My Father Discovered Banana Island” – Kiddwaya Makes Bold Claim on Podcast

Nigerian reality TV star Kiddwaya has once again stirred up public conversation after confidently stating that his father, billionaire businessman Terry Waya, “discovered” Banana Island — the luxurious, high-value estate in Ikoyi, Lagos. The claim, which he made during an appearance on the podcast Off The Record, has reignited a long-standing debate about the true origins of one of Nigeria’s most expensive neighbourhoods.

During the podcast, Kiddwaya was asked directly whether it was true that his father discovered the iconic island. Without hesitation, he replied that he had heard the story during one of his trips and only recently learned the full details. His calm but firm confirmation immediately sparked discussions across social media, with many Nigerians revisiting old interviews, archived claims and historical accounts linked to the development of Banana Island.

The conversation speaks to something bigger than celebrity gossip; it touches on the very foundation and history of a place many consider the “Beverly Hills of Nigeria.”

The Waya Family’s Side of the Story

Terry Waya is no stranger to bold claims about his business influence. Over the years, he has repeatedly insisted that he played a major role in the conceptualisation and early development of Banana Island. In past interviews, he narrated how he visited a friend — a former Minister of Works — and stumbled across plans for an elite island project pinned on the wall. According to him, the government was looking for a private partner to take on the ambitious reclamation project, and he immediately declared interest.

From his own account, he proceeded to bring in the Chagoury Group, the multinational construction conglomerate known today for major real-estate and infrastructure development across Lagos. He claims they handled the technical execution while he served as the primary facilitator.

To hear Terry Waya tell it, the project only transformed into reality because he recognised its potential and threw his weight behind it at a time when the idea of reclaiming land from the Lagos lagoon seemed daunting.

Kiddwaya’s recent statement simply re-echoes his father’s long-held narrative — but the controversy comes from the fact that this version of history is far from unanimously accepted.

What Historical Accounts Say About Banana Island’s Real Origins

The widely circulated historical records surrounding Banana Island tell a more complex story. Many real-estate historians trace the idea back to the early 1980s when Chief Adebayo Adeleke, a civil engineer and CEO of City Property Development Ltd., conceptualised a project called Lagoon City.

The original plan involved reclaiming several islands off the Ikoyi shoreline to create a modern, world-class urban district. This was long before the name “Banana Island” entered the picture. Adeleke’s early development efforts were disrupted when government intervention, legal disputes and compensation issues changed the direction of the project.

Eventually, only a portion of the intended reclaimed land became what we now know as Banana Island. The land-filling, sand-filling and major infrastructural work were later handled by the Chagoury Group under a government partnership.

This version of the story positions Chief Adeleke as the conceptual originator and visionary behind the island’s existence.

This is where the conflict begins — and why many Nigerians continue to question Terry Waya’s role. Was he a key participant? A facilitator? A connector between government and developers? Or did he truly “discover” Banana Island?

The answer depends on whom you ask.

Why Kiddwaya’s Statement is Causing Fresh Debate

The renewed uproar is not merely because the claim is controversial, but because Kiddwaya — a public figure with millions of followers — has revived a narrative that had faded from mainstream conversation.

Several factors make this story particularly interesting:

1. Legacy and Influence

For a high-profile family like the Wayas, being publicly associated with the beginnings of Nigeria’s most prestigious island carries enormous prestige. It reinforces a legacy of influence and positions them within the country’s elite developmental history.

2. Historical Accuracy

Nigeria has a long history of poorly documented urban projects. Many landmark developments have muddy beginnings, making room for conflicting claims. The Banana Island story is one such case where public memory and official documentation do not always align.

3. Celebrity Amplification

Because Kiddwaya commands a huge fanbase, any statement he makes spreads quickly across social media. With just one interview, he has revived an old debate that many younger Nigerians never even knew existed.

4. Real-Estate Interest

Banana Island isn’t just a neighbourhood — it is a symbol of wealth, power and exclusivity. Any story connected to its origin naturally attracts attention, especially among real-estate enthusiasts and historians.

A Story That Reflects Nigeria’s Urban History

Whether or not Terry Waya truly “discovered” Banana Island, the discussion highlights a deeper truth about Nigeria’s development patterns. Many iconic structures and estates across the country were created through a mix of government intervention, private partnerships, informal agreements and sometimes undocumented contributions.

It is not uncommon for different stakeholders to claim ownership or credit long after a project becomes successful. Banana Island is no exception.

Kiddwaya’s claim serves as a reminder of how narratives can shift over time — especially when passed down through powerful families or influential individuals. It also exposes the gaps in Nigeria’s historical documentation and how easily public memory can be shaped or reshaped.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding Banana Island’s origin is far from over. Kiddwaya’s casual remark on a podcast has reopened a conversation that spans decades. While some Nigerians support the Waya family’s version of events, others insist that the historical record paints a different picture.

In the end, the truth may lie somewhere in between — a mixture of vision, opportunity, politics and private influence.

What is certain is that stories like this reveal how the development of modern Nigeria has been shaped not just by big corporations and governments, but also by individuals whose roles, contributions and legacies continue to spark debate long after the projects are completed.