At his daughter’s wedding in Warri over the weekend, Chief Dr. Michael Edematie-Ikuku didn’t just host a grand, star-studded event, he made waves by revealing something about himself that few public figures do these days: loyalty, generosity, and personal honor.
“He just came to support me without charging money”
During his speech at the wedding reception of his daughter Tosan Ejiro and her heartthrob, Samuel Adebayo Tayo, Chief Ikuku, chairman & CEO of Michharry & Company Nigeria Limited, shared a touching anecdote about his bond with Davido. He said:
“My very good friend, he is not only my friend, my son, Davido is here with me. Davido has a very serious commitment, but he cancelled all his commitment for my sake and my family to grace our event. And also, when I asked him, Davido, how much is your bill? He said, Chief, how can you ask me about money, I don’t need money. As he is here today he just came to support me without charging money.”
That moment underscored not just Chief Ikuku’s status in society, but the kind of relationships he builds: rooted in mutual respect, loyalty, and a sense of community rather than transactional exchange.
Who is Chief Dr. Michael Edematie-Ikuku?
From what’s publicly known, here’s a breakdown of the man behind the name:
He is Chairman & CEO of Michharry & Company Nigeria Limited, sometimes also spelled “Michharry & Co.” Chief Ikuku is considered a philanthropist and business mogul with influence in the oil and gas sector.
Born into a family with strong roots in Urhobo land; his mother, Deaconess Urhoboferere Edamatie-Ikuku, was noted for her community work and longevity. She lived past 100, and her life of service has been attributed as part of the foundation of Chief Ikuku’s values.
While detailed breakdowns of his net worth are not verifiable in independent public sources, materials often refer to him as a “billionaire businessman,” implying significant wealth.
More Than Business: Values People See in Him
What emerges from both his public image and moments like the wedding address is that Chief Ikuku places high premium on:
Honor and respect – especially toward elders and close friends. His speech and the way he talked about Davido reflect that.
Gratitude & mutuality – he did not merely expect performance; he honored it as an act of generosity, not business, seeing it as a gift and a show of love.
Philanthropy and legacy – his family background suggests an upbringing with attention to giving back, uplifting community. His mother’s life as a philanthropist is often cited in narratives around him.
Why People Are Talking
Chief Ikuku’s gesture at the wedding, bringing out Davido from his honeymoon in the US, having him perform for free, publicly refusing to let money complicate the bond, is resonating.
It’s a reminder of social capital: relationships, integrity, and value beyond financial exchange. These moments give insight into who he is: a man who knows his status, wields influence, but also values humility and authentic connection.
Final Word
Chief Dr. Michael Edematie-Ikuku is the kind of figure who combines wealth, influence and deep cultural roots with personal warmth and loyalty.
At a time when many measure success in terms of dollars, his wedding speech revealed what some believe is just as important: character and relationships. In the story of his life and public persona, those qualities may well be his most enduring legacy.
