By Oki Adeleke.
Growing up, I often heard my late father, Raji Adebayo Oki, make a statement that, at the time, meant little to me:
“This money is from the Abibu Oki Estate.”
As a child, I was fascinated only by the excitement of seeing money come into the family. I did not fully understand the depth of what he meant. However, years later, after my father’s passing, I came to realize that the same estate established by my great-grandfather, Prince Abibu Ajao Oki, was still generating value and providing benefits to generations of descendants he never met.
It was then that I truly understood the meaning and power of generational wealth.
Prince Abibu Ajao Oki was far more than a prominent historical figure in Lagos. Installed as the first Balogun of Lagos in 1919, he was a visionary merchant, community leader, philanthropist, and statesman whose influence extended across commerce, religion, and public service.
Born into the respected Ipapo royal lineage of Oyo State through Prince Buraimoh Ajao Oki and Princess Aina of Lagos, Prince Abibu Ajao Oki built a remarkable legacy through enterprise, foresight, and disciplined investment. He traded internationally with British and German companies and is widely credited with introducing the famous Alagbaa Damask fabric and Grand Àrán textile to Nigeria.
Beyond commerce, he played a significant role in the social and religious development of Lagos. He was a foundation member and patron of the Ansar-U-Deen Society of Nigeria and donated the land upon which the Lagos Mainland Central Mosque in Ebute Metta was established. He also served as President of the influential Ilu Committee, one of the most respected socio-political organizations in Lagos during his era.
What makes his story particularly extraordinary is that nearly a century after his passing in 1935, the structures, investments, and properties he established continue to create opportunities and benefits for his descendants.
From as early as the age of seven, I remember my father occasionally receiving proceeds from the Abibu Oki Estate. He would proudly explain that the income came from the investments and properties built by his grandfather. Today, despite my father’s passing, members of the family continue to benefit from that same enduring legacy.
This experience taught me one of life’s greatest lessons: true wealth is not merely about what we acquire or spend during our lifetime, but about what we leave behind for future generations.
Many people work hard to enjoy present comfort and success, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, the greatest impact often comes from building assets, businesses, institutions, and values that will continue to create value long after we are gone.
Prince Abibu Ajao Oki understood this principle deeply. He thought beyond personal comfort and beyond his own generation. Because of that foresight, his name remains respected in Lagos history, his contributions continue to be remembered, and his descendants still benefit from foundations laid more than a century ago.
His life serves as a powerful reminder that every generation carries a responsibility not only to consume wealth, but also to create it, preserve it, and transfer it meaningfully.
As Africans, and indeed as human beings, we must learn to think beyond immediate gratification and short-term success. The houses we build, the businesses we establish, the investments we make, and the values we uphold should be designed not only to serve us today, but also to empower generations yet unborn.
The enduring legacy of Prince Abibu Ajao Oki demonstrates that a person’s greatest achievement is not necessarily what he acquires during his lifetime, but what continues to create opportunities after he is gone.
More than a century later, his vision continues to touch lives — including mine.
May his story inspire all of us to become builders of legacy, creators of sustainable wealth, and worthy ancestors to future generations.
“A good ancestor plants seeds whose fruits he may never live to eat.”
— Oki Adeleke (Leke Lee)
The Power of Generational Wealth: Lessons from Prince Abibu Ajao Oki (Leke Lee) Entrepreneur, Hospitality & Tourism Management Professional, Cultural Enthusiast, and Great-Grandson of Prince Abibu Ajao Oki, First Balogun of Lagos
