Why Otedola ditched party, coughed out $3m for 3 weeks on luxury yacht

Femi Otedola

Billionaire Femi Otedola has opted for three weeks on Aristotle Onassis’ Christina O super luxury yacht to celebrate his 60th birthday with his closest family members.

The chairman of Geregu Power Plc, it was gathered, shelled out around $3 million for the adventure instead of a birthday party which would have had the who’s who in Nigeria in attendance.

Qed.ng learnt that at age 11, the young Otedola heard about Onassis, the Greek shipping magnate, and adopted him as his role model. For the billionaire, there is no better way to celebrate clocking 60 than splashing billions of naira on the adventure and lounging on the same yacht that his mentor enjoyed during his time on earth.

Christina O is one of the most iconic motor yachts ever launched, best known for her grand interiors and unrivalled level of luxurious amenities.

Onassis bought the yacht in 1954, named her after his daughter Christina and transformed her into the most luxurious private yacht of her time.

Some high-profile guests who have also spent time on the yacht include Winston Churchill, Prince Rainer and Princess Grace, and Franklin Roosevelt Jr.

Christina O, which comes at a hefty six-figure per week charter cost, has 17 staterooms, a 40-person dining room, hot tub, piano and a swimming pool that can be covered and converted to a dance floor.

Otedola, who will clock 60 on November 4, and members of his family, including his daughter DJ Cuppy and future son-in-law, Mr Eazi, were filmed entering the yacht on Wednesday, November 2.

The yacht will sail for three weeks around the Mediterranean Sea with 37 crew members.