(Billionaire Femi Otedola. Photo Credit: Channels TV)
Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola has reportedly added a prestigious London property to his portfolio, acquiring a luxury mansion in the upscale St John’s Wood district for £53 million, according to a Bloomberg report.
The sprawling 10-bedroom property, situated a short distance from Regent’s Park, is said to boast an impressive array of high-end features including a private cinema, spa, and cigar room. Reports indicate the purchase was completed late last year.
The mansion’s price tag represents a significant markdown from its original asking price of £75 million, at which it was first listed for sale in 2020 according to earlier media reports linked to one of the firms involved in its construction.
Otedola’s acquisition is particularly noteworthy given the current state of London’s high-end property market, which is experiencing a notable slowdown driven by rising property taxes and the UK government’s decision to scrap certain tax privileges that foreign residents had previously enjoyed.
Despite the challenging market conditions, the purchase signals continued appetite among wealthy Nigerians and African billionaires for prime London real estate.
The development has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning why the country’s business elite continue to invest heavily in foreign properties while opportunities for similar investment exist at home.
