Earlier this year, a heated conversation broke out on social media about how some of our favourite celebrities are actually nepo babies, people who got a head start in their careers thanks to their family’s fame, wealth, or influence.
The debate began after Femi Otedola released his new book, Making It Big. One tweet dismissed the book as meaningless because it came from someone who was born into wealth. That single post quickly spiralled into a wider, cheeky argument: nepo baby vs lapo baby (people who are not from generational wealth).
The “nepo baby,” people joked, never had to hustle for success, while the “lapo baby” fought tooth and nail for every win. But beyond the banter, it raised an interesting question: can privilege and talent coexist?
In this article, we highlight 15 Nigerian nepo babies who took that head start afforded them and ran with it.
1. Davido
Career path: Musician
Family Member: Adedeji Adeleke, Billionaire Businessman
David Adeleke, better known as Davido, is probably Nigeria’s most famous nepo baby. As the son of billionaire businessman, Adedeji Adeleke, his privileged background is no secret even though he hasn’t always owned it.
In an old interview, he admitted that while he has never truly been broke, he also didn’t have his own money before he started making music. That need for independence drove him to drop out of university and pursue music full time.
With multiple awards, sold-out shows worldwide, and a Grammy nomination, Davido has proven that while his surname opened doors, his talent kept them open. Yes, he had resources many artists could only dream of, but turning those resources into a decade-long career that influences Afrobeats globally? That’s all him.
2. Temi Otedola
Career path: Actress and Fashion Influencer
Family Member: Femi Otedola, Billionaire Businessman
Temi Otedola first caught public attention as a fashion blogger. Her access and family wealth immediately skyrocketed her rise. But since then, she has done the work to stay on top.
Today, she’s a style influencer and ambassador for L’Oréal and other luxury brands. Alongside her husband, Mr Eazi, she co-hosts the lifestyle podcast, How Far.
She’s featured in movies like Citation, Man for the Job and Ms. Koyin, cementing her place in Nollywood’s new wave of stars.
Of course, her surname comes with weight, being Femi Otedola’s daughter has sparked talk about how she got her start. But Temi has shown that consistency and hard work can keep you in the spotlight long after your name first gets you there.
3. Falz
Career path: Musician
Family Member: Femi Falana, Human Rights Lawyer
Falz, born Folarin Falana, is the son of the human rights lawyer and activist Femi Falana (SAN). Still, he’s carved a distinct identity for himself in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. A lawyer-turned-rapper, Falz burst onto the scene with his witty lyrics and signature faux accent, which quickly set him apart.
His breakout singles “Marry Me” and “Soft Work” showed his comedic side, but songs like “This Is Nigeria” revealed his boldness in tackling social issues. Beyond music, he’s an actor, with an AMVCA win for Jenifa’s Diary and scene-stealing roles in Chief Daddy and Quam’s Money.
While being Femi Falana’s son might have provided him with the resources to fully pursue his dreams, his ability to have stayed relevant for over a decade is purely a result of his talent and drive.
4. Clarence Peters
Career path: Director
Family Member: Clarion Chukwura (Nollywood Actress), Shina Peters (Musician)
Clarence Peters grew up in an industry household, so his rise to fame wasn’t exactly shocking.
For anyone who’s been watching Nigerian music videos since the early 2000s, the name Clarence Peters needs no introduction. Some of his iconic works include the music videos for “Dami Duro” by Davido, “Johnny” by Yemi Alade, “Ojuelegba” by Wizkid and many more. In 2010, he even made Channel O’s list of visionary Nigerian directors.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the boost that comes with being the son of Clarion Chukwura, one of Nigeria’s celebrated actresses, and Shina Peters, the Afro Juju legend. But beyond his parents’ legacy, Clarence built his own name through a decade of consistent work and an eye that defined what quality meant in Nigerian music videos.
5. Asa Asika
Career path: Talent manager
Family Member: Anthony Ukpabi Asika, Administrator of East Central State
Asa Asika is one of the most influential talent managers in Nigeria, best known as Davido’s manager and co-founder of The Plug. But there’s more to him than his work with the superstar.
Over the years, Asa has built a solid career as a talent manager, A&R executive, and show promoter. He entered the entertainment scene as a teenager and quickly became a key name behind many artists’ success stories.
Reports that he made his first million at 16 have only furthered conversations about how his background shaped his rise; after all, his grandfather, Anthony Ukpabi Asika, was the first administrator of the East Central State during the military regime of General Yakubu Gowon.
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ALSO READ: 7 Signs Your Friend Is a Nepo Baby
6. Dimma Umeh
Career path: YouTuber
Family Member: Senator Victor Umeh
Dimma Umeh is a popular Nigerian YouTuber known for her lifestyle, beauty, and fashion content. She has built a loyal following with her relatable vlogs and aesthetic content.
Shortly after her wedding in 2024, speculation swirled online that her family’s wealth may have helped kickstart her YouTube career, with many learning for the first time that her father is Nigerian politician, Senator Victor Umeh.
Regardless, Dimma stuck it out, creating engaging content, and has remained one of Nigeria’s foremost beauty creators.
7. Fela Kuti
Career path: Musician
Family Member: Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti (Women’s Rights Activist)
Before you say “Wait, Fela?” hear us out. The Afrobeat legend himself was born into privilege. His mother is none other than Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a fierce women’s rights activist. Fela grew up in an educated, politically connected family that was capable of sending him to study music in London.
