Over N99m and Counting: 10 More Victims of Ooni’s Real Estate Fraud Speak Out
In 2008, Yemi John (not his real name), a Nigerian living in the United Kingdom, invested N14 million in a four-bedroom detached bungalow in Golden Leaf, a project by the British American Tobacco Company Cooperative and Gran Imperio Group. John had two expectations: a growing investment and a future home upon his return to Nigeria. However, for 13 years, he struggled to reclaim his money without success.
John is one of a dozen new victims speaking out after FIJ’s report revealed how companies, including Gran Imperio Group and Metropole Interproject Limited, owned by Ooni of Ife, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, defrauded hundreds of subscribers in the Essential Homes Scheme. Many victims were allocated apartments in non-existent estates like South Pointe Two and Golden Leaf.
Using their ties to Ooni Ogunwusi, these companies ignored court judgments and out-of-court agreements. Law enforcement agencies, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), failed to act on investors’ complaints.
FIJ contacted five subscribers living abroad who collectively lost N38,119,500. They know at least five other investors who lost N59,785,000. Fearful of “spiritual attacks” or concerns about their kinship with Ooni Ogunwusi, some subscribers agreed to speak anonymously, declining to provide documentary evidence of payment.
Subscribers alleged that after the Essential Homes project collapsed and funds were mismanaged, Metropole Interproject Limited and Gran Imperio Group delayed refunds to allow Ogunwusi to become the Ooni of Ife. “Previously respectful, Ogunwusi became daring,” some subscribers told FIJ.
John recounted his personal experience: “I invested £60,000 and know how hard it was to earn every pound. Ooni Ogunwusi is using people’s sweat to his advantage. How does he sleep at night?” When John approached Ogunwusi for a refund, he was ignored and frustrated with excuses ranging from being in meetings to claiming illness.
My Mother’s Death Will Haunt Ooni Ogunwusi
Chiamaka Njoku (not her real name) believes Ooni Ogunwusi’s nonchalance contributed to her mother’s death. Although she paid N9 million for Golden Leaf Estate, she declined to provide evidence, citing fears of retribution. “When my mum needed money for surgery, Ooni Ogunwusi said he didn’t have any for me. My mum died last year… her death will haunt him.”
Bala Benson (not her real name) invested N3 million after being introduced to Golden Leaf Estate by Nnamdi Ukpabi, a marketing officer at Gran Imperio who later left the company. “After Nnamdi left, I was directed to Mrs. Taiwo Akintayo, who did not respond to my calls. They changed office locations without informing investors.”
‘You Can’t Owe and Be Forming Motivational Speaker’
Without explaining how funds were mismanaged, directors like Taiwo Akintayo and Isaac Etim moved on to other jobs. “He should not get away with it,” said Mohammed Usman (not his real name), who lost N7 million but was refunded N1 million. “It’s annoying and insulting to see him acting as a motivational speaker and influential figure while ignoring his debts.”
Tomisin Olawale, the monarch’s Personal Assistant, refused to explicitly state Ooni Ogunwusi’s connection to Gran Imperio when contacted by FIJ. He deflected questions, directing inquiries to Gran Imperio staff.
Despite being embroiled in a fraud scandal, Ooni Ogunwusi attended the Royal African Awards event last weekend. “Two friends of mine attended the awards and said their transport, accommodation, and meals were paid for. If he spent anything less than N100 million for the awards, I’d be surprised,” one victim told FIJ.
Sources described Ooni Ogunwusi as someone who avoids paying his debts while living a flamboyant lifestyle. “He was making COVID-19 donations despite owing so many people,” said Njoku, a sentiment echoed by Mustapha Ahmed (not his real name), who lost N6 million.
The reluctance of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute Ooni Ogunwusi and his companies reinforces fears that investors may never recover their money. “Each time I see him on TV, I feel hatred because he used my money to pursue the Ooni of Ife stool,” John said. “He is not fit to be king.
This investigative journalism work, curated from FIJ
