Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, has sparked reactions after stating that he became rich “by luck”.

“Sometimes wealth is not by hardwork, smartness or fitness, but luck,” Elumelu told YouTuber Korty EO in a recent interview.

The renowned banker and economist said his wealth was a matter of luck, despite years of hard work in many jobs in the corporate world.

The billionaire investor also pointed out that success does not come easy, and urged aspiring entrepreneurs to stay determined in the face of obstacles.

He said that keeping focused and building a strong work ethic helped him achieve a lot over the years.

“I’m here by luck. Sometimes you don’t win because you’re the best in the class, or you’re the fittest or the most energetic. “Sometimes you need luck and I am a luck product,” he said.

His claim has sparked reactions with many questioning why the banker who has worked his way up tirelessly would attribute his success to luck.