Fela Durotoye Biography: Age, Net Worth, Wife, Career & Presidential Ambition

Fela Durotoye biography covers Nigeria’s leading motivational speaker, 2019 presidential candidate, Forbes Council member, and founder of GEMSTONE Group.

Who is Fela Durotoye?

Fela Durotoye biography tells the remarkable story of one of Africa’s most influential leadership experts, motivational speakers, and nation builders.

Born Adetokunbo Olufela Durotoye on 12 May 1971 in Ibadan, Oyo State, he has spent over two decades inspiring millions of Nigerians and Africans through his transformational leadership programmes. He is the Founder and CEO of the GEMSTONE Group, a leadership development institution that has trained thousands of executives and professionals across Africa.

Fela gained widespread national attention when he contested for the Nigerian presidency in 2019 under the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) political party. His campaign, which emphasised values-based leadership and youth empowerment, attracted significant support from young Nigerians seeking an alternative to traditional politics.

Beyond his motivational speaking and consulting work, Fela is an official member of the Forbes Coaches Council, an invitation-only community for senior-level executives in the global coaching industry. He is also a guest lecturer at Stanford University’s Seed programme for African CEOs.

Fela is married to Tara Fela-Durotoye, the renowned makeup artist, lawyer, and CEO of House of Tara International. Together, they have three sons and are considered one of Nigeria’s most inspirational power couples.

In October 2023, he was appointed Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Values and Social Justice, bringing his nation-building passion into government service.

Fela Durotoye Profile Summary

Early Life and Family Background

Adetokunbo Olufela Durotoye was born on 12 May 1971 in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria.

Childhood and Upbringing

In 1972, when Fela was just a year old, his family relocated to the university town of Ile-Ife, also in southwestern Nigeria. He moved there with his brother Pade and sister Jibike.

The Durotoye family lived in the staff quarters of what is now Obafemi Awolowo University. This academic environment would prove formative in shaping Fela’s intellectual curiosity and commitment to excellence.

Growing up on a university campus exposed Fela to an atmosphere of learning, debate, and progressive thinking. He became known as one of the liveliest children in the staff quarters, already displaying the charisma and energy that would later define his career.

Ile-Ife holds a special place in Fela’s life. The ancient Yoruba city, considered the cradle of Yoruba civilisation, provided the backdrop for his entire education from primary school through university.

Early Interests and Talents

From a young age, Fela demonstrated diverse interests and talents:

Drama and Performance: At University of Ife Staff Children’s School, he played the lead role in the school production “The Tragedy of Meggini”. This early exposure to public performance foreshadowed his future career as a speaker.

Music: At Moremi High School, Fela became the lead singer and keyboardist of a youth band called “The Midwaves”. The band regularly featured on television, giving Fela his first taste of public visibility.

Scouting: He was an active member of the Boys Scouts and the school band, developing teamwork and leadership skills.

These early experiences in performance, music, and leadership would later converge in his career as one of Africa’s most captivating motivational speakers.

Education Background

Fela Durotoye’s educational journey reflects his commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.

Primary Education

Fela attended the University of Ife Staff Children’s School from 1974 to 1981. During these formative years, he participated actively in extracurricular activities including the Boys Scouts, school band, and drama productions.

His performance in “The Tragedy of Meggini” marked his first experience with public speaking and performance, skills that would become central to his life’s work.

Secondary Education

From 1981 to 1986, Fela attended Moremi High School in Ile-Ife. This period saw the further development of his creative and leadership abilities.

As lead singer and keyboardist of “The Midwaves”, Fela gained experience performing before audiences, including television appearances. This experience helped him develop stage presence and the ability to connect with audiences.

University Education

Fela obtained both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (formerly University of Ife).

Bachelor of Science Degree: He earned a B.Sc. in Computer Science with Economics. This combination of technical and economic knowledge would later inform his business consulting work.

