When discussing influential young individuals in Lagos, particularly among the city’s wealthy elite, Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo is a name that stands out. His presence is well-known among those familiar with the billionaire circle. He has made significant investments in real estate, primarily in the heart of Lekki, where he resides. Additionally, he possesses an impressive collection of luxury vehicles, including the latest Rolls-Royce, a Maybach, and a customised Dubai Nilcon Navigator, along with other exotic cars.
While Prince Kazeem is recognised as a prominent figure in Lagos, many may not know that he is also a quiet achiever who makes a meaningful impact within his community, particularly in Osapa London, where he lives.
Through his company, Kazeem Royal Properties, Prince Kazeem has taken the initiative to improve his community by constructing roads and drainage systems in Osapa London, addressing previously neglected infrastructure. He initiated these developments without waiting for government assistance, starting with streets such as Prince Demola Eletu Street, 7th Avenue, and Bamidele Eletu Street—transforming the area into a well-developed community.
Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo, through Kazeem Royal Properties Ltd, has led the reconstruction of roads and drainage systems in the Osapa area.
His company’s efforts include installing proper drainage systems to manage stormwater, effectively tackling flooding issues in the community. These initiatives are part of a broader vision by Kazeem Royal to enhance Osapa London, turning it into a sustainable and livable community with modern amenities.
The first road was constructed as part of this initiative. 7th Avenue and Bamidele Eletu Street are some of the significant streets that have been reconstructed and integrated into the estate.
Much has been discussed about his background. Prince Kazeem often shares that he once slept under a bridge and worked as a bus conductor at various points in his life. He even travelled to the UK to seek opportunities before achieving success.
Today, he is not only a billionaire who shies away from the spotlight but also has substantial real estate investments in Paris, France, where his wife and children have resided for over a decade.
Another ambitious project he is undertaking, running into several billions of naira, is the reclamation of an area known as Osapa Extension. This extension, covering 150 hectares of land previously occupied by water, is set to be a massive development once completed.
The new estate will be located just a few minutes from Lekki, surrounded by shopping centres, schools, parks, and a thriving local business scene. It is designed to be part of a new layout being developed by the United Arab Emirates-based Abu Dhabi Construction Company and other renowned construction firms from France.
Who is Prince Kazeem Eletu Odibo and How Did He Become Wealthy?
He is the CEO of Kazeem Royal Properties Limited and is the youngest among his brothers. Together, they manage a significant expanse of land in Osapa-London, Lekki, Lagos, which they acquired after winning a lengthy court battle against the Ojomu Chieftaincy family of Lagos.
The Gbadamosi Eletu Odibo family claimed to have purchased 254.558 hectares of land in the Osapa-London area of Lekki, Lagos, from the Ojomu family in 1978, documented by a Deed of Conveyance dated August 23, 1977, and registered as No. 36 at page 36 in volume 1648 at the Lagos Registry.
In 1988, the Lagos State Government compulsorily acquired a vast area of land that included many villages and settlements in the Lekki axis, including the Eletu Odibo land. The Ojomu Chieftaincy family and other land-owning families, represented through their accredited representatives, filed Suit No. ID/1883/89 in the Lagos State High Court in 1989, challenging the government’s acquisition of their land, including that of the Eletu Odibo family.
Following the success of the land-owning families at the Lagos State High Court, the Lagos State Government entered negotiations with the Ojomu family, ultimately agreeing to excise some of the acquired lands and return ownership rights of the excised land to the Ojomu Chieftaincy family.
In 1993, the Gbadamosi Eletu Odibo family initiated a legal action against the Lagos State Government in Suit No. M/779/93. In 2013, after initially losing in both the High Court and the Appeal Court, they triumphed at the Supreme Court.
Today, they are among the largest landowners in Lagos. Tragically, during the course of this 23-year legal battle, Prince Kazeem lost four of his brothers.
How Did Prince Kazeem Start His Real Estate Business?
Prince Kazeem returned from abroad in 2006 and began selling land, focusing on friends living overseas and members of the Igbo community he met abroad. He facilitated land purchases for them, keeping the land until they returned. By 2010, he had started constructing and selling properties.
Why is He Humble and Generous?
In an interview a few years back, the young Prince attributed his humility and generosity to strong relationships with people. He mentioned that from a young age, he knew he would achieve greatness and popularity. He encourages patience, emphasising that if people take their time, they will eventually benefit from his endeavours. He believes he is just beginning his journey.
Many are unaware of Prince Kazeem’s refined taste and unwavering commitment to quality. When undertaking a project, he ensures it meets high standards. He has positively impacted the lives of many and significantly contributed to his community, personally funding the paving of all roads leading to his estates in Osapa-London, Lekki, Lagos, as well as building the majority of the drainage systems around his properties.
Prince Kazeem’s Perspective on Life
Prince Kazeem revealed that he prefers to stay indoors rather than socialise extensively. He stated, “I don’t really go out. I like to stay in and mind my business. I never looked down on anyone because I was once ‘there’.” He further recounted his past, sharing that he was unaware of his father’s land ownership until later in life. He lived in Ajegunle for a time and had diverse experiences, including working as a bus conductor and driving Danfo buses. He has faced significant hardships, even once sleeping under a bridge. However, he expresses gratitude for his current situation, concluding, “I thank God for what I am today.” ISAAC ABIMBADE (08155107955)
