The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Real Estate Developers’ Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Prince Ebenezer Oluseyi Lufadeju, has passed on.
Prince Lufadeju, according to a statement signed on Thursday by Dr. Damola Lufadeju on behalf of the family, died at the age of 78.
The statement, signed by the family, read: “It is with great sadness, but with gratitude and submission to the will of God, that we announce the transition to glory of our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Ebenezer Oluseyi Lufadeju, on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025, at the age of 78.
“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 your prayers during this time. Further announcements will follow soon.”
Since the announcement, stakeholders in the housing industry have expressed their condolences, describing the late Prince Lufadeju as an accomplished professional and a giant in the real estate sector.
Professor Olugbenga Nubi, Professor of Estate Management at the University of Lagos, described Prince Lufadeju as a “giant in the real estate sector, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many.”
As the BOT Chair of REDAN and former CEO of Shelter Afrique, the professor said that his contributions to the industry were undeniable.
He stated: “His impressive career spanned multiple roles, including being the first Director of Planning at the Federal Ministry of Housing under President Shagari.”
“I’m grateful for the personal connection I shared with him, as he gave me my first job as a Town Planning Officer in 1982 and sent me to Ajaokuta in 1983. These experiences not only shaped my career but also instilled in me the values of hard work and dedication that Prince Lufadeju embodied.”
Prince Lufadeju’s legacy, the professor said, extended far beyond his professional accomplishments.
“He was a lover of humanity, always putting the needs of others before his own. His impact on the planning profession and REDAN will surely be remembered, and his contributions to the real estate sector will continue to inspire future generations.”
“Rest in peace, Prince Lufadeju. Your memory and legacy will live on in our hearts,” Professor Nubi wrote.
Dr. (Mrs.) Chii Akporji, Chairperson of Shelter Afrique Development Bank, said that Prince Lufadeju was among many other firsts the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of Shelter Afrique. “We’ve truly lost a giant of housing in Africa! May his great soul rest in the perfect peace of the Lord,” she said.
Former President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, described his death as the “sad loss of an illustrious elder and prominent professional in the construction and real estate industry.”
Another professional, David Garnvwa, said the death of the REDAN BOT Chairman, Prince Seyi Lufadeju, hit him like a bolt when he received the sad news from Tpl Mrs. Babalola.
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“This is indeed a great loss. Prince Seyi was not only my senior professional colleague but also one of the pioneer developers with whom I worked closely in the establishment of REDAN, carrying out the tasks assigned to me by the Chairman of our Presidential Technical Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Prof. Akin Mabogunji.”
“As a Rotarian, Charter President of the Abuja Metro Rotary Club, and Chairman of the Abuja Rotary Centre, I had the pleasure of working with Rotarian Seyi Lufadeju and other Rotarians and professional colleagues to secure the allocation and approval for the development of the Abuja Rotary International Centre.”
“As one of the most senior town planners, Tpl Prince Seyi Lufadeju continued to provide guidance and moderation to both the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and the Town Planners Registration Council.”
“Prince Seyi Lufadeju was a very social personality. As a Trustee of the Abuja Jazz Club, he introduced me to the Club, where I have continued to meet and make new friends. His demise, coming shortly after the death of his dear wife late last year, is indeed one loss too many,” he wrote.