Master of Business Administration (MBA): For his MBA thesis, Fela studied “The Management of Change in Complex Organisations”. This research focus became the foundation of his consulting career, as he has since helped numerous organisations manage corporate transformation across industries including financial services, oil and gas, telecommunications, manufacturing, and FMCGs.

Executive Education

Fela’s commitment to continuous learning led him to pursue executive education at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions:

Harvard University: He completed the Kennedy School of Government Executive Education programme at Harvard in Boston, Massachusetts.

Yale University: He attended the High Impact Leadership for a Better Society programme, further deepening his expertise in leadership development.

Lagos Business School (2015): He completed the Executive Seminar programme on Strategy, Innovation and Governance, with specific focus on sustainability for NGOs and corporate organisations.

Nigerian Police Training School (2015): In an unusual move for a business consultant, Fela completed the Supernumerary Police Training programme at the Nigerian Police Training School, Ikeja. He received the Distinguished Student Award at his graduation and passing out parade.

Teaching Role

Fela currently serves as a guest lecturer on Ethical Leadership at Stanford University’s Seed programme, teaching CEOs of businesses with operations across the African continent.

Fela Durotoye Biography: Professional Career

Early Career in Corporate Nigeria

Fela Durotoye began his professional career in corporate Nigeria before transitioning to entrepreneurship and consulting.

Ventures & Trusts Limited (1992): His first professional role was as a financial analyst at Ventures & Trusts Limited, where he gained foundational experience in business and finance.

Phillips Consulting Limited (1998): He rose to become head of the customer service department at Phillips Consulting, one of Nigeria’s leading management consulting firms. This role deepened his expertise in customer management and organisational effectiveness.

V.I.P Consulting and Visible Impact Limited

In 2000, Fela founded V.I.P Consulting Limited, which quickly became notable in customer and human management in Nigeria.

The firm built a reputation for helping organisations improve their customer service culture and human capital management. Fela’s unique approach combined rigorous methodology with inspirational leadership.

V.I.P Consulting was later restructured and transformed from a traditional consulting firm into a social enterprise called Visible Impact Limited. This transition reflected Fela’s growing focus on social transformation alongside business success.

The GEMSTONE Group

Fela’s most significant organisational achievement is the founding of the GEMSTONE Group, a leadership development institution with multiple arms:

GEMSTONE Leadership Institute: Provides executive education and leadership training programmes.

GEMSTONE Leadership Network (GLN): A values-based community of impact-driven visionary leaders committed to personal and professional excellence.

GEMSTONE Nation Builders Foundation: A non-profit, non-governmental organisation focused on training and inspiring a new generation of Nigerian leaders.

The acronym GEMSTONE stands for “Generation Empowered, Motivated, and Stirred to Operate with Natural Excellence”.

Through GEMSTONE, Fela has trained thousands of executives and professionals across Nigeria and Africa. His signature C.A.S.P.E.R coaching model combines theoretical coaching with practical mentoring through masterclasses, webinars, and live events.

Forbes Coaches Council

Fela is an official member of the Forbes Coaches Council, an invitation-only community for senior-level executives in the global coaching industry.

This recognition places him among the world’s top executive coaches and validates his methodology and impact in leadership development.

Corporate Consulting

Over more than 27 years, Fela has coached CEOs and consulted for organisations to achieve exponential business growth. His corporate clients span various sectors:

• Financial services
• Oil and gas
• Telecommunications
• Manufacturing
• Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs)

He currently sits on the boards of several companies across Nigeria’s economic spectrum.

Speaking Engagements

Fela is renowned as one of Africa’s most compelling speakers. He facilitates and speaks at management and leadership retreats within and outside Nigeria.

Notable speaking engagements include:

Nigerian American Business Forum (2018): He spoke to over 200 entrepreneurs at the inaugural forum in Tampa, Florida. He shared the podium with prominent figures including Senator Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Nigerian Stock Exchange chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, media pioneer Biodun Shobanjo, former governor Peter Obi, and technologist Ade Olufeko.

His speaking style combines storytelling, practical frameworks, and inspirational messaging that moves audiences to action.

