Article written by Hakeem Adigun. Read below…
The social scene has been buzzing with news that signals a turnaround for lawyer and social personality Adaobi Alagwu. Once at the centre of one of the most talked-about relationship sagas in Nigeria’s high society, Adaobi seems to have finally turned the page. From heartbreak and controversy to love and redemption, her story has taken on a new glow; one that now overshadows the storms of her past.
Sources close to Adaobi say she is happier than she has been in years. The once-embattled lawyer is said to have found love again, this time in the arms of one of Nigeria’s youngest lawmakers. The new man in her life is described as calm, driven, and completely devoted; a striking contrast to the chaotic past that trailed her name. Adaobi and her new man recently spent her birthday together in Paris, where she was treated to what friends call “princess treatment,” culminating in a surprise proposal.
He reportedly presented her with an 18-karat gold engagement ring valued at over half a million dollars, a symbol of a new beginning for a young woman who has clearly learned to guard her heart and her own.
This twist comes after months of intense legal drama and online speculation surrounding Adaobi’s estranged relationship with billionaire businessman and former Skye Bank chairman, Dr. Tunde Ayeni. Their story has been the stuff of scandals, lawsuits, and social media obsession; a relationship that began privately but played out publicly, leaving both parties fighting for their reputations. In one of their many legal battles, the Customary Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dawaki, Abuja, declined jurisdiction to entertain a suit filed by Ayeni against Adaobi, effectively closing yet another chapter in their long-running dispute. For Adaobi, the judgment was a quiet but significant victory.
However,. Ayeni once seen as one of the shining stars of Nigeria’s banking and investment world, has lately been caught in a swirl of controversies, from leaked recordings and messy relationship fallouts to multiple court battles, all of which Adaobi won. In the latest of these dramas, an audio clip between Ayeni and another woman, Gail Fajembola went viral.
For Adaobi and her mum, both women once labelled, judged, and dissected by the public have now reclaimed their steeze, composure and glow; she now proudly flaunts her ring, her man and she’s gradually finding her spark sharing moments, snapshots and reels on social media; posting freely and going on outings openly without the shame of being with a married man. Her daughter has also gotten herself a father figure who dotes on her and is ready to salvage what’s left of her childhood from the trauma she’s suffered. Friends say she has chosen to surround herself with family and people who truly wish her well, getting her groove back.
According to a close family source, preparations are already in top gear for what promises to be a grand destination wedding, with her mum (very well known to have been Ayeni’s partner in crime, almost to the point to abetting him against her daughter, is now very busy preparing for her daughter’s wedding) excitedly leading the charge – and who can blame her? After surviving Ayeni’s consistent media white-washing to the detriment of her daughter’s wellbeing. Friends say the excitement is palpable with Lagos and Abuja girls already using her as a prayer point, whilst anticipating her aso ebi and invitation. For Adaobi, it’s a complete rebirth; the ugly saga with Ayeni that once drew her into her shadows is now firmly behind her. These days, she steps out living freely and unapologetically.
Ayeni’s troubles, however, go beyond personal drama which includes his numerous court cases, probes, and public controversies.
Now, the die is cast and whispers around Nigeria’s social circle suggests Ayeni has a lot of atoning for his sins to do, it’ll be a long road to redemption for him to clean up his name from the messy voice note.
