Gabriel igbinedion biography
Home / Celebrity Biographies / Gabriel igbinedion biography
His first wife, Maria Oredola Igbinedion, served as a matriarchal figure in the family until her death on December 1, 2021, at age 85; she was the mother of his eldest son, Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion.[40][41] His second wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, a Jamaican native whom he married in 1977, has been actively involved in sustaining family enterprises and traditions; she is the mother of four children and frequently appears with Igbinedion at public family events.[42][43]The couple has produced a large family, with Igbinedion fathering at least 15 children across his marriages, many of whom have pursued careers in politics, business, and public service, reflecting a pattern of intergenerational involvement in Edo State affairs.
Similarly, expansions into Sierra Leone faced operational collapses around 2009, attributed to local political instability and mismanagement, prompting Igbinedion's direct involvement in renegotiating terms with authorities there.[53]Legal scrutiny has primarily arisen through associations with family members' cases rather than direct personal charges against Igbinedion.
The active involvement of his children in both business and public service is a reflection of Igbinedion’s belief in the importance of family and legacy.
The shifting of base from the old to the new Okada some five kilometers away was motivated by the desire to settle near the new road being constructed at that time. He built an expansive property portfolio in Benin City, owning thousands of land plots, some of which were acquired from deceased Bini chiefs.
His investment in education extends beyond the university, as he has also funded various scholarship programs and built schools and training centers that benefit thousands of young Nigerians.
Real Estate and Media
Igbinedion’s success in real estate is another cornerstone of his empire.
Thus most pupils who began school at Okada eventually ended up in Benin.
The Igbinedion family is a living example of how entrepreneurial success, when combined with a commitment to public service, can yield lasting benefits for society. By successfully bridging traditional values with modern business practices, he has shown that it is possible to build a legacy that is both profitable and socially responsible.
He is the son of Josiah Agharagbon Oviawe Igbinedion and Madam Okunozee (née Ihaza). He was one of them. His emphasis on nurturing talent within the family and supporting community initiatives has established a blueprint for sustainable success that other business leaders can emulate.
Impact on Nigerian Society
Beyond the numbers, Chief Igbinedion’s true legacy is measured by the positive change he has inspired in Nigerian society.
Following his secondary schooling, he pursued a teacher training program, marking the beginning of his professional development. Through his extensive philanthropic work in education, healthcare, and community development, he has enriched the lives of many Nigerians and set a high standard for what it means to be a socially responsible entrepreneur.
In his personal life, his marriage to Lady Cherry Igbinedion and the remarkable achievements of his children reinforce the idea that success is best enjoyed when shared with family and community.
Today, he is not only revered as the Esama (a title that means “son of the people”) of the Benin Kingdom but also stands as one of Nigeria’s most influential business tycoons, philanthropists, and pioneers in various industries. In April 2024, he was appointed to the Advisory Committee of the PDP's Campaign Council for the Edo State governorship election, serving alongside figures such as former Governor Godwin Obaseki and Theophilus Danjuma to provide strategic guidance.[38][39] In July 2025, he was included in an advisory council for the PDP's bye-election campaign efforts in Edo State, chaired by Obaseki, focused on senatorial and federal constituency races.
As a traditional aristocrat and a modern business magnate, Chief Igbinedion exemplifies the unique blend of cultural heritage and progressive enterprise that characterizes Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit.
For anyone aspiring to build a lasting legacy, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion’s story offers invaluable lessons: embrace hard work, remain true to your values, diversify wisely, and always remember the importance of giving back.
He is married to Lady Cherry Igbinedion, a native of Jamaica, who has been an indispensable partner throughout his journey. His ability to weather economic downturns and political instability is a testament to his strategic acumen and the robustness of his diversified investments.
A Lasting Legacy in Nigerian Business and Beyond
Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion’s life is a remarkable illustration of the transformative power of vision, hard work, and ethical leadership.
His fortune is derived from a broad range of business ventures, including significant investments in education, media, real estate, and oil and gas. For Igbinedion, philanthropy is not merely an obligation; it is an expression of gratitude for the success he has achieved and a means to create lasting positive change.
Challenges and Controversies
No story of monumental success is without its challenges.