…Alaafin’s Grandson Shares His Journey from the Sea to Building a Real Estate Empire
When you meet Orikolade Afeez Siyanbola Oladigbolu — better known as Kolade Oladigbolu — humility and purpose stand out before his achievements. A proud grandson of the late Alaafin of Oyo, the young entrepreneur has carved his own legacy, not through royal privileges, but through grit, integrity, and vision.
Today, he stands tall as the Managing Director of Royal Colony Homes Limited and Chairman, Board of Directors of Ocean Track Holdings, leading one of Nigeria’s fast-rising real estate empires.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Oladigbolu shared deep insights into his journey and the philosophy that has guided his success.
“You don’t need money to make money; you need values,” he said. “Dedication, integrity, and consistency are the real currencies of entrepreneurship.”
From the Sea to the City: A Risky Leap of Faith
Oladigbolu began his career as a mariner, working as a Third Officer aboard a vessel in 2008. Despite earning a modest salary of $150 monthly, he realized early that the seafaring life would not give him the kind of future he envisioned.
“I had everything on board — even bathing soap was provided,” he recalled with a smile. “But I barely saw my loved ones, only about three times a year. I wanted more than survival; I wanted impact.”
Leaving behind the security of the maritime world, he ventured into real estate, a move many thought was unwise. Starting out with local agents who rented houses and lock-up shops in Lagos, he often trekked long distances from Thomas Estate in Ajah to Ikate for property inspections.
“People didn’t see real estate as a serious profession then,” he said. “But I was determined to make it work.”
Pioneering the Installment Payment Revolution
Oladigbolu would later become one of the first realtors in Nigeria to introduce installment payments for property acquisition, a practice that is now standard across the industry.
“People were used to paying in full before buying,” he explained. “I began convincing white-collar workers to invest with a 10% deposit and spread payment over two years.”
At first, it was an uphill battle. Prospective clients doubted his intentions, especially when he presented undeveloped land without structures. “They would ask, ‘How can we invest in a bare land with someone else’s name on the title?’ Many stopped taking my calls,” he said.
When Failure Became a Teacher
One of his lowest moments came during a project in Epe, Lagos. He had secured 20 plots to build 40 housing units, after depositing ₦1 million — money he could not afford to lose.
“Three days to the deadline, I hadn’t sold a single unit,” he recounted. “The landowners had lost faith and even threw away my company’s signboard into a swamp. I didn’t even have transport fare to go home.”
Still, he didn’t give up. “I told myself, if I couldn’t get the land, I would at least retrieve my signboard,” he said laughing. “That’s when I realized — value is more important than money.”
Building a Legacy of Trust
Fifteen years later, Royal Colony Homes Limited stands as a testament to his philosophy. By January 2026, the company will celebrate its 15th anniversary, with numerous completed and ongoing projects across Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Abuja.
“The same lands we once begged to develop are now being offered to us,” he said proudly. “That’s the reward of dedication.”
This year alone, Royal Colony has completed three major housing projects — all sold out — and two more are currently under development. Plans are also underway to launch 120 new housing units across four Nigerian cities in January.
Lessons from a Self-Made Entrepreneur
For Oladigbolu, success is a process, not a sprint.
“Anyone who wants to start a business and succeed immediately is far from reality,” he emphasized. “There’s nothing free in life. Every great journey begins with a single step.”
He added with a note of wisdom:
“To reach heaven, one must die first. To excel in school, you must listen to your teacher. Likewise, in business, you must respect the process. Success has no time for emotions — only discipline and persistence.”
Final Thoughts
Kolade Afeez Oladigbolu’s story is more than a tale of riches; it’s a masterclass in resilience and self-belief. From a young mariner earning $150 to the founder of a thriving real estate brand, he embodies what it means to create wealth through value — not inheritance, not luck, but sheer commitment.
“When my peers were still under their parents’ roofs,” he reflected, “I was already building my own business. And today, we’re just getting started.”
