By Kingsley Adegboye 

Africa’s housing and real estate industry has lost an icon, a leader, a father, and a mentor with the passing of Prince Ebenezer Oluseyi Lufadeju on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the age of 78. 

Festus Adebayo, Executive Director of Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), who disclosed the news to stakeholders in Abuja, expressed his deep sorrow while paying a condolence visit to the family. 

He described Prince Lufadeju as his father and mentor in the industry, saying: “Sad day for me. I have lost my father, Prince Seyi Lufadeju.”

The news was later confirmed by Dr. Damola Lufadeju, who announced the transition of their beloved father, grandfather, and community leader. The statement reads:  

“It is with great sadness, but gratitude and submission to the will of God, that we announce the transition unto glory of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Prince Ebenezer Oluseyi Lufadeju. 

“He was a devoted family man, dedicated public and international civil servant, and a community and church leader. We remember him for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and community. 

” Please remember the family in prayers at this time. Further announcements will follow soon.”

The passing of Prince Lufadeju has sent shockwaves through the housing sector, with condolence messages pouring in from stakeholders worldwide. 

Many described his loss as monumental, particularly for Nigeria and the low-cost housing sector. 

A towering figure in the real estate industry, Prince Lufadeju’s contributions and good deeds have left an indelible legacy.  

Prince Oluseyi Lufadeju’s remarkable career spanned decades of dedication to the housing sector. 

As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and a former Managing Director of Shelter Afrique, his influence was far-reaching.  

His professional journey began in 1974 when he joined the defunct Nigeria Building Society. He later became a member of the Federal Housing Authority (1977–1979) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (1977–1980). During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in formulating policies for low-income housing finance and development.  

Prince Lufadeju also made significant contributions on the international stage. He served as Managing Director/CEO of Shelter Afrique, Nairobi, Kenya, from 1986 to 1996. This pan-African housing finance institution flourished under his leadership. His dedication to housing development was further recognized when he was appointed as the National Chairman for the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (Nigeria Chapter).  

A pioneer in urban and regional planning, he was instrumental in forming the Urban and Regional Planning Division of the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, and Environment in 1977. 

His work in this field earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Commandeur de l’ Order National du Lion from Senegal in 1994.   

Beyond his professional achievements, Prince Lufadeju was celebrated as a “lover of humanity,” consistently prioritizing the needs of others. He was deeply involved in his community and church, leaving an enduring impact on those who knew him.  

In addition to his housing contributions, he was a respected leader in other spheres, serving as President of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (2001–2004) and a member of the IBB Golf and Country Club in Abuja. At the 2019 Africa International Housing Show (AIHS). 

He received the Nigeria Housing Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award and was also inducted into the Affordable Housing Hall of Fame in 2021 in recognition of his unparalleled service to the sector.  

As the industry mourns this monumental loss, Festus Adebayo and other housing stakeholders vowed to uphold Prince Lufadeju’s legacy by continuing his advocacy for affordable housing and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.  

Prince Oluseyi Lufadeju’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to housing, community, and humanity. His memory will remain etched in the hearts of those he inspired and the sector he helped build.  

May his soul rest in peace.