Growth without structure is destruction – Isimi Lagos chairman, Ayilara

The founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of The LandWey Company, and Chairman of Isimi Lagos, Olawale Ayilara, tells TOFARATI IGE about his career, business, lifestyle and other issues

What sparked your initial interest in the real estate industry?

I started doing business quite early in life, at below the age of 20, and I explored several ventures across different sectors while trying to understand where my strengths and long-term opportunities lay. During that period of exploration, I carried out deliberate research into industries that had the capacity to capture a significant share of people’s income and attention over time. I realised that after food, which is the most basic human need, real estate naturally comes next because shelter is fundamental to human existence. That discovery made the industry very compelling to me. Beyond that, real estate also offers versatile opportunities to create value, whether through development, investment, or infrastructure, and that creative dimension was something that strongly appealed to me from the beginning.

How did your early career failures shape your current success?

Failure played a critical role in refining my judgment and shaping the way I approach both business and life today. It stripped me of ego and replaced it with discipline, forcing me to confront reality without excuses. Every setback I experienced came with lessons that gradually reshaped my thinking. I came to understand that vision without structure is simply noise, and ambition without resilience is fragile and unsustainable. Each mistake added to my experience, and over time, that accumulated experience began to reduce the frequency and impact of my mistakes. In essence, failure became a teacher that helped me build a stronger, more grounded foundation for success.

What was the biggest risk you took when starting LandWey?

The biggest risk I took was simply deciding to start at all. At that point, I had no institutional backing, no safety net, and no external validation; just my conviction and belief in what I wanted to build. However, looking back, I realise that the real risk was not even financial. The deeper risk was choosing to think differently in a market that tends to reward conformity and familiarity. It meant going against established norms and trusting my own perspective in an environment where that is not always encouraged. That level of belief in a different approach was, in many ways, the greatest risk I embraced.

If you could give your 21-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would advise my younger self to focus on mastering one thing deeply before trying to do many things at once. Depth of skill is what builds true confidence, and that confidence eventually creates leverage in whatever field you choose to operate in. When you spread yourself too thin too early, you risk becoming average at many things instead of exceptional at one. Mastery creates a solid foundation that can then be expanded upon, and that is something I would emphasise much earlier if I had the opportunity.

What has been the most defining moment of your career?

One of the most defining moments of my career was navigating the construction and economic crisis in Nigeria while still managing to protect both our clients and our brand. That period was extremely challenging because it tested not only our operational systems but also our values and integrity as an organisation. It required difficult decisions, strategic adjustments, and a strong commitment to doing right by our stakeholders, even in uncertain conditions. Ultimately, that experience strengthened our resilience and reinforced the importance of trust and credibility in business.

How do you maintain a culture of innovation at LandWey?

We maintain a culture of innovation by deliberately refusing comfort and complacency. At LandWey, we prioritise thinking as much as we prioritise execution, because innovation begins with questioning existing systems and assumptions. We reward people who challenge the norm and bring fresh perspectives, not just those who simply follow instructions. For us, innovation is not a one-time event or a buzzword; it is a discipline that is embedded in how we operate daily. It reflects in the way we ask questions, the way we approach problems, and the way we continuously seek better solutions.

What is your strategy for navigating Nigeria’s volatile economic landscape?

Our strategy revolves around building agility, adapting quickly, structuring intelligently, and maintaining a long-term perspective. Nigeria’s economic environment can be unpredictable, so the ability to pivot and adjust is critical. We made a strategic shift from purely development-focused operations to incorporating land banking and site-and-service models. That transition allowed us to preserve value during uncertain periods while also positioning ourselves ahead of the curve. It is about staying flexible while still maintaining a clear long-term vision.

How do you identify and groom leadership talent within your organisations?

When identifying leadership talent, I prioritise ownership over mere competence. Competence is important, but true leaders are those who take responsibility beyond their defined roles and approach their work as though it is personal to them. I look for individuals who think independently, anticipate challenges, and are willing to take initiative. Grooming such leaders involves giving them opportunities to take on responsibility, make decisions, and learn from both successes and failures. Leadership is ultimately about mindset, not just skill.

What role does technology play in the future of African real estate?

Technology will play a transformative role in shaping the future of African real estate by redefining access, transparency, and efficiency across the sector. From smart infrastructure to data-driven planning and digital transactions, the integration of technology will make real estate processes more streamlined and accessible. Africa’s real estate future cannot rely solely on physical structures; it must be intelligent and responsive to modern needs. Technology will be the backbone that supports this evolution.

