The Adeola Odutola Lodge, also known as the Ogbeni Oja Lodge, stands as one of Nigeria’s most historic mansions, located in the heart of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Built in the mid-20th century—either in 1935 or 1939, according to varying historical accounts—the lodge remains a powerful symbol of architectural elegance, Nigerian enterprise, and cultural legacy.
The mansion was constructed by Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, a pioneering Nigerian industrialist and one of the foremost entrepreneurs of his time. Born in 1902, Chief Odutola rose from humble beginnings to become a respected businessman, philanthropist, and community leader. He was the first President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s industrial landscape. His influence extended far beyond commerce, as he was also a cultural figure and statesman, holding the chieftaincy title of Ogbeni Oja of Ijebu.
The Adeola Odutola Lodge gained global recognition in 1956 when it hosted Queen Elizabeth II during her royal visit to Nigeria. Historical records note that the Queen personally requested to visit Chief Odutola, who had been a friend of her father, King George VI. During her stay in Ijebu-Ode, she spent a night at the lodge, making it one of the few private Nigerian residences to have accommodated the British monarch. This royal visit elevated the mansion’s status as a national landmark and solidified Chief Odutola’s standing among Nigeria’s elite.
Architecturally, the Adeola Odutola Lodge reflects the grandeur and sophistication of early modern Nigerian design, combining colonial influences with indigenous aesthetics. Its sprawling structure, elegant balconies, and ornate interiors capture the spirit of a time when craftsmanship and cultural identity met in architectural expression. Over the decades, it has remained one of the most well-preserved examples of pre-independence architecture in Ijebu-Ode.
Beyond its historical and architectural significance, the lodge continues to hold cultural relevance in modern Nigeria. It has served as a filming location for several Nollywood productions, most notably the popular series Seven Doors. The use of the lodge as a movie set has introduced its beauty and history to a new generation, ensuring its continued presence in Nigeria’s cultural consciousness.
Chief Adeola Odutola’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with the lodge. His life exemplified hard work, innovation, and leadership in the face of colonial and post-colonial challenges. As a philanthropist, he invested heavily in education, community development, and industrial growth. His residence, therefore, stands not just as a home, but as a monument to the enduring spirit of Nigerian enterprise and dignity.
Today, the Adeola Odutola Lodge remains a major landmark in Ijebu-Ode—a place where history, royalty, and artistry converge. It continues to draw admiration from historians, tourists, and filmmakers alike, symbolizing the life and achievements of one of Nigeria’s greatest sons.
Sources:
Ogun State Tourism Board, Heritage Sites of Ijebu-Ode (2020).
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) archives, History of Industrial Leadership in Nigeria (2019).
Daily Times of Nigeria, February 1956 edition (Coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s Nigeria visit).
Nollywood icon Genevieve Nnaji has fired off a sharp response after a man on X (formerly Twitter) advised Igbo men to stop marrying Igbo women and instead seek wives from other African countries.
The controversy began after a photo of a Rwandan woman said to be engaged to an Anambra man went viral.
Resharing the image, the user wrote, “Dear Igbo men, instead of marrying an Igbo woman who’ll falsely accuse you of r4ping your daughter, better look outside for a wife.
“Go to East Africa, especially Rwanda, and pick a damsel. They’re all over social media, and you can link up with them.”
Genevieve, who rarely comments on online drama, responded, “In other words, instead of checking yourself and taking accountability, go for the unsuspecting and carry on with your evil. Got it.”
Another user attempted to challenge her, claiming the original tweet was aimed at “false rape accusers” and that Genevieve was avoiding the real issue.
“His tweet was clearly against false rape accusers, but instead of holding the evil women accountable and demanding change, you chose to tweet this?”
But the actress hit back with equal clarity: “The same way a woman can’t tell an abusive man apart from a good one is the same way you shouldn’t say avoid all Igbo women. ‘Not all women’.”
Reality TV star Phyna has offered words of encouragement to fellow Big Brother Naija winner Imisi amid a family feud between the latter and her mother.
In an X post on Monday, Phyna wrote,”To Imisi, @imisiofficial and to anyone walking through the same fire… I’m praying for your strength.
“My own experience broke me, but I’m slowly rising.
“And I’m rooting for you with everything in me, don’t handle it like I did, build strong and focus on you baby girl.”
The post comes against the backdrop of a family dispute in which Imisi’s mother accused her daughter of hatred and revealed the poor condition of the home where she currently lives, despite Imisi winning N150 million after her Big Brother victory.
Imisi replied in Yoruba,”This is why Aunty Debola said you should not show your face to the world. I can’t be saying all that now, you are in the midst of people. Just overlook everything and leave social media.
“Don’t worry, I will send you money to rent a new house. I am tired of all this drama. I am still recovering from the stress of Big Brother.
“Should I be facing another stress now? Please forgive me, I am your daughter.”
Recall Imisi’s mother has publicly expressed frustration on social media, saying she does not need her daughter’s money after being sidelined following the win.
She also blamed Imisi for recounting her childhood experiences, which she claims involve untrue allegations of parental neglect and sexual assault.
In a video, she showed the old house she currently resides in, saying she is content with her situation, a revelation that sparked online controversy.
In 2023, after Phyna’s BBNaija win, her father, Felix Otabor, revealed in an interview that he was distressed by his daughter’s actions following her BBNaija win.
Otabor said Phyna had asked him to stop working as a hearse driver and requested that he sell his cars, promising to improve the family’s life.
He said he later struggled financially after selling the vehicles, losing his business momentum and community position, and has not seen his daughter since her victory.
He described feeling sidelined while she enjoyed her wealth.
Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels, has opened up about her marriage to her estranged husband, Senator Ned Nwoko.
It was reports that the embattled wife revealed why their seven-year relationship remained faithful despite his polygamous lifestyle.
In a reply to a comment on her Instagram page, Daniels said that during their years together, Nwoko never slept with other women outside their home because she held him well in the other room.
She wrote: “Yes i think he loved me but a toxic one! Because tell me why a polygamous man forgot what it meant to be in polygamy, except for the media.
“Just because it boosted his ego of being seen with multiple women which is easy by me because anyone that sees a man as an odogwu sees the wife as what? He basically had to beg that he share days at ours and other days with his other wives because they begged for his attention.
“Y’all should pls forget this yeye social media comparison because my ex man never slept outside one day in our 7 years of marriage. You know why? Because as a delta babe, I hold am well for the other room ladies use your skills that’s all men want actually!”
