Sanwo-Olu’s Empty Ikoyi Cemetery Vault Goes Viral: Here’s The Price

Summary:

• The viral photo of an empty vault allegedly belonging to Governor Sanwo-Olu at Ikoyi Cemetery sparked public outrage and discussions about burial practices and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.
• The cost of burial plots at Ikoyi Cemetery depends on various factors such as location, size, and availability. According to a 2019 report by People Magazine, a mausoleum can cost between N28,000,000 and N40,000,000.
• Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi Cemetery, has interred several notable Nigerian figures, including Governor Fashola’s father and Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mother, and offers various vault options to its clients.

In the era of social media, a single image or event can quickly gain momentum and lead to unforeseen consequences. A recent example is the viral photo of an empty vault at the prestigious Ikoyi Cemetery in Lagos, Nigeria, allegedly belonging to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This article will explore the background of the cemetery, the viral photo, and the surprising price of the empty vault.

Background of Ikoyi Cemetery

History

Established in the early 20th century, Ikoyi Cemetery is one of the oldest and most prestigious cemeteries in Lagos, Nigeria. It serves as the final resting place for many notable Nigerian figures, including politicians, artists, and business tycoons.

Significance

The historical significance and prime location of the Ikoyi Cemetery make it one of the most sought-after burial sites in Nigeria. Due to its status, the price of a burial plot at Ikoyi Cemetery has increased significantly over the years.

The Viral Photo and Its Origins

Peace Ighodaro, an Edo native now residing in Lagos, was the first to share the image of the allegedly empty vault belonging to Governor Sanwo-Olu. According to Ighodaro, she visited the cemetery for a burial, and the person they went to bury had booked his vault and that of his family long ago. In response to questions about whether corrupt politicians were hiding money inside the vault, Ighodaro denied such claims.

In a separate post, a young man named Elias Onoja, who appears to be a supporter of the Lagos State Labour Party gubernatorial candidate, claimed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had preordered a burial spot in Ikoyi, Lagos, worth more than N200,000,000.00 (Two hundred million Naira) per spot.

Public Reaction and Price Speculation

The photo of the empty vault quickly went viral, with many questioning why a public official would reserve such an expensive vault. The public’s reaction ranged from curiosity to outrage as people discussed the priorities of the Nigerian government and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.

It is crucial to keep in mind that Elias Onoja’s claims about the vault’s exact price are speculative and unsubstantiated. However, given the prestigious nature of the Ikoyi Cemetery, it is not surprising that the cost of a burial plot could be quite high, but not to that extent.

People Magazine’s Insight into Vault Costs

The Truth

In a 2019 report by People Magazine, the exorbitant price for a burial vault at Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi Cemetery, was discussed. The article highlighted the fact that many affluent Nigerians choose to bury their loved ones at this prestigious cemetery due to its serene environment and excellent maintenance.

The report goes on to mention that the prices for burial vaults at this cemetery vary greatly, with the most expensive being a mausoleum. A mausoleum can cost between N28,000,000 and N40,000,000, depending on the size and design.

Vaults and Gardens has interred several dignitaries and important personalities in Nigeria, including Governor Fashola’s father, Pa Ademola Fashola, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mother. The cemetery offers various vault options such as High-Density Vaults, Medium High Density, Medium Low Density, Low Density, Special Density, Special Medium Density, and Mausoleums.