April 14, (THEWILL)- The strained relationship between billionaire economist and banker and billionaire investor, Femi Otedola seems to have been restored, judging by what transpired at the wedding reception of Moyosoreoluwa, the daughter of Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the weekend.
The duo, whose closeness was hitherto sacrificed on the altar of bullish corporate moves, are now back as friends as they appeared all chummy with each other. They pumped fists, hugged lightly, back slapped like in the days of old and laughed heartily to each other’s jokes. They both sat next to each other on the same table at the wedding party and took pictures together while ensuring no one came between them as they smiled for the cameras. The camaraderie they displayed was pleasing to some of the guests, particularly their mutual friends who found themselves at the centre of their once broken friendship. It does appear as if both of them had a jolt on realising that life was too short to contemplate keeping malice with each other instead of finding ways to resolve their differences.
About a year ago, both men were not on speaking terms, no thanks to Otedola’s stealthy moves to take over Transnational Company of Nigeria from Elumelu. Unfortunately, his plans backfired as both businessmen reached a deal on the control of Transcorp, with Elumelu buying back Otedola’s shares at a premium and consolidating his hold on the company.
While Elumelu chose to publicly speak highly of his friend and his business acumen, despite that almost successful takeover, Otedola rather than reciprocate the gesture, went to town with how Elumelu betrayed him businesswise on at least two occasions. Shortly after Otedola’s revelation, both friends stopped speaking to each other. This was evident during the lavish 80th birthday party of Hajia Bintu-Fatima Tinubu, mother of the Chief Executive Officer of Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu. The tension that brewed between both men at the party was palpable. Both of them were seated at the same table and they barely exchanged words. To help douse the tension, businessman Sam Iwuajoku offered to sit between them to reduce the tension that could have conflagrated if he didn’t make that move. After exchanging pleasantries with the celebrant, the host and a few guests, Elumelu exited the party without much ado.
After that party, both men began to avoid each other and ensured they both never attended events hosted by their mutual friends. Regardless of who first blinked or swallowed the humble pie, it is pleasing that they have chosen to put their differences aside.
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