Bitter Betrayal: The Disputed N48 Million Loan and a Broken Friendship Between Oyo Prince and Businesswoman

 Lukman Gbadegesin and Mrs. Omoshalewa Akinleye, both natives of Oyo State, have experienced a tumultuous relationship that began innocently in 2017 when they connected on Facebook. Despite their different backgrounds—Gbadegesin hailing from a royal lineage and Omoshalewa being a businesswoman—their initial bond seemed promising. However, years later, their friendship soured over financial transactions, leading Omoshalewa to regret not listening to her instincts and cutting ties with the Oyo prince, whom she once called "Uncle Lukman."

Omoshalewa accused Gbadegesin of exploiting her generosity, borrowing N48 million without repaying it. On the other hand, Gbadegesin, a respected figure among the princes vying for the Alaafin of Oyo throne, believes that the entire situation was orchestrated to sabotage his bid for the position. He claims to have repaid N30.2 million of the disputed amount and insists he owes nothing further, backing up his claim with documentation.

Omoshalewa, however, has her own evidence to support her version of events, including detailed conversations and other records. She explained that their relationship began on Facebook in 2017, and after meeting briefly at a party in Ibadan, they kept in touch online. The first red flag appeared when Gbadegesin asked her to help him purchase 40 cows, which she found suspicious and blocked him. Communication resumed in 2019, when Omoshalewa needed urgent help returning to Nigeria due to her mother’s illness. Gbadegesin assisted her in navigating the logistics of her return, offering support when she arrived in Abuja.

Grateful for the assistance, Omoshalewa later agreed to help him financially when he claimed to be in financial distress over a government contract. He presented documents and images of ongoing construction, and she eventually agreed to lend him N20 million, facilitated through a loan from her uncle, a bank manager. Despite assurances from Gbadegesin that he would repay the money within three months, he continued to ask for more. By the time the loan’s due date passed, he had not repaid Omoshalewa, who, in desperation, sold personal belongings to cover interest payments on the loan.

The situation worsened when Gbadegesin requested an additional N2.5 million to settle government officials, followed by further demands for money due to issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Omoshalewa claimed that despite Gbadegesin owing her over N30 million, he still pressed for more money.

Over time, Omoshalewa became financially devastated, facing pressure from the bank to repay the loan. Her once-thriving business, selling local fabrics, was reduced to selling her goods on the street. Despite repeated pleas for repayment, Gbadegesin continued to avoid paying her back. She eventually wrote petitions to the EFCC and police, leading to an investigation. During this time, she discovered that the contract Gbadegesin claimed to be working on had been revoked by the government.

Gbadegesin, for his part, maintains that the entire situation is a smear campaign to discredit him and prevent his ascension to the Alaafin throne. He admitted to borrowing money from Omoshalewa but insists that the financial dealings were transparent, with no agreement on interest. He claims Omoshalewa’s version of events is inaccurate and that their interactions were all well-documented.

The prince, who comes from the Gbadegesin family of the Agunloye Ruling House, claims that the contract Omoshalewa helped finance was legitimate, with government documents confirming its details. However, the project was mismanaged, and the contract was eventually terminated. Despite his financial struggles, he insists that Omoshalewa’s claims about interest and the total amount owed are exaggerated.

As the conflict escalates, Omoshalewa continues to seek justice, hoping for a resolution through the EFCC or other legal means. Gbadegesin, meanwhile, remains confident that the allegations against him are baseless and believes the entire matter has been blown out of proportion to undermine his reputation and royal ambitions.

While the case remains unresolved, both parties continue to offer conflicting accounts of the financial dealings and their once-promising friendship.