In the fast-paced world of social media, where trends ignite and fade in hours, a new conversation has gripped X, resonating from Lagos to Los Angeles. The terms “Nepo” and “Lapo” have become shorthand for a fiery debate about privilege, opportunity, and the divide between those born with a silver spoon and those forging their own paths. At the center of this viral discourse is Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, whose forthcoming memoir, *Making It Big*, scheduled for release on August 18, 2025, has sparked a cultural reckoning. Announced on X on July 16 and 17, 2025, the book—yet to be launched—promises to share lessons from Otedola’s storied career, but it’s already fueling a global conversation about what it truly means to “make it big.”
The Nepo Baby Phenomenon: Privilege Under Scrutiny
The term “Nepo baby,” short for “nepotism baby,” burst into the lexicon in 2022 when a tweet about *Euphoria* actress Maude Apatow, daughter of director Judd Apatow and actress Leslie Mann, went viral. It refers to individuals who leverage familial wealth, influence, or connections to gain a head start in fields like entertainment, politics, or business. New York Magazine’s 2022 “Year of the Nepo Baby” feature solidified the term, mapping Hollywood’s dynastic ties—from Lily-Rose Depp to Maya Hawke. On social media platform X, “Nepo” is both a critique and a meme, with users calling out perceived unfair advantages in industries where access is paramount.
Femi Otedola, son of Sir Michael Otedola, a former Lagos State governor, fits this narrative. His early career at his father’s printing press and subsequent ventures into finance and oil (founding Zenon Petroleum in 1999) were bolstered by elite connections. X users have seized on this, with one post noting, “Femi Otedola making a book on how he built his dynasty from ‘nothing/small beginnings’—nobody should whine us with any nonsense small beginnings” (@fourtune__, July 20, 2025). The skepticism reflects doubts about Otedola’s narrative of hustle, given his privileged starting point.
Yet, Otedola’s story is complex. His memoir, though not yet launched, promises to detail setbacks—like losing $1.2 billion in a 2008 oil price crash—and his resilience in rebuilding. Supporters argue his strategic brilliance, such as transforming Zenon into a diesel market leader and pivoting to Geregu Power, proves his merit. As @Tope_soft tweeted, “Have you read the book to know what it contains before you dismiss it?” This tension—between inherited advantage and individual grit—drives the Nepo debate.
Lapo: The Voice of the Underprivileged
In contrast, “Lapo” emerged on X as a counterpoint to “Nepo.” Defined as “Legacy of Ancestral Poverty Origin” or “Little Access to Privilege/Opportunity,” Lapo captures the struggles of those born without wealth or connections. It resonates deeply in Nigeria, where systemic inequality often dictates opportunity. On X, users have embraced Lapo to highlight the grind of those without the networks Nepo babies take for granted. One post framed it clearly: “Nepo: Network-Enabled Privileged Offspring. Lapo: Little Access to Privilege/Opportunity” (@Emmylexxz, July 20, 2025).
Lapo strikes a chord with millions who see their own stories reflected. Unlike Nepo babies, who might secure internships through a phone call, Lapo individuals face systemic barriers—limited access to education, capital, or mentors. The term’s rise alongside Otedola’s book announcement underscores frustration with narratives that gloss over structural inequalities. As @Kemisiri_Yoruba posted, “Naija twitter suddenly has a new standard of becoming successful. You must now have that uncle/father/grandparent.” The sarcasm highlights a broader critique: success stories like Otedola’s can feel unattainable for those starting from zero.
Otedola’s Book: Catalyst for a Cultural Moment
Otedola’s *Making It Big*, though not yet released, has become a lightning rod for this discourse. Billed as “a collection of lessons, setbacks, and triumphs,” it promises insights from a man who built a $1.7 billion empire (Forbes, 2025). Its framing as a story of “humble beginnings”—Otedola ran a manicure business at age six—has drawn both admiration and ire. Supporters argue his early hustle and navigation of Nigeria’s volatile oil sector prove his mettle. Critics counter that his father’s governorship gave him a head start few could dream of.
The book’s announcement on X sparked immediate reactions. @HeraldNG wrote, “Femi Otedola’s book hasn’t dropped yet, but Nigerians are already debating: nepo baby or business genius?” This question captures the trend’s essence: a tug-of-war between acknowledging privilege and celebrating achievement. The debate has also spotlighted Otedola’s daughter, DJ Cuppy, a musician often labeled a Nepo baby. Despite criticism, she’s carved a niche as a DJ and philanthropist, showing that talent can coexist with privilege—a point some X users grudgingly concede.
Beyond Nigeria: A Global Conversation
The Nepo/Lapo trend transcends Nigeria, with social media platform X users worldwide adopting the terms to discuss inequality. In Hollywood, stars like Jamie Lee Curtis have defended their Nepo status, arguing talent outweighs lineage. In politics, a 2024 University of Sydney study noted that 40% of democracies have leaders with familial ties to power, from Canada’s Justin Trudeau to the Philippines’ Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Meanwhile, Lapo resonates with creatives and entrepreneurs facing gatekeepers without a famous surname. As model Anok Yai posted, “If only you knew the hell we go through just to stand in the same room you were born in.”
This global resonance explains the trend’s staying power. It’s not just about Otedola or Hollywood—it’s about a universal tension between meritocracy and inherited advantage. Brands have capitalized on Nepo babies’ appeal, hiring them for campaigns to leverage their clout, as seen with models like Kaia Gerber and Lila Moss. Yet, as one X user noted, “The public is now picking its favorite nepo babies, creating fandoms… all for the purpose of consuming them as entertainment” (@Modamorph, Feb 2025). This risks diluting the critique, turning a structural issue into pop culture fodder.
Lessons for Stakeholders
For business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, the Nepo/Lapo debate offers critical insights. First, it highlights the need for systemic change to level the playing field. Initiatives like scholarships (Otedola donated N5 billion to Save the Children via DJ Cuppy’s foundation) and mentorship programs can bridge the gap for Lapo individuals. Second, it calls for transparency about privilege. When *Making It Big* launches on August 18, 2025, it could set a precedent by candidly addressing Otedola’s advantages, fostering a more honest dialogue about success.
Finally, the trend underscores X’s power to shape narratives. The platform has amplified voices challenging elite gatekeeping, with @prolificmb noting, “The conversation about NEPO and LAPO originated courtesy of the BOOK recently announced by @realFemiOtedola.” Whether Otedola intended it or not, his yet-to-be-launched memoir has sparked a movement—one that demands we rethink how success is defined and who gets to achieve it.
Looking Ahead
When *Making It Big* hits shelves on August 18, 2025, its impact will likely extend beyond Otedola’s personal story. It has already ignited a cultural moment, forcing us to confront truths about privilege and perseverance. For every Nepo baby navigating boardrooms with ease, there’s a Lapo striver fighting for a seat at the table. The challenge for stakeholders—whether in business, policy, or society—is to create systems where talent, not lineage, determines outcomes. Until then, X will remain the battleground where these stories are told, debated, and redefined.