Nation Building and Social Impact

At the core of his heart, Fela defines himself as a “Nation Builder”. His commitment to transforming Nigeria has manifested in several initiatives.

The Mushin Makeover (2009)

In December 2009, Fela championed the urban renewal project known as “Mushin Makeover”.

Mushin is one of Lagos’s most densely populated and challenging neighbourhoods. The project aimed to transform the community through a combination of physical renewal and mindset change.

The initiative brought together some of Nigeria’s most prominent entertainers and public figures, including:

• Banky W
• Alibaba
• Kate Henshaw
• Omoni Oboli
• Teju Babyface
• Sound Sultan
• TY Bello
• DJ Jimmy Jatt
• Omawumi
• Denrele
• Dele Momodu
• Tosin Bucknor
• Stella Damasus
• Tee A

The project demonstrated Fela’s ability to mobilise celebrities and resources for social good.

Values Infusion Project (VIP)

The Values Infusion Project, conceived by Fela for the GEMSTONE Leadership Group, aims to inspire leadership excellence across Nigeria, Africa, and the world.

The project’s ambitious goal is to obtain one million signatures on a Values Scroll by 31 December 2025, setting a new Guinness World Record.

The core values promoted by VIP include:

1. Making a positive impact on everyone and everywhere
2. Being a solution provider rather than part of the problem
3. Being a role model worthy of emulation
4. Being the best in all endeavours
5. Doing the right things regardless of who does wrong
6. Valuing time and making best use of it
7. Showing care and respect through words and actions
8. Consciously building a great legacy daily
9. Living with integrity and honour
10. Making family, nation, and God proud

Arise Nigeria

“Arise Nigeria” is a GEMSTONE initiative serving as a clarion call to nation-building. It encourages Nigerians to take active responsibility for the country’s development.

Political Career and 2019 Presidential Bid

Entry into Politics

Fela Durotoye’s nation-building passion eventually led him into formal politics. On 22 February 2018, he publicly declared his intention to run for the Nigerian presidency in the 2019 general election.

He ran under the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN), a political party that positioned itself as an alternative to Nigeria’s established parties.

Building a Coalition

Fela’s campaign was notable for his efforts to build coalitions among alternative presidential candidates.

A coalition of 11 aspirants under the umbrella of the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) unanimously elected Fela Durotoye as their consensus candidate.

On Saturday, 29 September 2018, he officially emerged as the presidential candidate of the Alliance for New Nigeria for the 2019 general elections.

Running Mate Selection

After several months of consideration, Fela selected Khadijah Abdullahi-Iya as his running mate. She was a successful social entrepreneur who would have served as Vice President.

Campaign Philosophy

Fela’s campaign emphasised values-based leadership, youth empowerment, and good governance. He famously stated: “It’s not easy to run for office”, but added that “the best way to serve his nation’s interest is to do so from the nation’s highest office”.

His slogan focused on building a “New Nigeria” through good people in government delivering good governance at all levels.

Coalition Efforts

In January 2019, Fela expressed willingness to support a consensus candidate chosen from among frontline alternative candidates, including himself, Omoyele Sowore, and Kingsley Moghalu, through a transparent electoral process if he did not emerge as the consensus candidate.

On 24 January 2019, he publicly commended Oby Ezekwesili for leading efforts to build a formidable coalition. A proposed coalition between the Young Progressive Party and the Alliance for New Nigeria was to be known as “The Force”.

Election Results

Despite significant grassroots support, particularly among young and educated Nigerians, Fela did not win the 2019 presidential election. However, his campaign raised important conversations about alternative leadership and youth political participation in Nigeria.

Return to Government Service (2023)

On 9 October 2023, President Bola Tinubu appointed Fela as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values and Social Justice.

In a remarkable display of commitment, Fela revealed that he served in this role without receiving a salary from October 2023 to March 2024. This sacrifice underscored his genuine dedication to nation-building beyond personal gain.

