Adedeji Adeleke, born on March 6, 1957, is a highly respected Nigerian business magnate, educationist, and philanthropist. He is widely known not just for his remarkable business acumen and contributions to national development, but also as the father of globally celebrated Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido. His influence spans several sectors of Nigeria’s economy, particularly in energy, real estate, agriculture, and education. As of now, his net worth is estimated at $2.1 billion.
Profile
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adedeji Tajudeen Adeleke |
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1957 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Businessman, Philanthropist, Educationist |
| Known For | Father of Davido (Afrobeats star); Founder of Adeleke University |
| Education | – B.Sc. Finance (Western Kentucky University) – MBA (1981) – PhD in International Business (1983) – DBA (2010, University of Phoenix) |
| Business Ventures | Founder/Chairman of Pacific Holdings Ltd. Involved in energy, mining, real estate, agriculture, etc. |
| Major Project | $2 billion, 1,250 MW power plant in Ondo State |
| University Founded | Adeleke University, Ede (Licensed 2011) |
| Philanthropy | Springtime Development Foundation; ₦1 billion church endowment |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $2.1 billion |
| Family | – Late Wife: Dr. Veronica Adeleke – Children: 5 (incl. Davido) – Brother: Governor Ademola Adeleke |
| Awards | 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year |
Adedeji Adeleke Net Worth, Salary, and Earnings
As of now, Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth is estimated at $2.1 billion, positioning him among Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals. His wealth primarily stems from Pacific Holdings Limited, with significant contributions from real estate, energy, and banking investments. His diversified portfolio, including stocks and bonds, generates substantial passive income through dividends and interest, ensuring financial stability.
While exact salary figures are undisclosed, Adeleke’s income is derived from his role as CEO of Pacific Holdings, profits from his investments, and revenue from Adeleke University. His oil and gas ventures, particularly in distribution and consulting, contribute significantly to his annual earnings. Forbes Africa profiled him in 2024 as one of the “Top African Billionaires Under the Radar,” though he is not on the global Forbes billionaire list due to his private business structure.
Adedeji Adeleke Early Life
Adedeji Tajudeen Adeleke, born on March 6, 1957, in Enugu, Nigeria, is a renowned Nigerian billionaire, businessman, and philanthropist. Hailing from Ede, Osun State, he embodies a blend of Yoruba and Igbo heritage, having been raised partly by his maternal grandmother in Enugu. His father, Raji Ayoola Adeleke, was a prominent labor leader, activist, and the Balogun of Ede, while his mother was Esther Nnenna Adeleke. Adedeji’s siblings include notable figures like the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the first civilian governor of Osun State, and Senator Ademola Adeleke, the current governor of Osun State.
Adeleke’s educational journey began at Ansar-ud-Deen Primary School and Seventh-Day Adventist Grammar School in Lagos. He pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Western Kentucky University in 1979, followed by an MBA in 1981. He further obtained a Ph.D. in International Business from Pacific Columbia University and another Ph.D. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2010.
A devout Christian and philanthropist, Adeleke is known for his disciplined approach and commitment to education and societal development. He was married to Dr. Veronica Adeleke, a university lecturer who passed away in 2003. Despite his wealth, Adeleke maintains a relatively private family life, focusing on his children’s education and well-being.
Adedeji Adeleke Career
Adedeji Adeleke’s business career began after returning to Nigeria in 1981, following his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) tenure. In 1983, he founded Pacific Holdings Limited, initially established as Pacific Drilling Company Limited, specializing in geographical surveys, borehole drilling, and water treatment. The company was rebranded and incorporated as a Limited Liability Company in 1990, expanding into agriculture, energy, power generation, freight services, and real estate. Today, Pacific Holdings is a conglomerate with subsidiaries like Pacific Freightliners Ltd., Intertrade Warehousing Ltd., and Pacific Gas Company Ltd.
Adeleke’s strategic investments span oil and gas, banking, finance, and real estate, making him a key player in Nigeria’s economy. His real estate portfolio includes commercial complexes, residential estates, and high-value properties in Lagos, Abuja, Osun, and internationally, such as a $5 million mansion in Atlanta. He also holds stakes in financial institutions, insurance, and fintech ventures.
In education, Adeleke founded Adeleke University in Ede, Osun State, in 2011, under the Springtime Development Foundation (SDF), established in 1996 to improve education and healthcare in Nigeria. The university, rooted in Seventh-day Adventist principles, offers scholarships and has become one of Nigeria’s top private institutions.
Adedeji Adeleke Lifestyle and Assets
Adedeji Adeleke’s lifestyle reflects his billionaire status, marked by luxury and philanthropy. He owns a fleet of high-end vehicles, including a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne ($350,000) and a Rolls Royce Phantom ($450,000). His most notable asset is a Bombardier Global Express 6000 private jet, valued at $62 million, used for business and family travel.
His real estate holdings are extensive, with properties in Lagos’ elite areas like Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, and Victoria Island, as well as in Osun, Abuja, and Atlanta. His Atlanta mansion, acquired for his 60th birthday, is valued at over $5 million. Adeleke’s investments in real estate have appreciated significantly, bolstering his wealth.
Despite his opulence, Adeleke is described as modest and deeply religious. He has donated multimillion-naira infrastructure to the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Babcock University, including a large hall. His philanthropy through SDF and Adeleke University focuses on education and healthcare, earning him widespread respect.
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FAQs
What is Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth in 2025?
Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth is estimated at $2.1 billion in 2025.
How did Adedeji Adeleke make his money?
His wealth primarily comes from Pacific Holdings Limited, with investments in real estate, oil and gas, banking, and education through Adeleke University.
What businesses does Adedeji Adeleke own?
He is the CEO of Pacific Holdings Limited, which operates in energy, real estate, agriculture, and freight services. He also owns Adeleke University and has stakes in banking and fintech.
What is Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $700 million.
What is Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth in 2023?
In 2023, Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth was estimated to be around $900 million.
What is Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth in 2022?
Adedeji Adeleke’s estimated net worth in 2022 stood at approximately $700 million.
What is Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth in 2021?
In 2021, estimates placed Adedeji Adeleke’s net worth at approximately $900 million.
Who is Adedeji Adeleke’s family?
He was married to Dr. Veronica Adeleke (deceased 2003) and has five children. His brother, Ademola Adeleke, is the governor of Osun State.
What are Adedeji Adeleke’s notable assets?
He owns a $62 million Bombardier Global Express 6000 private jet, a $5 million Atlanta mansion, properties in Lagos and Osun, and luxury cars like a Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls Royce Phantom.
What philanthropic contributions has Adedeji Adeleke made?
He founded the Springtime Development Foundation and Adeleke University, offering scholarships and supporting education and healthcare initiatives. He also donated infrastructure to churches and universities.
