If you’ve been scrolling social media, you’ve probably stumbled upon the “Nepo baby vs. Lapo baby” debate blowing up X; and yes, it’s everything you didn’t know you needed right now.
Let me break it down:
What’s a “Nepo Baby”?
Think the elite zone: Nepo stands for Numerous Endless Privileges & Opportunities. These are the folks born on second-base, where wealth, fame, or powerful connections practically hand you the mic. In Nigeria, names like Davido, DJ Cuppy and Temi Otedola keep popping up in this squad.
What’s a “Lapo Baby”?
Now meet the Lapo baby; Little Access to Privileges & Opportunities. Picture the kids who grew up on bustling street corners, chewing dry garri from plastic plates and hustling their way up. No silver spoons, just pure grind. It’s the anthem of the self-made and undefeated spirit.
How Did It All Unfold?
The trend kicked off with a post on X by @UnkleAyo, calling out media hype around Femi Otedola’s memoir; reminding everyone “Femi Otedola is the son of Lagos’ 9th Governor, Micheal Otedola.“. It spiralled into a revelation thread revealing hidden family connections of high-profile Nigerians: Wole Soyinka, Fela Kuti, Davido’s inner circle etc. all tracing deep roots in wealthy and influential lineages.
Why Is Everyone Hooked?
This isn’t just meme culture… it’s a raw reflection of class divides. Nigerians are flooding timelines with side-by-side throwbacks: jollof dinners at posh spots vs. eba in plastic wraps. It’s funny, it’s fierce, it’s real. One viral post nailed it: “Lapo baby no dey use eye see opportunity”, a celebration of the relentless hustle.
What This Trend Tells Us
Whether you identify as a Lapo baby or Nepo baby, born with perks or born to hustle, Nigerians will always find a way to mix humour with hard truths and are making a statement: your background doesn’t define your worth. Nepo or Lapo, it’s not just a label; it’s a conversation about privilege, struggle, identity, and progress.
Source: Explainer: Why Nigerians are talking about ‘Lapo baby’ and ‘Nepo baby’
