Personality in Focus
Heirs Insurance Appoints Ibrahim Puri, Sonny Iroche Independent Non-Executive Directors
Heirs Insurance Group (HIG), Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance provider, has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Puri and Sonny Iroche as Independent Non-Executive Directors of its non-life insurance business, Heirs General.
The appointments further strengthen HIG’s governance and leadership team. HIG has enjoyed rapid growth since its launch in 2021, as consumers benefit from the Group’s unique offering of digitally driven insurance products and customer-centric service proposition.
Ibrahim Puri is an accomplished financial services leader, with over 30 years of experience in banking, fintech, and FMCG industries. He was Group Executive Director at the United Bank for Africa and serves on the board of RedTech and Nigeria Breweries. He brings a deep understanding of the African financial industry and the ability to navigate complex market dynamics.
Sonny Iroche has over four decades of experience in finance, investment promotion, and economic advisory. He serves as the Executive Chairman of Strategic Alliance Promotion Company and has held leadership positions at the Transmission Company of Nigeria and United Capital Plc. He also serves as a special advisor to the Board of Governors of the African Leadership Institute (AFLI).
Commenting, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman, Heirs Holdings said: “We are pleased to welcome Ibrahim and Sonny to Heirs Insurance Group, and specifically to Heirs General Insurance. Their exceptional leadership and track record of success will further assist in executing our vision of being Nigeria’s foremost, trusted, and innovative insurance provider. I know that their expertise will enhance Heirs Insurance Group’s position as an industry leader, delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders.”
Heirs Insurance Group is the insurance arm of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents, founded and led by Tony Elumelu. With a rapidly expanding retail footprint and an omnichannel digital presence, Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs General Insurance Limited, Heirs Life Assurance Limited and Heirs Insurance Brokers, serves both corporate and individual customers across Nigeria.
Heirs Insurance Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has announced the birth of twin princes with his wife Mariam Ajibola, to the Royal House of Oduduwa.
The monarch disclosed this in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, expressing gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the children and the wellbeing of their mother.
“To God be all the glory and adoration for His wondrous works and abundant blessings once again.
The announcement has drawn congratulatory messages from admirers and members of the Yoruba royal institution celebrating the arrival of the newborn princes.
After his marriage to Naomi Silekunola ended, the Ooni married several queens within a short period in 2022.
Among the queens are Mariam Anako, Elizabeth Akinmuda, Tobiloba Phillips, Ashley Adegoke, Ronke Ademiluyi and Temitope Adesegun.
During celebrations marking his 48th birthday and seventh coronation anniversary, the monarch explained that his marriages were connected to the traditional heritage and responsibilities attached to the throne of Ile-Ife.
Nigerian entrepreneur, Femi Otedola, has reportedly acquired a mansion in London valued at £53 million, further strengthening the presence of wealthy Nigerian investors in the United Kingdom’s luxury property market.
According to a report by Bloomberg on Thursday, the property is located in St John’s Wood, one of London’s most exclusive residential districts situated close to Regent’s Park.
The report stated that the transaction was concluded late last year, citing a UK filing.
The mansion reportedly features 10 bedrooms alongside luxury facilities including a cinema, spa and cigar room. The property was previously placed on the market for £75 million in 2020, according to media reports.
Otedola is the chairman and majority shareholder of First HoldCo Plc, with business interests spanning finance, energy, shipping and insurance brokerage.
The acquisition comes amid sustained activity in London’s luxury real estate sector despite increased property taxes and adjustments to tax policies affecting foreign residents.
Prime areas such as St John’s Wood, Belgravia and Chelsea continue to attract ultra-wealthy buyers from across the world, with multimillion-pound transactions remaining common in the high-end housing market.
The latest purchase also adds to Otedola’s collection of luxury assets and reflects the continued attraction of London’s upscale neighbourhoods to affluent Nigerian businessmen and corporate executives.
In recent years, several Nigerian business figures have been associated with expensive property acquisitions in the UK capital.
In 2025, Roosevelt Ogbonna, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank, was also reported to have acquired a £15 million property in Hampstead, another affluent area in London popular among wealthy foreign investors.
St John’s Wood, where Otedola’s mansion is located, is widely known for its luxury detached homes, privacy and proximity to landmarks such as Regent’s Park and the Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Bloomberg
Personality in Focus
Aare EmmanuelKing Congratulates Olofin of Ilisan Remo, Oba Sonuga, on 86th Birthday
The Borokinni of Ilishan Remo, Sir Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing KOF, has extended warm birthday felicitations to the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, as the revered monarch celebrates his 86th birthday anniversary.
In a statement released to commemorate the royal father’s birthday, Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing described the monarch as a symbol of peace, wisdom, progress, and exemplary royal leadership, whose reign has continued to bring honor and development to Ilisan Remo.
According to him, since ascending the revered throne of his forefathers, the Olofin has consistently demonstrated purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to the unity, growth, and cultural advancement of the kingdom, while fostering peace and harmony among the people.
He further noted that the monarch’s reign has inspired pride and confidence among indigenes of Ilisan Remo both at home and in the diaspora, adding that Kabiyesi’s dedication to community development and preservation of tradition remains highly commendable.
The Borokinni prayed for continued divine grace, sound health, long life, and greater wisdom for the royal father as he continues his impactful reign on the throne of his ancestors.
“On behalf of my family, associates, and well-wishers, I heartily congratulate His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Barr. Michael Olufemi Mojeed Sonuga Daniyan II, the Olofin of Ilisan Remo, on the joyous occasion of his 86th birthday. May Almighty God continue to strengthen Kabiyesi with peace, sound health, and many more years of fruitful reign,” he stated.
