The Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), Barrister Festus Adebayo, has described the death of the former managing director of Shelter Afrique, Prince Ebenezer Oluseyi Lufadeju, as a great loss to the built industry.
Lufadeju, who was the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), died on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the age of 78.
Adebayo in a statement sent to THE WHISTLER in Abuja on Thursday expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of the elder statesman, saying that the African housing and real estate industry has lost an icon, a leader, a father, and a mentor.
He described the deceased as his father and mentor in the industry, saying: “Sad day for me. I have lost my father, Prince Seyi Lufadeju.
“The passing of Prince Lufadeju has sent shockwaves through the housing sector, with condolence messages pouring in from stakeholders worldwide. Many described his loss as monumental, particularly for Nigeria and the low-cost housing sector.
“A towering figure in the real estate industry, Prince Lufadeju’s contributions and good deeds have left an indelible legacy. Prince Oluseyi Lufadeju’s remarkable career spanned decades of dedication to the housing sector. As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and a former Managing Director of Shelter Afrique, his influence was far-reaching.
“His professional journey began in 1974 when he joined the defunct Nigeria Building Society. He later became a member of the Federal Housing Authority (1977–1979) and the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (1977–1980).
“During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in formulating policies for low-income housing finance and development. Prince Lufadeju also made significant contributions on the international stage.
“He served as Managing Director/CEO of Shelter Afrique, Nairobi, Kenya, from 1986 to 1996. This pan-African housing finance institution flourished under his leadership. His dedication to housing development was further recognized when he was appointed as the National Chairman for the International Year of Shelter for the Homeless (Nigeria Chapter).
“Beyond his professional achievements, Prince Lufadeju was celebrated as a “lover of humanity,” consistently prioritizing the needs of others. He was deeply involved in his community and church, leaving an enduring impact on those who knew him’’, Adebayo said.
Adebayo, however, pledged to uphold the late Lufadeju’s legacy by continuing his advocacy for affordable housing and sustainable development in Nigeria and beyond.
