By Emeka Blast 
Shock Claim: Davido Says His Father Has Been Lending Money to Dangote
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar David “Davido” Adeleke has ignited a firestorm of reactions with a stunning revelation that his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, has been lending money to his godfather, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man, for years to fuel his business ventures. The claim, made during an exclusive interview with The Sun Nigeria on August 24, 2025, has sparked widespread debate about wealth, influence, and the Adeleke family’s financial stature, with many questioning whether Dr. Adeleke ranks among Africa’s richest.
“I’m not bragging about this, but it will shock a lot of people that my godfather Dangote has been borrowing money from my dad all these years to invest in his businesses,” Davido stated. “Even after all the money he has acquired, he still takes loans from my dad to put into his businesses.” The 32-year-old singer, speaking candidly, emphasized the close relationship between his father and Dangote, Nigeria’s cement and oil magnate, whose net worth is estimated at $13.4 billion by Forbes in 2025.
Davido’s revelation, accompanied by a now-viral Instagram post where he wrote, “Chai, I will be a billionaire in dollars soon in the name of Jesus Amen 🙏,” has dominated social media. Posts on X, including one from @NaijaGist, read, “Davido says Dangote borrows from his dad! Is Dr. Adeleke richer than we thought? #MindBlown,” while @EagleEyeNG tweeted, “Davido’s dad lending to Dangote? That’s next-level wealth! #AdelekeDynasty.” Critics, however, expressed skepticism, with @TruthSeekerNG posting, “Davido’s claims sound like clout-chasing. Show us receipts! #Dangote.”
Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, a business tycoon and founder of Adeleke University, is known for his investments in education, real estate, and recently a power plant, as well as owning a fleet of private jets, including a $78 million Bombardier Global 7500, per Tribune Online. While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, Davido’s comments suggest significant financial influence, prompting speculation about his ranking among Africa’s elite. BusinessDay estimates Dr. Adeleke’s wealth in the billions of naira, but no public data confirms him surpassing Dangote, whose Dangote Group dominates cement, sugar, and oil refining.
The claim has raised eyebrows, with some analysts questioning its plausibility given Dangote’s access to global financial markets. An economist, speaking anonymously to Vanguard News, noted, “Dangote’s businesses, like his $19 billion refinery, rely on diverse funding, including international loans. Personal loans from Dr. Adeleke, if true, would be unconventional but not impossible given their longstanding relationship.” Others, like @Waspapping_ on X, speculated, “If Dangote borrows from Davido’s dad, is Dr. Adeleke the real richest man in Africa? #NaijaWealth.”
Davido, fresh off his Miami wedding and a third private jet acquisition for his family, has kept the spotlight on the Adeleke dynasty. His comments, while inspiring to fans like @pitakwa1 who tweeted, “Davido’s family is goals! Billionaires mentoring billionaires! #30BG,” have also drawn criticism for flaunting wealth amid Nigeria’s economic challenges, with 42% youth unemployment, per Statista.
