Fashion entrepreneur Sophia Momodu’s celebratory house reveal has been met with an unexpected public denial from the property’s real estate company. The incident, which unfolded on Friday, September 20, 2024, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and prompted Nollywood actress Sarah Martins to leap to Momodu’s defense.
As the sun set over Lagos on that fateful Friday evening, Sophia Momodu, known to many as the mother of Afrobeats superstar Davido’s daughter Imade Adeleke, took to Snapchat to share what appeared to be a joyous milestone in her life. With palpable excitement, Momodu offered her followers a virtual tour of a luxurious residence she claimed as her new home.
I can’t believe this is really happening,” Momodu’s voice could be heard saying in the video, her tone brimming with pride as she panned across sleek marble floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. This is a dream come true for me and Imade.
However, the champagne had barely stopped flowing when the real estate company associated with the property issued a statement that brought Momodu’s celebrations to a screeching halt. In a terse press release, the company categorically denied Momodu’s ownership claims, leaving fans and industry watchers alike in a state of confusion.
“We wish to clarify that the property showcased by Ms. Sophia Momodu is not owned by her,” read the statement from Lagos Luxury Homes, the real estate firm in question. “While we respect Ms. Momodu’s privacy, we are obligated to correct any misinformation regarding our properties.”
The denial sent shockwaves through social media, with opinions divided and speculation running rampant. Some questioned Momodu’s integrity, while others criticized the real estate company for what they perceived as a breach of client confidentiality.
It was in this charged atmosphere that Nollywood actress Sarah Martins decided to weigh in on the controversy. Known for her outspoken nature and fierce loyalty to friends, Martins took to Instagram to lambast the real estate company for their handling of the situation.
“Very unprofessional!!” Martins wrote in a post that quickly went viral. “What if your so-called client bought it for her? Make una try dey rest.” The post, written in a mix of English and Nigerian Pidgin, resonated with many who felt the company’s public statement was an overreach.
In an exclusive interview with our reporter, Martins elaborated on her stance. “Listen, I’ve known Sophia for years,” she said, her voice rising with indignation. “She’s not the type to make false claims for attention. There are many ways someone can acquire a property – it could be a gift, it could be through a trust. For this company to come out and embarrass her like this, without even reaching out to her first, it’s just not right.”
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about privacy, celebrity culture, and the ethics of real estate dealings in Nigeria. Dr. Olumide Abimbola, a sociologist at the University of Lagos, offered his perspective on the matter.
What we’re seeing here is a collision between the world of social media, where people feel compelled to share every aspect of their lives, and the more discreet world of high-end real estate,” Dr. Abimbola explained. “It raises interesting questions about privacy, verification, and the responsibilities of companies when dealing with high-profile clients.”
As the story continued to unfold, attempts to reach Sophia Momodu for comment were unsuccessful. However, sources close to the entrepreneur suggested that she was “devastated” by the turn of events and was considering legal action against the real estate company for what she perceived as defamation.
Meanwhile, at the offices of Lagos Luxury Homes, a tense atmosphere prevailed. Employees hurried in and out, tight-lipped and refusing to comment on the situation. A security guard, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that an emergency meeting of the company’s board had been called to address the fallout from their statement.
The controversy has also reignited interest in Momodu’s relationship with Davido, with some speculating whether the Afrobeats star might have been involved in the property purchase. However, representatives for Davido have remained silent on the matter, refusing to be drawn into the ongoing drama.
As night fell over Lagos, the city buzzed with discussions about the day’s events. In cafes, bars, and living rooms across the metropolis, people debated the merits of Momodu’s claim and the real estate company’s response.
I don’t know who to believe,” said Chidi Okafor, a young banker sipping a beer at a popular Lagos hangout. “But I do know that this whole thing is going to be the talk of the town for weeks to come.”
As the dust settles on this explosive revelation, many questions remain unanswered. Was Sophia Momodu’s claim of ownership premature or misunderstood? Did the real estate company overstep its bounds in issuing a public denial? And what long-term impact will this incident have on the relationship between celebrities and the luxury real estate market in Nigeria?
One thing is certain: this controversy has shed light on the complex intersection of celebrity culture, social media, and high-end real estate in Nigeria. As the story continues to develop, it serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of public declarations and the importance of discretion in personal and business matters.
For now, all eyes remain on Sophia Momodu and Lagos Luxury Homes as the Nigerian public eagerly awaits the next chapter in this unfolding drama. Whatever the outcome, this incident is sure to spark important conversations about privacy, professionalism, and the power of social media in shaping public perception.
