The poor state of basic infrastructure in Ikoyi does not justify the outrageous cost of living or its reputation as the most expensive real estate on the continent. Successive Lagos State governments have shown little interest in transforming this famous suburb of the rich into a beautiful paradise truly befitting its prestige and status writes Demola Ojo
I settle for a glass of fruit punch after flipping through the menu. It’s N3,500 . I’m not surprised. This is normal fare in these parts. Getting here was a tortuous journey. The Uber that brought me initially went to the next street, Cameron, in error. Unfortunately, his car paid for it; he failed to evade a pothole in the middle of the road. The jarring impact jolted me out of my reverie. “Sorry,” I offered, even though it was no fault of mine.
For both our sakes, I hoped we would pass without incidence. We did. The next few metres driving into the George were uneventful. This, because The George is on the better side of Lugard. This stretch is considered to be the most prestigious not only in Lagos, but in Nigeria. It covers various embassies, offices of international organisations, the multi-billion naira Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, opulent mansions serving as status symbols for the mega rich that live here, and fancy hospitality outlets.
This dreadful road passes in front of the Lagos office of British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. With each search, the prices go up. Many of the prices are quoted in dollars. These are for flats. Three-bedroom apartments in some of the luxury apartment buildings in Ikoyi go for between $45,000 and $80,000 annually.
Among other things, Danfo Bistro serves classic Nigerian dishes like Akara , Suya and Ewa Agoyin to “bougie” clientele at over-the-top prices. And just like upscale hotels like Southern Sun and The Wheatbaker to niche restaurants, bars and nightclubs that dot this locality, you’re paying for the overheads incurred from generating their own electricity.