Meet Tolani’s Parents: Femi Otedola and Olayinka Odukoya

Tolani Otedola, a prominent voice in Nigeria’s Afrobeat and R&B scene, is best known not just for her musical talent but also as the eldest daughter of Nigerian billionaire and philanthropist Femi Otedola.

Born on April 21, 1986, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tolani—of Yoruba descent—grew up in a Christian household, though her mother, Olayinka Odukoya, is Muslim. Her upbringing was shaped by early family complexities, including a separation from her mother that led to her being raised primarily by her father’s side of the family.

Tolani is the first child of Femi Otedola and Olayinka Odukoya and has three half-siblings—Florence (widely known as DJ Cuppy), Temi Otedola, and Fewa Otedola—from her father’s marriage to Nana Otedola. Despite growing up somewhat apart from the public-facing side of her family, Tolani carved her own identity in both her personal life and her creative work.

She began her education at Grange School in Ikeja, Lagos, before continuing her studies abroad. Tolani earned a degree in psychology from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, reflecting her broad intellectual and cultural exposure.

Her path to the spotlight has been shaped by both artistic passion and a deeply personal story. While her father remains a highly visible figure in Nigerian business and society, her mother’s quieter presence adds depth to the family’s history.

Femi Otedola

Femi Otedola, born on November 4, 1962, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, is one of Africa’s most prominent entrepreneurs. The son of Sir Michael Otedola, a former governor of Lagos State, Femi rose to prominence through his business acumen in the energy, real estate, and finance sectors.

He is the founder of Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd. and the former chairman of Forte Oil PLC, and he currently serves as the executive chairman of Geregu Power PLC. According to Forbes, as of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $1.7 billion, cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals.

Beyond his business achievements, Femi Otedola is known for his philanthropy and his close relationship with his four children: Tolani, Florence (DJ Cuppy), Temi, and Fewa. His love for his children is evident in his generous gestures, such as gifting each of his daughters a Ferrari in 2020, a move that made headlines across Nigeria.

Despite his wealth and influence, Femi’s personal life has not been without challenges, particularly in his early romantic relationships, which directly impacted Tolani’s life.

Olayinka Odukoya

Olayinka Odukoya, Tolani’s mother, is a figure whose story is marked by love, heartbreak, and resilience. In the early 1980s, Olayinka, then a 21-year-old woman, entered a romantic relationship with Femi Otedola, a trader selling stationery at the Iponri Shopping Complex in Lagos, while supporting his family’s printing press.

Their relationship blossomed, and Olayinka became pregnant with Tolani. At the time, she had recently been admitted to the School of Nursing in Ikoyi, but her pregnancy interrupted her educational aspirations.

According to Olayinka’s accounts in interviews with outlets like Daily Post and TheWill Nigeria, her relationship with Femi faced significant opposition from his mother, Lady Doja Otedola. Lady Doja disapproved of Olayinka, citing differences in social status and religion—Olayinka was Muslim, while the Otedola family was Christian.

This disapproval led to a heartbreaking turn of events. After Tolani’s birth, Lady Doja took custody of the child when she was just over a year old, denying Olayinka access to her daughter. Olayinka’s attempts to reconnect with Tolani over the years were repeatedly thwarted, leaving her emotionally devastated.

Olayinka’s pain was compounded when she became pregnant with Femi’s second child but suffered a stillbirth at seven months. The loss, combined with the separation from Tolani, left Olayinka deeply affected, to the point where she has spoken about her fear of men and reluctance to remarry.

She later had another daughter, Eniola Odukoya, with a different partner, but her longing to reconnect with Tolani has remained a central part of her life. Olayinka has expressed hope for reconciliation with her daughter, though it remains unclear whether they have reunited.