With Ojaja Mall, Ooni is giving back to society merce
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has, through Ojaja Mall, in Ogombo area of Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos State, displayed his ability to combine real estate with royalty and commerce.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has, through Ojaja Mall, in Ogombo area of Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos State, displayed his ability to combine real estate with royalty and commerce.
On approximately 18,000 square metres, Ojaja Mall depicts Ooni’s passion for building and giving back to society.
The mall boasts 295 tastefully designed stores of varying sizes. Many have been sold, while others are leased to thriving businesses. From gyms to salons, professional offices to eateries, the ecosystem is vibrant and diverse.
Some of the standout features of the mall include the expansive Ojaja More supermarket, a source of immense pride to the monarch, a children’s park, bar, lounge & leisure spot, Ojaja suites, Ojaja arcade, and a warehouse storing ojaja cola & orange,
Ojaja Mall is managed by the monarch’s sister, Princess Bimpe Ogunwusi.
Under his growing business empire are Ojaja Cinemas, situated in the three different branches of Ojaja Malls, one of which is in Lagos; Ojaja Pan African Limited, Ojaja drinks, Ife Gran Resort, OjajaMore, also in the Ojaja Mall, Ojaja Hostel, Ojaja Arena, Ojaja Farms, Ojaja Suites, Ojaja Rescue and Maintenance, Ojaja Mews, and Equity Health group.
With his many business interests, the monarch has created direct and indirect jobs for between 500 and 1,000 people.
Princess Ogunwusi said the monarch was in charge of the mall from ideation stage.
“Kabiyesi said he has the vision for helping people, giving people jobs, and creating jobs. So, he’s like he’s been doing this in Ife. We have Ojaja Mall in Ife. We have Ojaja Park in Akure. We are in Osogbo. So, this will be the fourth. But to the glory of God, the Ogaja Mall in Lagos is the head office of Ojaja Pan-Africa. That’s where his own office is. We have 295 shops here in Lagos. Besides, we have 33 rooms and three one bedroom Maisonettes in the Ojaja Suites wing.
“Kabiyesi was always part of this ... it started as his dream to give back and an idea was born. He was with us from the beginning,” she said.
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On the fine architectural success of the mall, Princess Ogunwusi noted that Ooni is known for his classy and royal style in every of his buildings and ways.
“From his palace to his houses and other business ventures, Kabiyesi always ensures he infuses royalty into everything - either through the structure or the ambience, and because he’s been a builder before emerging as Ooni, he knows it like the back of his palm. I am always on ground from the possession of the property to the first brick that was laid back to completion while Kabiyesi was also always with us - either virtually or physically. I see him as a leader, father, and boss. He’s always after how to better the lot of the masses and the next man - providing jobs, affordable products to buy in the Ojaja More supermarket, creating a family and enabling ambience for everyone are some of the reasons Ojaja Mall was born.”
Princess Ogunwusi also reminisced on her growing up years with the monarch saying they had a normal childhood.
“He is my senior. He is the second to the last in our family. So, I am the last born. Life growing with Kabiyesi back in the days was interesting. It was just like growing up like any other family. We had a normal childhood. We were not brought up the princess or prince’s way. My mother did not like that. It was when my mother died that all these princess and prince protocols started,” she said.