His access to international education and influential networks was a privilege many Nigerian musicians of his era never had. Still, what Fela built with that privilege was extraordinary and undoubtedly his own.
8. Kemi Adetiba
Career path: Director
Family Member: Dele Adetiba, Veteran Sports Broadcaster
Kemi Adetiba is one of Nollywood’s most successful directors, known for blockbusters like The Wedding Party, King of Boys, and King of Boys: The Return of the King.
But she didn’t start from the grassroots. She’s the daughter of veteran broadcaster Dele Adetiba and grew up surrounded by media and entertainment. That exposure likely gave her connections that many aspiring filmmakers never get. She studied at the New York Film Academy, another privilege that comes with wealth.
Still, film school doesn’t guarantee you’ll make Nigeria’s highest-grossing movie. Her success is a mix of the right background and raw talent. She used her head start wisely, and Nollywood is better for it.
9. Uzoma Dozie
Career path: Banking
Family Member: Pascal Dozie, Founder of Diamond Bank
If you’ve ever come across Sparkle Microfinance Bank, you probably know Uzoma Dozie as its founder. What many people may not realise is that he is the son of Pascal Dozie, the founder of Diamond Bank.
Uzoma first became CEO of Diamond Bank before its acquisition by Access Bank. After the sale, he launched Sparkle, a digital banking platform, proving he can build beyond his father’s legacy. That said, it’s fair to acknowledge that his surname played a role in his career trajectory.
10. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Career path: Finance
Family Member: Professor Okonjo Chukwuka, Former Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is Nigeria’s most internationally recognised economist and policy leader. She served as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, was Managing Director of the World Bank, and currently serves as Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, the first African and first woman to hold that position.
Her achievements are extraordinary by any measure. But here’s some backstory: Okonjo-Iweala was born into the royal Okonjo family of Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State. Her father, Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, was a renowned academic and traditional ruler. She attended top schools, including Harvard and MIT. That level of educational access provided a foundation most Nigerians never see.
Her brilliance is undeniable, but her journey up was likely smoothed by privilege and her family status. She’s proof that nepo babies can genuinely change the world, but also that world-changing is more feasible when you start with serious advantages.
11. Deola Sagoe
Career path: Designer
Family Member: Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, Founder, Elizade Group
Deola Sagoe is a fashion designer known for her bold designs and mastery of African fabrics. She designed the costumes for the acclaimed film October 1, directed by Kunle Afolayan, earning the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Costume Designer. In 2014, she became the first Black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma Fashion Week in Rome.
Born into a family of business executives — her father, Michael Ade-Ojo, founded Elizade Group, and her brother, Kunle Ade-Ojo is Managing Director of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited — she had access to insights and resources that were certain to spur her success. Still, it’s Sagoe’s talent and visionary outlook that have made her a name to look out for in the fashion industry.
12. Teni the entertainer
Career path: Musician
Family Member: Simeon Apata, Rtd Army Brigadier-General
Teniola Apata, known as Teni the Entertainer, is one of Nigeria’s most beloved artists, with hits like “Case,” “Billionaire,” and “Hustle.” Her playful personality and relatable lyrics have earned her a massive fanbase. But Teni’s background tells a different story than the typical Nigerian “hustle” narrative. Her father, Simeon Olaosebikan Apata, was a retired Nigerian Army Brigadier-General who was assassinated in 1995.
Teni attended Apata Memorial High School in Lagos, which was owned by her late father. She later attended the University of Georgia and finished at American InterContinental University, where she obtained a degree in Business Administration. That’s serious privilege. International education, family-owned schools, and a military background that likely provided financial security.
Teni is genuinely talented, but her path to success had significantly fewer obstacles than most Nigerian artists face.
13. Priscilla Ojo-Mkambala
Career path: Influencer
Family Member: Iyabo Ojo, Actress and Producer
Priscilla Ojo is a Nigerian influencer, actress, and entrepreneur who has built her own brand in fashion and lifestyle. Known for her polished style and confident online presence, she’s grown a large following beyond her famous last name.
As the daughter of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, Priscilla has always been in the public eye, but she’s managed to turn that attention into a personal brand for herself. From acting to brand collaborations, she’s shown that she’s a lot more than Iyabo Ojo’s daughter. She’s steadily creating her own space in Nigeria’s creator economy.
14. Idia Aisien
Career path: Actress
Family Member: Dr. Joe Aisien, Millionaire Businessman
Idia Aisien has built a steady career across television and fashion. From hosting on Arise TV to starring in Nneka the Pretty Serpent, she’s shown range and dedication to her craft.
However, Idia was born into a privileged family — her father, Dr. Joe Aisien, is a champagne, wine and spirits magnate, and her mother, Emmanuella Aisien, is a jeweller and philanthropist.
She attended Atlantic Hall, one of Lagos’ most expensive schools, a background that contributed to the confidence she needed to navigate Nigeria’s competitive entertainment industry.
15. Eyiyemi Afolayan
Career path: Actress
Family Member: Kunle Afolayan, Director and Film Producer
Eyiyemi Afolayan is a Nigerian model and actor who made her acting debut in Kunle Afolayan’s Netflix film Aníkúlápó: Rise of the Spectre.
Her performance earned her a nomination for ‘Best Young/Promising Actor’ at the 2023 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). But it was a film by her father, Kunle Afolayan.
However, she’s already proving she can hold her own in it. Her growing confidence on screen hints that this is only the beginning of a solid career.
