Have you ever wondered about the wealthiest individuals in Edo State and how they made their fortunes? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Edo State, located in southern Nigeria, is home to many influential businessmen who have built their wealth through industries such as oil and gas, real estate, banking, and manufacturing. These entrepreneurs have not only shaped Edo’s economy but have also made significant contributions to Nigeria’s overall development.
In this article, we will introduce you to the top 10 richest men in Edo State in 2025. From oil magnates to real estate tycoons, let’s explore how these business moguls have amassed their wealth.
1. Tony Elumelu — Banking & Investments ($1.2 Billion)
Tony Elumelu is one of the wealthiest men from Edo State, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. He is the founder of Heirs Holdings and the chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA). His entrepreneurial spirit extends across industries such as banking, investments, energy, and hospitality. Through his philanthropic foundation, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu has also empowered thousands of African entrepreneurs.
Business Empire:
Heirs Holdings: Investments in energy, real estate, and agriculture.
United Bank for Africa (UBA): Chairman and major stakeholder.
2. Gabriel Igbinedion — Real Estate & Hospitality ($1 Billion)
Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, is a wealthy businessman with a net worth of around $1 billion. He is a major player in real estate development and hospitality, owning a range of hotels, estates, and properties across Nigeria. His influence also extends to the Benin Kingdom, where he plays an important role in the community.
Business Empire:
Igbinedion Group: Real estate development, hotels, and transportation.
Igbinedion University: Private university in Benin.
3. Lucky Igbinedion — Politician & Business Mogul ($600 Million)
Lucky Igbinedion, a former governor of Edo State, is another prominent figure in the state’s business and political scene. His net worth is estimated at $600 million. Apart from his political career, Igbinedion has business interests in real estate, agriculture, and hospitality.
Business Empire:
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Real Estate: Investments in property development and construction.
Hospitality & Agriculture: Investments in hotels and farming.
4. Jim Ovia — Banking & Telecommunications ($550 Million)
Jim Ovia is a Nigerian banking mogul and telecommunications investor with a net worth of approximately $550 million. He is the founder of Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest financial institutions. In addition to banking, Ovia has made strategic investments in telecommunications and real estate.
Business Empire:
Zenith Bank: Founder and former CEO.
Telecommunications & Real Estate: Investments in telecom and property.
5. Chief John Osamede Adun — Real Estate & Construction ($450 Million)
Chief John Osamede Adun is a successful businessman and the founder of John Adun & Co. Ltd., a major player in real estate development and construction in Edo State. His net worth is estimated at $450 million. He has contributed significantly to the growth of Edo’s real estate industry.
Business Empire:
John Adun & Co. Ltd.: Real estate and construction services.
Property Development: Investments in residential and commercial real estate.
6. Dr. Prince Adegor — Oil & Gas Tycoon ($400 Million)
Dr. Prince Adegor has built his wealth primarily through the oil and gas industry. His estimated net worth stands at $400 million. Adegor has been a significant figure in Edo’s oil exploration and distribution sector. His company, Adegor Oil, is known for providing petroleum products to various parts of Nigeria.
Business Empire:
Adegor Oil: Oil and gas exploration and distribution.
Petroleum Products Supply: Nationwide operations.
7. Dr. Sylvanus A. Ikedife — Medical Services & Healthcare ($350 Million)
Dr. Sylvanus Ikedife is a successful healthcare entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $350 million. He founded the Ikedife Medical Group, a leading healthcare provider in Edo State. Ikedife’s impact on healthcare in the region is significant, as he has been instrumental in improving access to medical services.
Business Empire:
Ikedife Medical Group: Healthcare services and facilities.
Medical Equipment Supply: Investment in medical infrastructure.
8. Solomon E. Akiyemi — Financial Services & Investments ($300 Million)
Solomon Akiyemi is a financial services entrepreneur with a net worth of around $300 million. He is the founder of Akiyemi & Co., Ltd., a company that specializes in investment management and financial advisory services. His firm is a significant player in the financial sector, catering to individuals and businesses across Nigeria.
Business Empire:
Akiyemi & Co., Ltd.: Investment management and financial advisory.
Financial Services: Wealth management and consultancy.
9. Nosa Igbinedion — Tech & Telecommunications Entrepreneur ($250 Million)
Nosa Igbinedion is a tech entrepreneur with a net worth of $250 million. He has invested heavily in the telecommunications and technology sectors in Nigeria. As a founder of various tech startups, Nosa has made significant strides in modernizing Nigeria’s technology infrastructure.
Business Empire:
Telecommunications: Investments in mobile tech and internet services.
Tech Startups: Founder and investor in tech-based companies.
10. Chief Andrew E. Akwenor — Construction & Infrastructure ($200 Million)
Chief Andrew Akwenor is a well-known businessman with a net worth of around $200 million. He is the founder of Akwenor Construction Ltd., a company that specializes in large-scale construction and infrastructure projects in Edo State and beyond.
Business Empire:
Akwenor Construction Ltd.: Infrastructure development.
Real Estate & Property Development: Major investments in residential and commercial projects.
Conclusion:
Edo State is home to several wealthy individuals who have succeeded in various industries, including banking, real estate, oil and gas, healthcare, and technology. These entrepreneurs have not only created wealth for themselves but have also contributed to the development of their state and country.
From banking magnates like Tony Elumelu to real estate moguls like Gabriel Igbinedion, these men are examples of entrepreneurial success in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Who is the richest man in Edo State?
Tony Elumelu, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, is the richest man in Edo State. He is a renowned banking mogul and philanthropist.
2. What industries have made Gabriel Igbinedion wealthy?
Gabriel Igbinedion made his wealth through real estate development, hospitality, and investments in various businesses.
3. How did Lucky Igbinedion make his fortune?
Lucky Igbinedion built his fortune through politics, real estate, and investments in agriculture and hospitality.
4. What is Jim Ovia known for?
Jim Ovia is known for founding Zenith Bank and his investments in telecommunications and real estate.
5. What is Chief John Osamede Adun’s business empire?
Chief John Osamede Adun is involved in real estate and construction through John Adun & Co. Ltd..
6. How much is Dr. Prince Adegor worth?
Dr. Prince Adegor has an estimated net worth of $400 million from his oil and gas business.
7. What is Dr. Sylvanus Ikedife known for?
Dr. Ikedife is known for founding the Ikedife Medical Group, providing healthcare services in Edo State.
8. What services does Solomon Akiyemi’s company offer?
Solomon Akiyemi’s company, Akiyemi & Co., Ltd., offers investment management and financial advisory services.
9. What is Nosa Igbinedion’s net worth?
Nosa Igbinedion has a net worth of approximately $250 million, primarily from his investments in telecommunications and tech startups.
10. How did Chief Andrew E. Akwenor build his wealth?
Chief Akwenor built his wealth through his construction company, Akwenor Construction Ltd., and real estate investments.