Personal Life: Wife, Marriage and Family

Marriage to Tara Fela-Durotoye

Fela is married to Tara Fela-Durotoye, one of Nigeria’s most successful entrepreneurs and a pioneer in the country’s beauty industry.

Tara is:

• A renowned makeup artist who professionalised the makeup industry in Nigeria
• A lawyer by training
• Founder and CEO of House of Tara International, one of Africa’s largest indigenous cosmetics brands
• Founder of SEEP Africa
• Convener of the Building Beyond You Conference
• A speaker and mentor in her own right

Together, Fela and Tara represent one of Nigeria’s most admired power couples. Their marriage demonstrates the possibility of two ambitious individuals building successful careers whilst maintaining a strong family unit.

Tara maintains her own significant social media presence with over 342,000 Instagram followers.

Children

Fela and Tara have three sons:

1. Mobolurin (firstborn)
2. Oluwademilade (second son)
3. Morolaoluwa (third son)

Fela has spoken fondly of his sons, noting that “they think their dad is a super hero!” This playful characterisation reveals his close relationship with his children.

The Durotoye children have been raised in an environment that emphasises values, excellence, and service—the same principles their father teaches publicly.

Siblings

Fela has two known siblings:

• Pade Durotoye: His brother
• Jibike Durotoye: His sister

The three siblings grew up together in the staff quarters of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife.

Career Milestones and Achievements

Fela Durotoye Biography: Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Fela Durotoye has received numerous awards for his leadership development and nation-building activities.

Industry Recognition

• Multiple social, industry, and national awards for leadership development
• Recognition for nation-building activities
• Distinguished Student Award at Nigerian Police Training School (2015)

Professional Affiliations

• Forbes Coaches Council: Official member of this invitation-only community for senior-level executives in global coaching
• Stanford University: Guest lecturer on Ethical Leadership

Public Recognition

Fela is widely regarded as:

• One of Africa’s leading executive coaches
• A credible voice of leadership for a new Nigeria
• An inspirational figure across the spectrum of young and old Nigerians

His fan base and followers across social media platforms reflect his widespread influence.

Net Worth and Business Interests

Estimated Net Worth

Fela Durotoye’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $5 million.

Income Sources

His wealth derives from multiple sources:

1. Consulting fees: Revenue from corporate consulting and transformation projects
2. Speaking engagements: Fees from conferences, retreats, and corporate events
3. Executive coaching: Private coaching of CEOs and business leaders
4. GEMSTONE programmes: Training and membership fees from leadership programmes
5. Board positions: Sitting on boards of several Nigerian companies

Business Philosophy

Fela’s approach combines profit with purpose. His transition from traditional consulting (V.I.P Consulting) to social enterprise (Visible Impact Limited) reflects his belief that business should create social value alongside financial returns.

Social Media Presence and Influence

Fela Durotoye maintains a significant social media presence, using platforms to spread his message of leadership and national transformation.

Platform Statistics

Instagram (@feladurotoye): 517,000+ followers Twitter/X (@feladurotoye): 400,000+ followers Facebook: 320,000+ followers

Content Focus

His social media content typically includes:

• Inspirational messages and quotes
• Leadership principles and frameworks
• Commentary on national issues
• Updates on GEMSTONE programmes
• Family moments

Influence

Fela uses social media not merely for personal branding but as a tool for national transformation. His posts often spark conversations about values, leadership, and Nigeria’s future.

His significant following across platforms demonstrates his reach beyond formal GEMSTONE programmes to the general public.

Legacy and Impact on Nigeria

Contribution to Leadership Development

Fela Durotoye has made indelible contributions to leadership development in Nigeria and Africa:

1. Professionalising coaching: He helped establish executive coaching as a recognised profession in Nigeria
2. Values-based leadership: Pioneered the emphasis on values as the foundation of effective leadership
3. Youth empowerment: Inspired a generation of young Nigerians to aspire to leadership
4. Alternative politics: Demonstrated that credible alternatives to traditional politicians exist

The GEMSTONE Legacy

Through GEMSTONE, Fela has created an institutional legacy that will outlast him. The network of values-based leaders trained through his programmes represents a lasting contribution to Nigerian society.

