When you think of Edo State, you often think of rich culture, education, and politics. But the state is also home to some of Nigeria’s most influential business moguls, politicians, religious leaders, and entrepreneurs. The question of “Who is the richest man in Edo State?” doesn’t have a single answer because wealth shifts with time and investments. However, several names consistently appear at the top due to their business empires, social influence, and investments.
Below is a ranking of some of the wealthiest men in Edo State, their sources of wealth, and contributions to society.
1. Chief Gabriel Igbinedion — Real Estate & Hospitality ($1 Billion)
Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, stands tall as one of Edo State’s wealthiest and most influential figures. With a net worth estimated at $1 billion, he has built a vast empire in real estate, education, and hospitality.
Business Empire
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Igbinedion Group: Real estate development, hotels, and transportation.
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Igbinedion University: The first private university in Nigeria, located in Okada, Edo State.
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Multiple hotels, estates, and hospitals across Nigeria.
Beyond business, Chief Igbinedion plays a major role in the Benin Kingdom and has influenced Edo’s economy for decades.
2. Lucky Igbinedion — Politician & Business Mogul ($600 Million)
Chief Lucky Igbinedion, son of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, is a prominent businessman and politician. A former governor of Edo State (1999–2007), Lucky is estimated to be worth around $600 million.
Business Empire
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Real Estate: Investments in luxury housing and property development.
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Hospitality & Agriculture: Hotels and large-scale farming ventures.
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Politics: His political career has expanded his wealth and influence nationally.
3. Jim Ovia — Banking & Telecommunications ($550 Million)
Jim Ovia, though often associated with Lagos, hails originally from Edo State. He is the founder of Zenith Bank, one of Africa’s biggest financial institutions. His net worth is estimated at $550 million.
Business Empire
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Zenith Bank: Founder and former CEO.
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Telecommunications: Strategic investments in the telecom sector.
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Real Estate: High-value properties across Nigeria and abroad.
Jim Ovia is widely respected as one of Nigeria’s foremost banking moguls.
4. Chief John Osamede Adun — Real Estate & Construction ($450 Million)
Chief John Osamede Adun, popularly known as “Bob Izua,” is a successful businessman in Edo State. With a net worth of $450 million, he is a key player in real estate and transportation.
Business Empire
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John Adun & Co. Ltd.: Focused on real estate and construction services.
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Property Development: Investments in residential and commercial real estate.
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Transportation: A fleet of buses and vehicles that serve Edo residents.
5. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole — Politics & Business ($420 Million)
Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State and current Nigerian Senator, is one of Edo’s most influential figures. A former labour leader, Oshiomhole transitioned into politics and has grown into a wealthy statesman with an estimated net worth of $420 million.
Business Empire
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Politics: Served as Edo State Governor (2008–2016) and current Senator.
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Real Estate: Investments in luxury homes and property.
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International Influence: Strategic political and business alliances.
6. Dr. Prince Adegor — Oil & Gas Tycoon ($400 Million)
Dr. Prince Adegor is one of Edo State’s biggest players in the oil and gas industry. His estimated net worth is $400 million, driven by petroleum exploration and distribution.
Business Empire
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Adegor Oil: Oil exploration and petroleum supply across Nigeria.
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Energy Sector: Strong presence in the downstream oil distribution market.
7. Dr. Sylvanus A. Ikedife — Medical Services & Healthcare ($350 Million)
Dr. Sylvanus Ikedife has made his fortune in healthcare. With an estimated net worth of $350 million, he is the founder of the Ikedife Medical Group, a leading healthcare provider in Edo State.
Business Empire
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Ikedife Medical Group: Hospitals and clinics.
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Medical Equipment Supply: Investment in healthcare technology and infrastructure.
His contributions have improved access to quality medical services in Edo State.
8. Solomon E. Akiyemi — Financial Services & Investments ($300 Million)
Solomon Akiyemi is an Edo-born entrepreneur with interests in finance and investment. His net worth stands at $300 million.
Business Empire
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Akiyemi & Co., Ltd.: Investment management and financial advisory.
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Financial Services: Wealth management and consultancy for top clients.
9. Nosa Igbinedion — Tech & Telecommunications ($250 Million)
Nosa Igbinedion represents a younger generation of Edo billionaires. He is a tech and telecommunications entrepreneur with a net worth of around $250 million.
Business Empire
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Telecoms: Investments in mobile technology and internet services.
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Tech Startups: Founder and investor in technology-based companies.
10. Chief Andrew E. Akwenor — Construction & Infrastructure ($200 Million)
Chief Andrew Akwenor is a respected businessman with an estimated net worth of $200 million. His company, Akwenor Construction Ltd., is a major player in construction and infrastructure projects in Edo State.
Business Empire
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Akwenor Construction Ltd.: Specializes in road, housing, and public infrastructure.
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Real Estate: Residential and commercial developments across Nigeria.
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| Rank | Name | Industries | Companies / Assets | Net Worth (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Gabriel Igbinedion | Real estate, Hospitality, Education | Igbinedion Group, Igbinedion University, Hotels | $1B |
| 2 | Late Capt. Hosa Okunbo | Oil & Gas, Marine, Aviation | Ocean Marine Solutions, Wells & Dredging | Billionaire (Legacy) |
| 3 | Pastor Chris Oyakhilome | Religion, Media, Real estate | Christ Embassy, Loveworld TV | Billionaire (Estimate) |
| 4 | Lucky Igbinedion | Real estate, Agriculture, Politics | Hotels, Farms, Properties | $600M |
| 5 | Jim Ovia | Banking, Telecom, Real estate | Zenith Bank, Telecom & Property | $550M |
| 6 | Chief John Osamede Adun | Real estate, Construction | John Adun & Co. Ltd. | $450M |
| 7 | Adams Oshiomhole | Politics, Real estate | Political & Business Networks | $420M (Est.) |
| 8 | Dr. Prince Adegor | Oil & Gas | Adegor Oil | $400M |
| 9 | Dr. Sylvanus Ikedife | Healthcare | Ikedife Medical Group | $350M |
| 10 | Solomon Akiyemi | Finance, Investments | Akiyemi & Co. Ltd. | $300M |
| 11 | Nosa Igbinedion | Tech, Telecom | Tech startups, Telecom ventures | $250M |
| 12 | Chief Andrew Akwenor | Construction, Infrastructure | Akwenor Construction Ltd. | $200M |










