Meet 10 Owners of Popular Hotels in Southwest Nigeria
Popular Hotels in Southwest Nigeria, particularly Lagos, is a hotspot for luxury hospitality, driven by visionary entrepreneurs who blend local flair with global standards. Below, I profile 10 prominent owners of popular hotels in the region. These individuals have shaped the industry’s landscape through innovation, investment, and a commitment to world-class experiences. I’ve focused on Lagos-based properties, as it’s the epicenter of Southwest Nigeria’s hotel scene.
| # | Owner | Hotel | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gilbert Chagoury | Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island | Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire and co-founder of the Chagoury Group with his brother Ronald. Established in 1977, Eko is Nigeria’s largest hotel and conference center, hosting major events like AMVCA and The Headies. Chagoury’s empire spans construction, hospitality, and manufacturing, with a net worth exceeding $1 billion. |
| 2 | Taiwo Afolabi | Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja | Founder and CEO of SIFAX Group, a logistics and aviation conglomerate. Through subsidiary Mac-Folly Hospitality, he owns this 5-star Marriott property, known for its business amenities and rates from N583,000 to N3.9 million per night. Afolabi’s ventures include ports and shipping, making him a key player in Nigeria’s economy. |
| 3 | Stanley Uzochukwu | The Delborough Lagos, Victoria Island | CEO of Stanel Group, a diversified empire in oil, gas, and hospitality. At 34, he’s one of Nigeria’s youngest billionaires, transforming The Delborough into a pinnacle of luxury with opulent suites and fine dining. His journey from humble beginnings to billionaire status inspires many. |
| 4 | Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi | Radisson Blu Hotel Ikeja | Founder and Chairman of Avalon Intercontinental Nigeria Ltd. This 5-star hotel offers modern business facilities and rates up to N897,000 per night. Owoyemi’s investments span real estate and finance, positioning him as a discreet yet influential figure in Lagos’ elite circles. |
| 5 | Chief Anthony Idigbe & the Ibru family | Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja | Idigbe, a prominent SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria), leads Ikeja Hotel Plc alongside the Ibru family (heirs to the late billionaire Michael Ibru). This iconic property is a staple for conferences and leisure, managed by Marriott with rates reflecting its prestige. |
| 6 | Andy Townsend & Jim Gordon | The Wheatbaker, Ikoyi | Co-founders of Legacy Hotels & Resorts, these British-Nigerian partners developed this boutique gem in 2011. Known for its art-filled interiors and serene ambiance, it’s a favorite among creatives and executives seeking understated luxury. |
| 7 | Anthony Leeming | The Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island | CEO of Sun International, a global gaming and hospitality giant. Leeming oversees this historic 5-star icon, originally built in 1960, offering beachfront views and high-end amenities that attract international dignitaries. |
| 8 | Tein George | The George Hotel, Ikoyi | Rivers State-born billionaire and founder of George Hotels Group. This 62-room boutique hotel on Lugard Avenue emphasizes simplicity and sophistication, with rates appealing to upscale residents and visitors in one of Lagos’ most exclusive neighborhoods. |
| 9 | Chief Julius Ama Orji | Lilygate Hotel, Lekki | Business mogul and founder of Lilygate Hotel Group. Opened in 2014, this Victoria Island gem blends African luxury with modern design, featuring infinity pools and gourmet dining. Orji’s vision emphasizes professionalism and cultural pride. |
| 10 | Guy Stehlik | BON Hotels Nigeria (various Lagos properties) | South African hospitality veteran and founder of BON Hotels in 2012. With over 127 years of collective team experience, his Nigerian outposts offer rates from N195,000 to N500,000, focusing on efficient, guest-centric operations in key Southwest cities. |
These owners represent a mix of local tycoons, international partners, and family legacies fueling Southwest Nigeria’s booming tourism sector, which saw over 7,600 new rooms added in 2024 alone. If you’re planning a stay or business trip, these properties offer unparalleled experiences—from beachfront elegance to corporate havens.