Dabota Lawson is a Nigerian beauty entrepreneur, former beauty queen, and reality TV star who has carved out a distinctive space in Africa’s beauty and lifestyle scene. She’s best known as the founder of Dabota Cosmetics, a brand built around inclusive, non‑toxic products for women of colour, and for joining the cast of The Real Housewives of Lagos in its third season.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Dabota Lawson |
| Date of birth | June 2, 1991 |
| Place of birth | Rivers State, Nigeria (raised in Port Harcourt) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of origin | Rivers State |
| Partner | Ex‑husband: Prince Sunny Aku (married 2014; divorced 2016); no current publicly confirmed partner |
| Children | One daughter—Reina Aku |
| Occupations | Beauty entrepreneur; Founder/CEO, Dabota Cosmetics; former beauty queen (Miss Nigeria UK 2010); model; reality TV personality; author (From Likes to Launch) |
| Net worth | Estimated $2 million |
Early Life and Education
Dabota was born on June 2, 1991, in Rivers State and grew up in Port Harcourt, the firstborn in a family of ten. Her mother was a fashion designer, and Dabota has said that watching her work with fabrics and clients sparked her early interest in beauty and business.
She modeled from age five, attended Federal Government Girls’ College, Abuloma, and later studied in the UK, earning a degree in Financial Economics from the University of Leicester alongside business-focused training.
Career
Dabota’s career blends entrepreneurship, media, and mentorship. After winning Miss Nigeria UK in 2010, she co-founded a PR and events company before launching Dabota Cosmetics, a brand focused on inclusive shades and formulations for diverse skin tones.
She built the business through hands-on product development and social media-driven marketing, positioning herself as a voice for women of colour in beauty.
Alongside running the company, she wrote From Likes to Launch, a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs, and stepped into reality television with Season 3 of The Real Housewives of Lagos in 2025, where she appeared across 13 episodes.
Personal Life
Dabota married billionaire businessman Prince Sunny Aku in a high‑profile 2014 wedding in Lagos. The marriage ended in 2016. They have one child together, a daughter named Reina Aku. She is based in Lagos, where she runs her cosmetics business and maintains an active public profile.
Controversy
On The Real Housewives of Lagos, she’s been at the center of on‑screen conflicts, including a notable dispute with fellow cast member Carolyna Hutchings over past personal connections.
In August 2026, she was involved in a public fallout with former friend and co‑star Diiadem (Adeola Adeyemi), with both exchanging serious allegations on social media about conduct, friendships, and personal relationships.
Net Worth
Dabota Lawson’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million, reflecting income from her cosmetics line, endorsements, investments, and media work.
Filmography
- Kamara’s Tree (2013) — Actress
- Finding Mercy 1 & 2 (2013) — Actress
- Nightlife in Lasgidi (2024) — Actress
- Nigeria’s Next Top Model (TV series) — Self (contestant)
- The Real Housewives of Lagos (TV series, 2022–) — Self (main cast, Season 3, 2025; 13 episodes)
Awards and Recognition
- Miss Nigeria UK winner (2010)
- Recognized in Nigerian media as a leading beauty entrepreneur advocating for inclusive, non‑toxic products for women of colour
- High‑profile presence reinforced by her casting in The Real Housewives of Lagos Season 3
