Former governor Akinwunmi Ambode completes multi-billion naira hotel

Former Lagos Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has ventured into a new realm beyond politics. He recently revealed a remarkable creation that goes beyond the ordinary. Once in charge of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities, Ambode has now shifted his focus to the skies of Ikeja, where his luxurious project, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, stands proudly as a symbol of extravagance. Located on the renowned Ladoke Akintola Road in Ikeja GRA, Ambode’s latest endeavor is set to redefine both his legacy and the ever-changing hospitality scene in Lagos.

Ambode’s vision for the Hyatt Regency was not just built with bricks and mortar, but with the determination and aspirations that arose from an unfinished governorship. Instead of giving up, Ambode adapted and turned his attention from politics to creating a luxurious establishment. This vision, which originated during his time as Lagos Governor, has now become a reality after three years of hard work. It stands as a remarkable symbol of his unwavering ambition, ready to welcome guests from around the world.

The newly completed Hyatt Regency, with its sleek lines and contemporary elegance, is a statement of defiance, grandeur, and rebirth. Rising from the heart of Ikeja GRA, the 120-room luxury hotel developed in partnership with Churchgate—a titan in Nigeria’s real estate sector—mirrors its surroundings in both form and aspiration. Ladoke Akintola Road, where it proudly sits, is no stranger to upscale developments, with neighbors like the Marriott Hotel by Sifax Group, the Radisson Blu Ikeja, and the iconic Sheraton Hotel all within close reach. This enclave, designed for Lagos’ middle-to-high-income residents, offers the perfect terrain for Ambode’s foray into hospitality. But unlike many of its counterparts, this hotel bears a story as rich as its architectural detail.

The road to completion wasn’t without its share of ironies and intrigue. For Ambode, the Hyatt Regency was more than a business endeavor—it was a political dream deferred. Sources close to the former governor whisper that his initial vision had been to see the hotel rise within his second term, a period he had hoped to secure with a landslide re-election. But fate, or rather, the powers within his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), had other plans. In a moment of miscalculation, Ambode found himself edged out of the race for a second term, denied the ticket that many had assumed would be his.

Denied the chance to continue his political trajectory, Ambode did not retreat to idle lamentation. Instead, like a phoenix, he turned his focus to the project that had always simmered in the back of his mind—his foray into the hospitality industry. What began as a blueprint during his governorship transformed into a tangible vision the moment he stepped off the political stage. Construction of the Hyatt Regency began in earnest in the first quarter of 2021, and though the initial timeline projected completion by mid-2024, Ambode’s determination saw the hotel finished ahead of schedule, defying the odds once again.

The Hyatt Regency is a jewel, crafted in partnership with Churchgate, developers known for their iconic commercial towers that punctuate the Lagos skyline—Churchgate 1, Churchgate 2, and Churchgate Plaza. Their combined expertise is evident in the hotel’s sophisticated design, which merges Lagos’ vibrant energy with the timeless luxury that the Hyatt brand is known for. Its strategic location, a mere stone’s throw from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, guarantees it will become a go-to haven for travelers and business elites seeking both convenience and comfort. Ikeja GRA has long been a coveted enclave, an area where the cosmopolitan essence of Lagos thrives, and Ambode’s Hyatt Regency is set to become the crown jewel of the neighborhood’s hospitality offerings.

For Ambode, this hotel is not just an investment of wealth, but an investment of legacy. The grandeur of the building, the refined opulence within, echoes the resilience of a man who refused to fade quietly into the shadows after his unexpected political exit. The Hyatt Regency, with its 120 luxury rooms, state-of-the-art conference facilities, gourmet restaurants, and rooftop lounges, promises to cater to both business and leisure travelers with the kind of attention to detail that defines world-class hospitality.

Ambode’s shift from politics to hospitality may surprise some, but for those who’ve followed his career closely, it feels like the natural evolution of a man whose ambition was never confined to the boundaries of political office. Those familiar with the former governor’s journey note that his experience in the governorship left him with an intimate understanding of Lagos’ infrastructural needs. It was this awareness that shaped his decision to move into real estate and hospitality, two sectors where he could continue to influence the development of Lagos’ landscape, even outside of political office.

As Lagos continues to emerge as a global business hub, developments like the Hyatt Regency are crucial to meeting the demands of the city’s growing influx of international visitors. Ambode’s venture is both timely and strategic. It not only positions him within one of Nigeria’s most lucrative sectors but also secures his place as a key player in the future of Lagos’ hospitality industry. His hotel stands not just as a testament to his personal resilience but as a symbol of the city’s ongoing transformation.

While the echoes of his time in office still linger, Ambode’s eyes are firmly set on the future. Yet, it would be remiss to think his political ambitions have been extinguished entirely. Recent whispers suggest that Ambode is retracing his way back into the political arena, and there are strong indications he will vie for the APC gubernatorial ticket in 2027. Should he succeed in this bid, it would be a double win—a triumphant return to politics coupled with the flourishing of his business ventures.

The hotel, in a sense, becomes a metaphor for Ambode’s journey. What began as a political vision interrupted by fate, now stands as a symbol of reinvention. The Hyatt Regency’s completion marks the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another, one in which Akinwunmi Ambode asserts his power not from the government house, but from the suites and corridors of his luxury hotel.

For those who believed his political journey ended with his departure from office, the Hyatt Regency is a reminder that ambition, much like the city of Lagos itself, never truly sleeps. And if Ambode’s latest moves are any indication, his story is far from over—this is merely the interlude before the next act.