By Ghazali Ibrahim
In a world where wealth accumulation often comes from business acumen, inheritance, or innovation, a handful of women have secured spots on the billionaire list through some of the most high-profile divorces in modern history.
These women, once partners to some of the world’s most powerful men, walked away not only with freedom but with fortunes.
BlackBox Nigeria curates a list of five women whose divorce settlements have not only made headlines but also reshaped their financial destinies:
MacKenzie Scott – $41.9 Billion
MacKenzie Scott tops the list following her divorce from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in 2019. Her current net worth is estimated at $41.9 billion, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world.
Since the split, Scott has gained global recognition not only for her wealth but also for her unprecedented philanthropic efforts, having donated billions to charitable causes.
Melinda French Gates – $29.9 Billion
After ending her 27-year marriage to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates received a substantial share of their jointly held fortune.
With a current net worth of $29.9 billion, she has continued her work in global health and education through the Gates Foundation, while also carving her own path as a powerful advocate for women and girls worldwide.
Sue Ann Arnall – $1 Billion
Oil tycoon Harold Hamm’s divorce from Sue Ann Arnall made headlines when she was awarded nearly $1 billion in one of the largest divorce settlements in U.S. history.
Arnall, who was an attorney and executive at Hamm’s company, accepted a single check to finalize the split.
Elaine Wynn – $2 Billion
Known as the “Queen of Las Vegas,” Elaine Wynn secured $2 billion after her divorce from Steve Wynn, co-founder of Wynn Resorts.
A formidable businesswoman in her own right, Elaine has since been a major force in corporate governance and philanthropy, particularly in the arts and education.
Sheila Johnson – $1 Billion
Sheila Johnson became a billionaire following her divorce from Robert Johnson, co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET).
Today, she is a successful entrepreneur, hotelier, and sports team owner, continuing to grow her wealth independently of her former partnership.
While none of these women are Nigerian, their stories resonate in a society where conversations around marriage, wealth, and divorce are becoming more mainstream.
However, in African context, few could be seen in Nigeria among whom are:
Porsha Williams
In mid‑2025, Porsha Williams, a U.S. reality star, got divorce from a Nigerian-born man, Simon Guobadia, therebh making fortunes out of him due to their pre-nup agreement.
Though proceedings occurred in the U.S., Guobadia’s Nigerian heritage made this widely reported in Nigerian circles.
Abimbola (Aduke) Fernandez
She is the former wife of Nigerian billionaire diplomat Antonio Deinde Fernandez. She filed for divorce in 2003, suing for an estimated £300 million which is reportedly one of Africa’s largest divorce suits at the time.The case settled for £1,080,000 paid in 36 monthly installments of £30,000 following court proceedings in Scotland/UK.
With growing female entrepreneurship and an evolving legal system, questions are being asked about whether Nigerian women in similar circumstances will someday see comparable settlements.
