Billionaire businesswoman and beauty Mogul, Temi Otedola is currently receiving a heavy backlash from international model Oluchi Onweagba after Temi Otedola secured an ambassadorial deal less than a month after her older sister, Florence Otedola, aka DJ Cuppy, was appointed King’s Trust International Ambassador to the British monarch, King Charles III.
Temi, daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola, was appointed the first-ever Nigerian Digital Brand Ambassador for L’Oréal Paris makeup.
Following her appointment, she joins the ranks of Kendall Jenner and Viola Davis who are also ambassadors for the brand.
In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, L’Oréal Paris, a leading cosmetics company, called the partnership with Temi ‘historic’.
L’Oréal Paris is a multinational personal care company headquartered in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine in France, which developed activities in the field, concentrating on hair colour, skincare, sun protection, make-up, perfume, and hair care.
“Standing alongside fellow ambassadors, including Kendall Jenner and Viola Davis, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in celebrating beauty in all its forms across the African continent and reaffirms L’Oréal Paris’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.
“As the face of L’Oréal Paris Makeup, Temi will headline the latest Infallible Makeup Range campaigns, showcasing her unique style and celebrating the diverse beauty of Africa.”
Issima Oniangue, L’Oréal Paris’ General Manager for Make-up in Sub-Saharan Africa, praised Temi’s unique style, confidence, and passion for beauty, stating that she perfectly captures the company’s values of empowerment and sophistication.
Ms Oniangue added that the partnership marks a new chapter in beauty for the region, focusing on innovation and trends while celebrating the unique beauty of African women across the continent.
“We are excited to inspire and bring the best of beauty to every corner of the continent. As the #1 Beauty Brand Worldwide, L’Oréal Paris has empowered women for more than 110 years with our state-of-the-art products backed by scientific advances. Their partnerships and initiatives are dedicated to promoting equal rights and self-esteem,” she said.
“‘Because I’m worth it’, the L’Oréal Paris slogan coined in 1971, is no less relevant today. For many years, it has honoured extraordinary women who volunteer their time to serve their communities. Temi Otedola’s journey with L’Oréal Paris Makeup promises to celebrate beauty, empowerment, and cultural richness, resonating with audiences across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.”
Expressing her excitement on Instagram, the 28-year-old described her appointment as unbelievable, noting that she was elated to become the first-ever Nigerian ambassador for L’Oreal.
Temi, who played the role of Moremi Oluwa in the 2020 film ‘Citation’, said she was excited to share L’Oréal’s iconic products, stating that the L’Oréal woman is empathetic, unapologetic, and infallible.
“I’m honoured to be the first Nigerian representing LOréal across Africa and on a global stage. This has been the hardest secret to keep for the last six months. She’s Worth It! I can still remember playing with my mom’s L’Oréal Lipstick and Mascara”, she added.
“Words cannot describe how honoured I am to partner with L’Oréal Paris Makeup. L’Oréal Paris was amongst the first beauty products I was introduced to as a young girl playing with my mother’s makeup.
“I have grown up loving their products and deeply respecting the company’s values and vision. The L’Oréal Paris woman is someone I deeply resonate with–confident, unapologetic, and always striving to make a difference in the world. I’m so excited to begin this beautiful journey with a brand that truly inspires me.”
Triggered by Temi’s self proclamations, Oluchi argued on her Instagram page that Temi was trying to rewrite and erase history. According to her she was the first Nigerian model to serve the foreign brand.
The M-Net “Face of Africa” star presented documentation to back up her claim. Oluchi pointed out that she was the legitimate owner of the achievement but was not one to make too much noise about such records.
In her words,
“LEGITIMATE TBT FIRST NIGERIAN REMAINS FIRST FOREVER. NOT A LOUD SPEAKER, BUT COUNT ON ME TO SHOW YOU ALL RECEIPTS.”
Netizens React:
eroticvillang: “Omg the word DIGITAL WAS LITERALLY IN HER CAPTION…rest abeg.”
ngozi_omezi: “No shades but Oluchi is the mother that mothered their mother lady is gold in her own lane,please Temi put some respect.”
ricaregie: “But I thought she meant first digital ambassador? Maybe I don’t understand English again.”
big_namejuls: “Oluchi we love you, respect, but she clearly said digital ambassador, you were clearly a model for the brand or probably an ambassador but not a digital ambassador. don’t knock her down or throw shades for stating her achievements, I thought it was women supporting women You’re bigger than this please.”
okama_elizabeth: “Oh yea madam oluchi, sure we all know your Steeze but she said 1st digital, just congratulate her for doing Africa proud.”
tarasthrifts: “Is it only me seeing that she also wrote first Nigerian to be representing the brand not only in Africa but also on a global stage? Seems a lot of people didn’t read the whole caption. It is well o.”
By Ezinne Okorie.
