Banana Island is an upscale residential area located in Lagos, Nigeria. It is situated in the Lagos Lagoon, near the Ikoyi neighborhood, and is often referred to as one of the most affluent and exclusive communities in the country.
Here are some key features and characteristics of Banana Island:
Banana Island is known for its luxurious lifestyle and high-end real estate. The island is home to some of the most expensive and opulent properties in Nigeria, including mansions, condominiums, and villas. It is one of the wealthy neighborhoods in Lagos.
The island is a gated community, which means it has restricted access, and entry is typically controlled by security personnel. This provides a high level of security and privacy for its residents. Banana Island is surrounded by the Lagos Lagoon, which gives many of its properties a stunning waterfront view. Some homes have private boat docks, providing direct access to the water.
Access to Banana Island is typically restricted to residents and authorized personnel. Visitors may need to obtain permission or have a valid reason for entry. The exclusivity and luxurious nature of Banana Island have made it a symbol of affluence and prestige in Lagos, attracting those who can afford its high property prices and desire a certain level of privacy and comfort.
Now let’s take a look at celebrities or prominent Nigerians with properties in Banana Island;
1. Mike Adenuga
Mike Adenuga, a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur and business magnate, serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and chairman of Globacom Telecommunication Network, widely recognized as GLO. He currently holds the title of the second wealthiest individual in Nigeria. His telecommunications company, Globacom, stands as the second-largest operator in Nigeria and extends its operations into Ghana and the Republic of Benin. Mike Adenuga’s journey to success is a testament to his relentless determination; he began as a taxi driver to fund his education and gradually ascended the ranks to become one of Nigeria’s and Africa’s most affluent individuals. Furthermore, Mike Adenuga’s impressive wealth is exemplified by his opulent mansion on Banana Island, boasting a value exceeding 1.2 billion naira.
2. Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote is a Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and a prominent business magnate. He holds the positions of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and chairman at Dangote Groups, a company renowned for its specialization in the manufacturing and export of cement and food commodities, both in Nigeria and various other African nations. Dangote has attained the remarkable distinction of being the wealthiest individual in Africa, and his influence extends globally, as he ranks among the top 150 richest individuals in the world. Aliko Dangote’s opulent residence on Banana Island is valued at over 2 billion naira, a testament to his substantial wealth and success.
3. Ahmed Tinubu
Ahmed Tinubu, commonly referred to as “Jagaban,” is a renowned political figure and a successful businessman. He has served as the former Governor of Lagos State and is a prominent member of the All Progressive Congress (APC). In addition to his political career, Tinubu has made significant strides in the business world, with ownership of numerous companies across Lagos. He is the current president of Nigeria. Notably, he is the proprietor of Oriental Hotel, a luxurious five-star establishment widely regarded as Nigeria’s most opulent hotel, where a minimum nightly stay starts at N100,000. His opulence is further demonstrated by his lavish mansion on Banana Island, which boasts a value exceeding 1.5 billion naira.
4. Kola Abiola
Kola Abiola, the son of the late Chief MKO Abiola, a successful Nigerian billionaire and former elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has also achieved substantial success in his own right. He has established himself as a prominent billionaire, with ownership of numerous companies and extensive real estate holdings throughout Nigeria. In particular, Kola Abiola resides modestly with his family in a mansion located on Banana Island, which holds a value of over 800 million naira.
5. Iyabo Obasanjo
Iyabo Obasanjo, the daughter of former Nigerian president Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has carved her own path to success. In addition to her noteworthy lineage, she has established herself as a accomplished politician and businesswoman. Iyabo Obasanjo boasts ownership of multiple businesses and significant real estate investments in her name. Notably, her residence on Banana Island is a mansion with a value exceeding 700 million naira.
Check Out: Houses for Sale in Banana Island
6. Linda Ikeji
Linda Ikeji is a prominent female entrepreneur and blogger, recognized as the wealthiest blogger in Africa. Forbes has also acknowledged her as one of the most influential women on the continent. Linda Ikeji gained her reputation through blogging on the Blogger network and is the proud owner of the highly popular Linda Ikeji Blog, the most widely-read blog in Africa. Her income is primarily derived from direct advertisements and sponsored posts. Linda Ikeji’s impressive mansion on Banana Island is valued at over 850 million naira.
The former model openly shares her journey of hard work and dedication before achieving success. Linda Ikeji has expressed her intention to leave her Banana Island residence for her parents when she gets married, opting to move into her husband’s home. Currently, she resides in her mansion on Banana Island, where she lives with her parents and siblings.
7. Sayyu Dantata
Sayyu Dantata is a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur, investor, and business magnate who holds the positions of chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at MRS Group. He has a background in Accountancy and possesses notable accounting expertise. Furthermore, Sayyu Dantata is the founder and CEO of MRS Group and has also served as a Non-Executive Director of Nigerian Telecommunications.
It’s worth noting that Sayyu Dantata’s father was the wealthiest individual in Nigeria approximately 50 years ago, and Sayyu has successfully taken the reins of his father’s business empire. His business portfolio includes ownership of several companies and firms in Nigeria, reflecting his impressive entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, Sayyu Dantata’s opulent residence on Banana Island is appraised at a value exceeding 2 billion naira.
8. Davido
Renowned singer and songwriter, Davido (David Adedeji Adeleke), decided to reward himself with a new $1.5 million house in Banana Island, a gesture that followed his exceptional performance in the previous year. This exquisite residence is named Giuliano De’ Medici, a tribute to the De’ Medici family, known for encapsulating the ideals and principles of the Florence Renaissance.
The Giuliano was meticulously crafted by Sujimoto Construction, a premier luxury real estate development company in Africa. The building encompasses eight opulent 5-bedroom terrace apartments, along with two of the finest penthouses available in Lagos. It boasts a three-car garage, a state-of-the-art cinema, and a spacious 5-foot pool. Davido recently acquired one of the units in this multimillion-dollar mansion.
9. Tundun Abiola
Tundun Abiola, the daughter of the late Chief MKO Abiola, a highly accomplished Nigerian billionaire and former elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has achieved significant success in her own right. She is also the sibling of Kola Abiola. Tundun initially resided in the United States of America before returning to Nigeria, where she has made a name for herself as a successful lawyer and entrepreneur. She holds ownership of multiple businesses and substantial real estate investments in Nigeria.
Tundun Abiola’s residence on Banana Island is a testament to her prosperity, with a valuation exceeding 750 million naira. In this tranquil setting, she lives with her family, maintaining a low-key and comfortable lifestyle.
10. Peter & Paul Okoye
The well-known Nigerian twin musicians, Peter and Paul Okoye, who previously performed under the stage name P Square but later rebranded as Mr. P and Rudeboy following their separation, are among the Nigerian musicians who have acquired a mansion in Banana Island. With a music career spanning over two decades, Peter and Paul Okoye have solidified their status in the Nigerian music industry and are recognized as one of the wealthiest musicians in Africa. Their mansion on Banana Island is valued at over 850 million naira, underscoring their success and prosperity.
