Ehi Ogbebor Rolls Out Lavish Welcome for US-Based Lover in Nigeria Amid Controversy
By Elena Vasquez, Entertainment Correspondent
September 8, 2025
LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerian interior designer and socialite Ehi Ogbebor, known for her luxury brand Sayaveth Interiors, pulled out all the stops to welcome her US-based lover, Dennis Osifo, to Nigeria in a vibrant display of affection that has set social media ablaze. The grand gesture, marked by a fleet of cars and a festive entourage, unfolded at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on September 6, 2025, as Osifo arrived from the United States. However, the celebration has reignited controversy, with Osifo’s twin sister, Sharikat, publicly accusing him of neglecting family responsibilities, casting a shadow over the high-profile romance.
A Grand Nigerian Welcome
Ogbebor, 40, orchestrated a spectacle befitting her flair for extravagance, with videos shared on her Instagram (@ceosayavethinteriors_and_hotel) showing a convoy of luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce, adorned with balloons and banners to greet Osifo. The scene, filled with music and cheering supporters, was described by Legit.ng as “a vibrant showcase of love.” Ogbebor, dressed in a chic traditional outfit, was seen embracing Osifo, a US-based businessman, as they danced to local tunes, capturing the attention of onlookers and online fans.
The couple’s public displays of affection have been a focal point since Ogbebor unveiled Osifo as her partner in October 2021, following her high-profile split with Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, the Lagos chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers. Posts on X celebrated the event, with one user writing, “Ehi’s welcome for Dennis is goals! Love like this is rare.” Yet, the lavish reception has also drawn scrutiny, amplifying ongoing family drama surrounding Osifo.
Family Feud Overshadows Romance
The warm welcome comes amid a public feud sparked by Sharikat, Osifo’s twin sister, who took to Instagram (@shakirat2002) to criticize her brother and Ogbebor. In a series of posts reported by Legit.ng on August 27, 2025, Sharikat accused Osifo of neglecting his children’s school fees while spending extravagantly on Ogbebor, including gifting her a $51,000 diamond Cartier bracelet. “While he’s showering Ehi with gifts, his kids are suffering,” Sharikat wrote, calling Ogbebor derogatory names and demanding accountability. She further alleged that Ogbebor had previously “wrecked another marriage,” escalating the controversy.
Ogbebor responded with a cryptic Instagram post, stating, “Una don make me cry las last 😢 🤣🤣❤️❤️ negative comments… I get coconut head..skin of an elephant…Madly in love ❤️.” She and Osifo also taunted Sharikat, with Ogbebor joking about “aura for aura and egusi for egusi,” per newsmedia.ng. The public spat has divided opinions, with some X users supporting Ogbebor’s right to love freely, while others echoed Sharikat’s concerns, one posting, “Family comes first, Dennis. Ehi’s welcome is cute, but what about your kids?”
Context: A Socialite’s Journey
Ogbebor, a prominent figure in Lagos’ social scene, has built a reputation through Sayaveth Interiors, rated among Nigeria’s top luxury design firms. Her personal life, however, has often stolen the spotlight. Previously married to billionaire Kenneth Bramor, with whom she has two children, Ogbebor’s relationship with MC Oluomo ended in heartbreak when he reportedly married a US-based woman in 2021, per kemifilani.ng. Her romance with Osifo, a divorced businessman, has been framed as a fresh start, with Ogbebor declaring them “two divorced souls madly in love” during his 50th birthday celebration in the US in October 2021, as reported by Vanguard Allure.
The couple’s dynamic has drawn comparisons to high-profile romances like Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson, where public affection sparks debate. Ogbebor’s lavish gestures, including gushing over Osifo’s multimillion-naira gifts, mirror her bold persona but have intensified scrutiny from critics like Sharikat.
Expert and Official Perspectives
Relationship counselor Funmi Adeoye, speaking to The Punch, cautioned against public disputes overshadowing personal bonds. “Extravagant displays of love are fine, but addressing family concerns privately is crucial for harmony,” she said. Meanwhile, a source close to Ogbebor told thetalk.ng that the welcome was a cultural expression of joy, rooted in Nigerian hospitality. “Ehi wanted to show Dennis the warmth of Nigeria. It’s not about controversy; it’s about love,” the source said.
The Lagos State government has remained silent, but local media speculate that the high-profile nature of Ogbebor’s event could boost tourism, aligning with Nigeria’s push to promote cultural vibrancy. However, Sharikat’s accusations raise broader questions about familial duty, echoing Nigerian banking customers’ calls for accountability in unrelated financial disputes, as reported by Naija News.
Impact and Next Steps
Ogbebor’s grand welcome has solidified her status as a trendsetter, with her Instagram following surging by 10,000 since the event, per social media analytics. However, the ongoing feud with Sharikat could tarnish her public image unless addressed. PR expert Tolu Akinsanya suggests Ogbebor focus on transparency, stating, “She should clarify her intentions to shift focus back to her brand and romance.” Osifo, meanwhile, faces pressure to address his sister’s allegations, potentially through private mediation.
The couple’s next steps may include public appearances to reinforce their bond, with rumors of a joint business venture in Lagos circulating on X. For now, their romance remains a lightning rod for admiration and criticism, reflecting the complexities of love in the public eye.
Conclusion
Ehi Ogbebor’s lavish welcome for Dennis Osifo in Nigeria was a dazzling display of love, but the shadow of family drama looms large. As the couple navigates public scrutiny, their story underscores the balance between personal passion and familial duty. For fans and critics alike, the takeaway is clear: love may shine brightly, but its true test lies in resolving the tensions it sparks.
Sources: Legit.ng, thetalk.ng, Vanguard Allure, kemifilani.ng, newsmedia.ng, The Punch, X posts