LAGOS — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and business leader Tony Elumelu have emerged among the top 100 most powerful and influential Nigerians featured in the newly compiled Power List, a coffee table publication by Maddtimes.
The comprehensive 537-page collector’s edition highlights key figures across politics, business, traditional institutions, and public life, offering what publishers describe as one of the most extensive independent documentations of influence in contemporary Nigeria.
Other notable personalities featured include advertising veteran Biodun Shobanjo and banking executive Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, alongside a broad spectrum of leaders shaping the nation’s socio-economic direction.
The publication, produced after over seven months of research and editorial work, is led by Joseph Edgar, also known as the Duke of Shomolu, who serves as both publisher and editor.
Anchored on the theme “Visionary Leadership as a Catalyst for National Socio-Economic Growth,” the book features 50 essays contributed by prominent intellectuals and public figures. Contributors include former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Olu of Warri Ogiame Atuwatse III, legal scholar Kanyinsola Ajayi, policy analyst Magnus Onyibe, and former lawmaker Dakuku Peterside.
Speaking on the project, Edgar said the Power List seeks to document leadership in its most impactful form, highlighting individuals who have leveraged influence for societal advancement while also acknowledging those whose actions have sparked public debate.
“The list shows the good, the bad, and the ugly,” he stated, underscoring the publication’s commitment to balance, editorial independence, and historical accuracy.
Each of the 100 honourees is profiled through detailed biographical essays complemented by custom-designed caricatures, creating a unique blend of art, history, and commentary on leadership.
The Maddtimes Power List is scheduled for official launch in October 2026, with high-profile unveiling events planned in Lagos and Abuja. Organisers say the publication is expected to serve as a valuable reference for scholars, policymakers, corporate leaders, and historians examining the dynamics of power and influence in Nigeria.