknesses that led him to step down as CEO to save his business empire. This transition underscores that true power in business is linked not just to wealth but to self-awareness and adaptability in leadership.
Brigadier General Raji Rasaki was the outgoing military governor of Lagos at the time of the encounter between Otedola and Abiola. The memoir, published by FO Books, further shapes our understanding of Otedola's journey and the complex dynamics of money, power, and politics in Nigeria.
[1] Femi Otedola's memoir reveals insights on money, power, and politics. (2023). The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/aug/15/femi-otedolas-memoir-reveals-insights-on-money-power-and-politics
[2] Otedola's memoir: A tale of power, money, and politics. (2023). The Punch. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/otedolas-memoir-a-tale-of-power-money-and-politics/
[3] Femi Otedola's memoir: The clash with Obasanjo over diesel deregulation. (2023). The Nation. Retrieved from https://thenationonlineng.net/otedolas-memoir-the-clash-with-obasanjo-over-diesel-deregulation/
[4] Otedola's memoir: The role of banks and the pursuit of financial power. (2023). BusinessDay. Retrieved from https://www.businessdayonline.com/otedolas-memoir-the-role-of-banks-and-the-pursuit-of-financial-power/
[5] Otedola's encounter with MKO Abiola: A turning point in his understanding of power and money. (2023). The Sun. Retrieved from https://thesunng.com/otedolas-encounter-with-mko-abiola-a-turning-point-in-his-understanding-of-power-and-money/
- Femi Otedola's memoir, 'Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business', delves into the intricate relationship between money and power in business, politics, and general news.
- In the memoir, Otedola shares his encounter with MKO Abiola at the Lagos State guest house in Ikeja, which was a turning point in his understanding of the interplay between power and money.
- The memoir also includes heated political struggles, such as Otedola's clash with former Nigerian President Obasanjo over diesel deregulation in 2004, demonstrating the delicate and sometimes adversarial relationship between business leaders and political authorities.
- Otedola's admission of personal weaknesses that led him to step down as CEO to save his business empire underscores the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in leadership in the realm of personal-finance, politics, and business.
- The memoir, published by FO Books, further contributes to our understanding of Otedola's journey, providing insights on money, power, and politics in Nigeria.
