Sijibomi Ogundele biography, career achievements, net worth, controversies

Olasijibomi “Sijibomi” Ogundele is a Nigerian entrepreneur and real estate developer, serving as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Construction

Bold, visionary, and unafraid to challenge conventions, Ogundele has transformed his journey from modest beginnings in Agege, Lagos, into becoming one of Africa’s most influential luxury property developers.

In 2022, his influence was further cemented when he was officially named an ambassador to the Governor of Lagos State.

Profile summary

Name: Olasijibomi “Sijibomi” Ogundele

Date of birth: April 8, 1981

Place of birth: Lagos

Education: Anglia Ruskin University

Relationship status: Single

Career: Engineer

Background

Born on April 8, 1981 and raised in Agege, Lagos, Ogundele grew up in a humble household.

His father worked a steady 9-to-5 managerial job, while his mother, a trader and entrepreneur, became his biggest source of inspiration.

He credits her resilience and tireless work ethic for shaping his entrepreneurial spirit.

He attended Oko-Oba Primary School, Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, and Lagos State Model College, Merina, before traveling to the United Kingdom to study law at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus.

Multilingual by nature, Ogundele speaks Yoruba, Hausa, French, and Spanish, and has some knowledge of Arabic and Japanese, a reflection of his identity as both a pan-Africanist and global citizen.

Career Journey

Ogundele began his professional path in real estate in France in 2011 as a property agent.

Two years later, he returned to Nigeria to establish Sujimoto Construction, starting with just six employees and a single project.

Today, Sujimoto has grown into a luxury real estate powerhouse with projects valued at more than $450 million, stretching across Nigeria, Dubai, and other global markets.

Notable achievements

Among his most notable developments are LucreziaBySujimoto and LeonardoBySujimoto, both located in Banana Island; Queen Amina By Sujimoto in Abuja, which is set to become Northern Nigeria’s tallest residential tower; Sujimoto Diamond City in Victoria Island, Lagos; The Giuliano in Banana Island, which was fully sold out before completion; and the Sujimoto Tower in Dubai, a 44-storey luxury skyscraper in Downtown Dubai.

Recognitions

Ogundele’s innovative approach has earned him local and international acclaim. In 2017, he received the Hospitality Honorarium Grand Award at the South Africa Hotelier Conference.

He was named Vanguard Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 and also received the Business Day Next Bull Award.

In 2020, he was listed among Nigeria’s Top 10 Real Estate Disruptors, and in 2022, The Guardian featured him as one of 60 Leading Real Estate CEOs in Nigeria.

Personal life

Ogundele often recalls that poverty was his greatest motivator.

Growing up on a street where only two homes owned a generator, and spending time in the bustling Oke-Arin market, he learned the importance of negotiation, discipline, and hard work from a young age.

Controversies

Despite his achievements, Ogundele has faced challenges.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently declared him wanted over allegations of fund diversion and money laundering, according to a statement released by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale.

Net worth

With his expanding business empire, Ogundele is reported to have a portfolio worth over $10 billion, including 80 hotels, malls, and residential properties across Africa and internationally.