By Ebunoluwa Sessou

Family-owned businesses are often inherited by or transferred to male children, no thanks to cultural norms and beliefs.

But research has shown that some businesses in Nigeria have been inherited by some female children who have strategically rewritten the succession plan to ensure long-term stability of the businesses.

These particular women are called the female second-generation owners who are now steering major enterprises. They have brought international education and experience from global firms to modernize traditional family business structures.

Today, they have become prominent female leaders and have assumed high-ranking executive roles in multi-billion-naira conglomerates founded by their parents.

Speaking to Vanguard, Emokiniovo Dafe-Akpedeye, MA (Oxon), FCIArb, CEDR Accredited Mediator, daughter of the late renowned Nigerian legal icon, Dafe Akpedeye SAN, OFR, who founded Compos Mentis Legal Practitioners, is now serving as its Managing Partner, continuing his legacy.
According to her, the journey into leadership has been shaped by both legacy and choice.
“I took up the reins of leadership at my family business in 2020. It is not an easy path, but it is one increasingly being taken by women who understand that legacy must be nurtured, not merely preserved. I chose to take on this responsibility because I believe family businesses can honour their foundations while still evolving to meet the demands of a changing world-and women have a vital role to play in that transformation.

“My perspective has been shaped by my training and global exposure. I studied Economics and Management before studying Law at the University of Oxford, and qualifying as a lawyer in Nigeria, and England & Wales. My varied educational background gave me a strong grounding in strategy, structure, and critical thinking. Yet, despite opportunities abroad, I felt compelled to return to Nigeria. I wanted my skills to make a difference at home – to contribute to building strong, well-governed Nigerian businesses that can compete globally while remaining rooted in local realities.

“Women bring a unique strength to family enterprises. We often understand the people behind the business as deeply as we understand the numbers, and this balance allows us to lead with clarity, empathy, and discipline. The future of family businesses lies in thoughtful leadership, innovation, and long-term planning, and women are increasingly demonstrating their ability to deliver all three while strengthening continuity across generations.

“To young women aspiring to entrepreneurship or leadership within family businesses, my message is simple: believe in your capacity to lead. Do not be intimidated by tradition or expectation, rather equip yourself with knowledge and seek guidance. Your background, voice, and vision are assets. Use them liberally. Lead with confidence and purpose. Do more than grow businesses, inspire change and create lasting impact. She is in good company with other 2nd generations.

She is among the likes of Olori Atuwatse III (Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom) who sits on the boards of her family’s businesses, including Wells Property Development Company and Wells Carlton, while also being a serial entrepreneur in her own right.

For Amy Jadesimi, she is the CEO of the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base, LADOL, a leading logistics and engineering firm in the oil and gas sector. LADOL was founded by her father, Chief Oladipo Jadesimi.

Amy Jadesimi is overseeing the growth of West Africa’s largest logistics and engineering facility operating in a free zone.

The Dangote Daughters: The daughters of Africa’s wealthiest man, Aliko Dangote, hold critical leadership roles within the Dangote Group: Halima Dangote: Executive Director and board member across various subsidiaries, including Dangote Cement and NASCON Allied Industries.

Fatima Dangote: Group Executive Director for Commercial Operations at Dangote Industries Limited.

Mariya Dangote: Executive Director of Operations at Dangote Sugar Refinery and a board member of Dangote Cement.

Bella Disu is currently serves as the Executive Vice-Chairman of Globacom (one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications companies) and Chairman of Abumet Nigeria. She is the daughter of billionaire, Mike Adenuga Jnr., and also leads Cobblestone Properties and Estates Limited.

Other people include Unoma Okorafor, a serial and social entrepreneur, Okorafor is also the founder and CEO of Herbal Goodness, health and wellness company that manufactures organic health beverages and supplements. She is also the co-founder and Principal at Fairview Data Technologies Inc.

She is the daughter of Frank Nwachukwu Ndili, a prominent Nigerian nuclear physicist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, making her part of a distinguished family in Nigerian science and academia.

Jennifer Obayuwana is the Executive Director at Polo Luxury Group. She plays a key role in the family business, which is a major player in the luxury goods market in Nigeria. She is the daughter of John Obayuwana, a prominent Nigerian business mogul and the founder and managing director of Polo Luxury Group.

Ada Udechukwu: is a successful entrepreneur in her own right, her background includes experience that positions her within the network of influential business families, and she has been listed among inspiring women in Nigerian business who could be involved in legacy businesses.

Adesua Dozie: She serves as the Vice-Chairman of ExxonMobil affiliate companies in Nigeria, a significant position within the oil and gas sector.

Uchenna Ezenna is a Director at the Orange Group, a manufacturing conglomerate; she represents the second generation in the company founded by her father, Sir Tony Ezenna.

Debbie Izamoje Okolie is the daughter of veteran Nigerian sports journalist and Brila Media Group founder, Larry Izamoje, a pioneer of sports radio in Africa. She became the CEO of Brila Media Group, continuing her father’s legacy in sports broadcasting.

Bukola Adubi is the Chief Operating Officer, COO of MicCom Cables is the daughter of the founders of MicCom Cables & Wires Ltd., both of whom were engineers. Her father managed sales and marketing, while her mother was in charge of the technical and factory side of the business.

She is also the CEO of the company and the President of the Cable Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, CAMAN.

Nkiru Anumudu is the Chairperson and CEO of Globe Motors, a prominent automobile dealership company, continuing the legacy established by her father, Willie Anumudu.