Dangote, Otedola Renew Friendship

WITHOUT mincing words, not a few people had wondered if the closeness once fostered between Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote and his friend, Femi Otedola, by mutual economic interests would ever be resuscitated again.

This expressed fear was certainly not unfounded when placed against the volatile bitterness displayed by these billionaires some years ago as a result of sharp differences between them over the acquisition of Chevron Texaco’s downstream business.

The ember of discord between them consumed huge resources from both ends while the fifth columnists fed fat on the acrimony that almost literally brought the Nigerian economy to its knees, being that they are two key players in the nation’s business community.

Ever since a truce was brokered between these influential business men by the Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of Thisday, Nduka Obaigbena, many felt that they are not as close as they were before the feud thus sparking speculations that the peace meeting might not have effect afterall. But the insinuations have since been laid to rest as both men have started on a clean state.

They were full of joy and laughter when they recently sauntered into the venue of the wedding ceremony of Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in Auchi, the Edo State.

No sooner had they grandly enetered the venue that all eyes turned in their direction to register the rare moment. Not even the grand entrance of the couple elicited such excitement and stares from the guests present, as Dangote and Otedola remained the cynosure of all eyes.

They sat together throughout the event talking to each other at intervals. This clearly showed that even in business, as in politics, there is no permanent friend or foe, just permanent interests.

Otedola and Dangote have been known to be buddies in both the social and business senses.