“How I Built Sujimoto from Pain, Grit, and Patience”- Sijibomi Ogundele

Banana Island is set to witness a major architectural milestone as Lucrezia by Sujimoto, a 15-storey ultra-luxury residential tower developed by Sujimoto Holdings, approaches completion, with handover to homeowners scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.

The landmark development, located in the heart of Banana Island, represents years of perseverance through economic uncertainty, funding challenges, pandemic disruptions, and intense public scrutiny, according to the Founder and Group Managing Director of Sujimoto Holdings, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele.

Reflecting on the journey behind the project, Ogundele described the experience as one defined by resilience, conviction, and patience.

“The weight of ambition is heavier than capital. Capital can be negotiated. Conviction must be earned. Lucrezia was never just a project on a balance sheet,it was a statement of purpose,” he said.

Conceived as a bold statement about African excellence in architecture and luxury living, Lucrezia features distinctive sculpted curves and Spanish-engineered Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC), a design innovation deployed at this scale for the first time in Nigeria.

The building stands on 112 deep foundation piles and incorporates post-tensioned slabs, ensuring durability and enhanced structural strength.

Dr. Ogundele added that despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain interruptions and rising construction costs, the project maintained remarkable construction momentum.

Industry observers note that the building progressed from its first slab to the 15th floor within just 5.5 months, one of the fastest timelines for a high-rise development of its scale in Nigeria.

According to Ogundele, Lucrezia comprises 22 ultra-luxury residences, including four-bedroom maisonettes and penthouses equipped with private elevators and infinity pools. The development also boasts world-class amenities such as an IMAX cinema, Crestron smart home automation systems, and 24-hour concierge services, redefining the standard of luxury living in Nigeria.

The project has already delivered strong returns for early investors. A unit originally purchased for $850,000 has reportedly been resold for $2.5 million, with projections indicating that property values could approach $3 million at handover.

Ogundele said the vision behind Lucrezia extends beyond luxury housing to reshaping global perceptions of African architecture and innovation.

“Innovation is the mother of excellence. Africa deserves structures bold enough to stand beside the world’s finest, not behind them,” he said.

With Lucrezia nearing completion, Sujimoto Holdings has also unveiled plans for its next ambitious development, Leonardo by Sujimoto, a proposed 36-storey luxury tower that will further push the boundaries of design and engineering in Nigeria’s real estate sector.

For Ogundele, the journey behind Lucrezia reflects the deeper philosophy that has shaped Sujimoto’s growth.

“This was never about convenience. It was about endurance. Not every great structure is born from ease. Some are shaped by waiting, by wounds that must first heal, and by a quiet determination to rise again when giving up feels justified.”

As the project approaches completion, Lucrezia by Sujimoto is emerging not only as a luxury residential landmark in Banana Island but also as a symbol of tested ambition and a new chapter in Nigeria’s high-end real estate landscape.

OYO NEWS