In spite of their renewed friendship and contrary to expectations, Alhaji Aliko Dangote failed to show up on Friday, August 21, 2009, at the commissioning of the all-plush and elegant ZENON PLACE on Walter Carrington, Victoria Island, Lagos - a project close to the heart of Mr. Femi Otedola.

Those who waited breathlessly to see the most celebrated Nigerian billionaires in public once again as brothers were more than disappointed that all-through the five-hour event - attended by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, two ministers (Chief Demola Seriki, Minister of State, Internal Affairs and Dr. Odein Ajumogobia, Minister of State, Petroleum) and two Deputy Governors (Alhaji Muktar Shehu Shagari of Sokoto and Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, Lagos), and many big wigs including Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu I, Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya Thomas - Dangote, now 52, never showed up.

His absence at the glamorous but serious commissioning - with the Odoragunsin, Epe-born billionaire's parents, Sir Michael and Lady Doja Otedola, proudly present - triggered another round of tale. Many began to entertain doubts, believing that the settlement brokered by ThisDay publisher, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, on Sunday, August 16, 2009, at ROBERT'S CAFÉ, on Akin Olugbade, Victoria Island (Lagos) didn't achieve the desired result.

But insiders have since confirmed that the two friends have really made up - that Dangote missed the commissioning because he had already scheduled a trip to Saudi Arabia where he was to perform the lesser Hajj (Umrah) while getting set for the Ramadan season.

And that Friday (August 21), he jetted off to Jeddah, Medina and Mecca (the Ramadan, an injunction for Moslems when they fast, abstaining from food, drink and sex from dawn to dusk, for about 30 days, kicked off on Saturday, August 22).

Dangote reportedly explained his previous engagement to his younger friend, who will be 45 in November, pledging his support and prayers.

The event itself, which started before noon, went well with hundreds of leading shakers and movers in attendance. However, many of Otedola's friends who are managing banks were also absent, from Jim Ovia (Zenith), Tony Elumelu (UBA), Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (Access), Francis Atuche (BankPHB) to Tayo Aderinokun (GTBank) and several others. They were said to be battling bigger challenges, running here and there and holding marathon meetings to avoid Central Bank of Nigeria's big stick.
  
But the managing director of EcoBank (Amba Offong) was there. So was the chairman of StanbicIBTC, Atedo Peterside.