Nigerian business mogul Adedeji Adeleke, father of music superstar Davido, sent social media into a frenzy after a lighthearted video surfaced showing him playfully referring to Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, as his “small boy.” The jovial exchange between two of Nigeria’s most powerful billionaires offers a rare glimpse into their decades-long friendship that transcends business and extends into family ties.
The charming moment occurred during Adeleke’s 68th birthday celebration on March 6, 2025, where several Nigerian business titans gathered to honor the Adeleke family patriarch. In the widely shared clip, Adeleke is seen engaging in friendly banter with media mogul Dele Momodu when he casually mentions that he is older than Dangote, affectionately calling him “Aburo mi” – a Yoruba term meaning “my younger brother.”
I am older than him,” Adeleke declared with a mischievous smile, pointing toward Dangote. He’s my small boy.” The comment prompted hearty laughter from those present, including Dele Momodu, whose amusement at the audacity of calling Africa’s richest man a “small boy” – even in jest – was evident.
Dangote, who has consistently ranked as Africa’s wealthiest individual with a net worth estimated at over $14 billion, took the playful jab in stride. With the timing of a seasoned comedian, he quickly responded by pointing out that Adeleke is merely a month his senior, as both billionaires were born in 1957 – Adeleke on March 6 and Dangote on April 10.
The exchange highlights the comfortable camaraderie between these business titans, whose friendship spans decades and intertwines with significant personal milestones. Their relationship goes beyond business associations, with Dangote serving as godfather to Adeleke’s son Davido, one of Africa’s most successful music artists.
Their connection runs so deep that when Davido was born in Atlanta, it was reportedly Dangote himself who drove the newborn and his parents home from the hospital – a testament to the profound bond between the families that existed long before Davido became a household name in global entertainment.
The viral clip has fascinated social media users, who rarely get to witness informal interactions between individuals of such immense wealth and influence. Many commenters noted how refreshing it was to see these powerful figures engage in the kind of playful age-related banter common among old friends, regardless of their status.
Business analysts have long observed the mutual respect and friendship between Adeleke and Dangote, two pillars of Nigerian enterprise who have navigated the complex landscape of African business while maintaining their personal connection. Adeleke, who heads the diversified Adeleke Group with interests in real estate, energy, and education, has built his empire somewhat more quietly than Dangote, whose cement, sugar, and petroleum ventures have made him globally recognized.
What we’re seeing is a relationship built on mutual respect that predates their current status,” explains financial analyst Chidi Okonkwo. These men have watched each other build empires over decades, and that shared journey creates a bond that transcends business competition.
The timing of the viral moment is particularly poignant, occurring during Adeleke’s birthday celebration. For the Adeleke family, March 6 carries a complex emotional significance – while it marks the patriarch’s birth, it’s also the anniversary of the passing of Davido’s mother, Veronica Adeleke, adding layers of meaning to the family gathering.
Fans of Davido were quick to highlight how the video illuminates the rarified circles in which the musician was raised. One Instagram user commented, “Imagine comparing someone who doesn’t need an invite or introduction to visit Dangote to someone who needs invitation and date to visit is crazy…. Make everybody know their mate and standards.” This sentiment was echoed by numerous commenters who saw the clip as confirmation of Davido’s elite pedigree.
Other social media users simply enjoyed the glimpse into billionaire friendship, with comments like “Billionaire joke, me sef just dey laugh” and “Rich people no get wahala” reflecting the public’s fascination with how the ultra-wealthy interact in private settings.
The video has also reignited discussions about the tight-knit nature of Nigeria’s business elite, with some observers noting how personal relationships often underscore business alliances in the country’s economic landscape. The Adeleke-Dangote friendship exemplifies how these connections can span generations and extend beyond boardrooms into family life.
For Davido, whose music career has often been analyzed through the lens of his privileged background, the video underscores the exceptional network he was born into. Unlike many of his peers in the music industry, Davido’s connections to Nigerian business royalty have been part of his life from birth, not acquired through fame.
The clip arrives at a time when Davido continues to expand his own business portfolio beyond music, following in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps while maintaining his position as one of Africa’s most successful artists. Industry watchers note that having mentors like his father and godfather Dangote provides Davido with business acumen and connections that few entertainers can access.
As the video continues to circulate online, it serves as a reminder of the complex web of relationships that underpin Nigeria’s business community. Beyond the formal transactions and corporate dealings, these personal bonds – formed over decades and reinforced through family connections – often shape the country’s economic landscape in ways that financial reports and business news rarely capture.
For now, the playful exchange between Adeleke and Dangote has offered the public a charming glimpse into the human side of Nigeria’s business elite – where even the continent’s wealthiest man can be someone’s “small boy” in the warm context of longtime friendship.