Changing Conversations

Perhaps Fela’s greatest legacy is in changing conversations about what Nigerian leadership can look like. His presidential bid, though unsuccessful electorally, succeeded in inspiring many Nigerians to believe that ethical, competent leadership is possible.

Family Legacy

Together with Tara, Fela has built a family that exemplifies the values he teaches. Their three sons are being raised with principles of excellence and service, potentially extending the family’s impact for another generation.

Conclusion

Fela Durotoye’s journey from a lively child in the staff quarters of a Nigerian university to one of Africa’s leading leadership experts is a testament to the power of vision, values, and consistent action.

Over more than two decades, he has touched millions of lives through his speaking, coaching, and nation-building initiatives. His founding of the GEMSTONE Group created an institutional platform for leadership development that continues to train new generations of African leaders.

His 2019 presidential bid, though unsuccessful in electoral terms, succeeded in inspiring conversations about alternative leadership in Nigeria. His subsequent appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Values and Social Justice brought his passion for national transformation into government.

Fela Durotoye biography reveals a man who has consistently aligned his words with actions. From volunteering to serve without salary in government to championing urban renewal projects, he demonstrates the values he teaches.

At 54 years old, with an estimated net worth of $2-5 million, membership in the Forbes Coaches Council, and a platform reaching over a million social media followers, Fela Durotoye remains one of Nigeria’s most influential voices for leadership and national transformation.

His marriage to Tara Fela-Durotoye represents a partnership of two exceptional individuals, and their three sons carry forward a legacy of excellence. As he continues teaching at Stanford University, serving in government, and building the GEMSTONE community, Fela Durotoye’s impact on Nigeria and Africa continues to grow.

His story demonstrates that with the right values, continuous learning, and dedication to service, it is possible to build a life of significance and impact—exactly the message he has spent decades teaching others.

FAQs About Fela Durotoye Biography

Q1: How old is Fela Durotoye?
Fela Durotoye was born on 12 May 1971, making him 54 years old as of 2025.

Q2: What is Fela Durotoye’s net worth?
Fela Durotoye’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $5 million, earned through consulting, speaking engagements, executive coaching, and his GEMSTONE programmes.

Q3: Who is Fela Durotoye’s wife?
Fela Durotoye is married to Tara Fela-Durotoye, a renowned makeup artist, lawyer, and founder/CEO of House of Tara International. They have three sons together.

Q4: What is GEMSTONE?
GEMSTONE (Generation Empowered, Motivated, and Stirred to Operate with Natural Excellence) is Fela Durotoye’s leadership development institution comprising the GEMSTONE Leadership Institute, GEMSTONE Leadership Network, and GEMSTONE Nation Builders Foundation.

Q5: Did Fela Durotoye run for president?
Yes, Fela Durotoye contested for the Nigerian presidency in 2019 as the candidate of the Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN). He was the consensus candidate of 11 aspirants under PACT.

Q6: What is Fela Durotoye’s educational background?
Fela holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science with Economics and an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University. He also completed executive programmes at Harvard Kennedy School, Yale University, and Lagos Business School.

Q7: What is Fela Durotoye’s current government position?
Since October 2023, Fela serves as Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on National Values and Social Justice.

Q8: How many children does Fela Durotoye have?
Fela and his wife Tara have three sons: Mobolurin, Oluwademilade, and Morolaoluwa.

Q9: Is Fela Durotoye a member of Forbes Coaches Council?
Yes, Fela is an official member of the Forbes Coaches Council, an invitation-only community for senior-level executives in the global coaching industry.

Q10: What was the Mushin Makeover?
The Mushin Makeover was an urban renewal project championed by Fela Durotoye in December 2009, bringing together celebrities including Banky W, Kate Henshaw, and Sound Sultan to transform the Mushin neighbourhood in Lagos.