[1] He was born on the 16 July 1926 into a Muslim family at Odoragunsin, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

After moving to Lagos to pursue his education he won a scholarship to study Journalism at the Regent Street Polytechnic in London where he graduated in 1958.

[3] He was elected governor of Lagos State from 1992 to 1993 on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC), leaving office when General Sani Abacha came to power.

[5] After leaving office, he continued his career as a writer, a consultant holding positions on the boards of various businesses, and a philanthropist.

[4] His son Femi Otedola became the billionaire owner of Nigerian oil giant Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited.