How I built Sujimoto from pain, grit, patience, by Sijibomi Ogundele
Banana Island is poised for a major architectural milestone as Lucrezia by Sujimoto, a 15-storey ultra-luxury residential tower, nears completion, with handover to homeowners expected in the first quarter of
Banana Island is poised for a major architectural milestone as Lucrezia by Sujimoto, a 15-storey ultra-luxury residential tower, nears completion, with handover to homeowners expected in the first quarter of 2026.
Developed by Sujimoto Holdings, the project reflects resilience through economic challenges, funding obstacles, pandemic disruptions, and public scrutiny, according to its Founder and Group Managing Director, Dr. Sijibomi Ogundele.
“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,” Ogundele said, reflecting on the development journey.
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Designed to challenge perceptions of African excellence in architecture, Lucrezia features sculpted curves and Spanish-engineered Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC), marking a first-of-its-kind application at this scale in Nigeria. The tower rests on 112 deep piles and incorporates post-tensioned slabs, enhancing both durability and structural resilience.
Construction continued at a rapid pace despite setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain disruptions and rising costs. Industry observers note that the building advanced from its first slab to the 15th floor in just 5.5 months—one of the fastest timelines for a high-rise of this magnitude in the country.
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Early investors have already seen substantial returns, with a unit purchased for $850,000 reportedly reselling for $2.5 million, and projected values approaching $3 million at handover. The development offers 22 residences, including four-bedroom maisonettes and penthouses with private elevators and infinity pools. Residents will enjoy amenities such as an IMAX cinema, Crestron home automation, and 24-hour concierge services.
Ogundele highlighted the broader vision behind the project: “Innovation is the mother of excellence. Africa deserves structures bold enough to stand beside the world’s finest—not behind them.”
With Lucrezia nearing completion, Sujimoto Holdings has announced plans for another ambitious development, Leonardo by Sujimoto, a proposed 36-storey tower. For Ogundele, the journey has been defined by persistence and conviction: “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.”
Lucrezia now stands not just as a residential landmark but as a symbol of tested ambition, signaling a new chapter in Nigeria’s luxury real estate sector.