How do you balance aggressive business expansion with operational sustainability?

The key to balancing expansion with sustainability is respecting timing and ensuring that growth is supported by a solid foundation. Growth without structure can quickly lead to operational challenges and long-term damage. We only expand when we are confident that our systems, processes, and resources are strong enough to support that growth. It is about being intentional rather than impulsive, ensuring that each step forward is backed by capacity and preparedness.

What was the original spark of inspiration behind the wellness resort, Isimi Lagos?

The inspiration behind Isimi Lagos came from a deep dissatisfaction with how cities were being built and experienced. I wanted to create something fundamentally different—a place where people do not just live, but truly experience their environment in a meaningful way. It was about rethinking urban living and designing a space that prioritises lifestyle, wellness, and connection rather than just structures and aesthetics.

How challenging is it to build an eco-friendly city in Nigeria?

It is extremely challenging because the process goes beyond constructing physical infrastructure. You are also addressing deeply rooted mindsets, developing supply chains, and creating systems that support sustainability. Many of these elements are still evolving in Nigeria, which adds complexity to the process. However, these challenges are precisely why such projects are necessary. They push the industry forward and set new standards for what is possible.

What does Isimi Lagos offer that traditional luxury developments do not?

What sets Isimi Lagos apart is its sense of purpose. Many traditional luxury developments focus primarily on surface-level features such as aesthetics and exclusivity. In contrast, Isimi Lagos is designed to be experiential, offering a holistic ecosystem that combines wellness, nature, community and legacy. It is not just about living in a beautiful space; it is about experiencing a balanced and intentional lifestyle.

How are you ensuring Isimi Lagos remains accessible, and is not just for the elite?

We are ensuring accessibility through structured entry points that allow different levels of participation. These include options such as lifestyle annual memberships, legacy memberships, and land ownership opportunities. Accessibility, in this context, is not about making the offering cheap; it is about creating smart and flexible entry pathways into a private, exclusive, membership-based ecosystem. This approach allows more people to engage with the vision without compromising its quality.

Where do you see Isimi Lagos in the next 10 years?

In the next decade, I see Isimi Lagos becoming a global reference point for experiential living. It will not just be recognised within Africa but across the world as a benchmark for how cities and communities can be designed to prioritise lifestyle, sustainability, and human experience. The goal is to create something that stands out on a global scale.

How do you personally define ‘wellness’ in your daily life?

For me, wellness is about achieving clarity of mind, discipline of body, and alignment of purpose. It goes beyond relaxation or temporary comfort. True wellness is about maintaining balance in your lifestyle through consistent, healthy choices that support both your physical and mental well-being. It is a continuous process rather than a one-time effort.

How do you disconnect from work and recharge your energy?

I do not completely disconnect from work; instead, I focus on realigning myself. I recharge through time spent in nature, moments of silence, quality sleep, and meaningful interactions with family and friends. Reflection also plays an important role in helping me stay grounded. These practices allow me to maintain balance without losing focus on my responsibilities.

What are the top three daily habits that keep you productive?

The three habits that keep me productive are learning, execution, and iteration. I make a conscious effort to learn continuously, but I do not remain in theory for too long. I prioritise execution, taking action on ideas and plans quickly. After that, I refine and improve through iteration. Growth is a cycle that involves learning, acting, and improving consistently.

How has fatherhood or family life influenced your approach to business?

Fatherhood and family life have made the concept of legacy much more real and tangible for me. My decisions are no longer focused solely on immediate outcomes; they are guided by long-term impact and what will remain even after I am no longer here. It has added a deeper sense of responsibility and purpose to the way I approach business and life in general.

If you weren’t in real estate, what career would you be pursuing?

If I were not in real estate, I would still be involved in something that allows me to implement strategy and create value. It would likely be in venture incubation or business growth strategy, where I can help build and scale ideas. Regardless of the field, creation and strategic thinking would remain constant elements of what I do.

How can Nigeria solve its massive housing deficit effectively?

Addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit requires scaling through structure. The government has a critical role to play in strengthening mortgage access, supporting developer financing, and investing in infrastructure. At the same time, private developers must focus on improving execution efficiency and delivering projects effectively. It requires collaboration between public and private sectors to create sustainable solutions.

What must the government do to better support real estate developers?

The government needs to ensure policy consistency, invest in infrastructure, and provide access to long-term financing. Real estate development thrives in stable environments where developers can plan and execute projects with confidence. Without these key elements, growth in the sector will remain limited.

How is climate change actively impacting your long-term development strategies?

Climate change has significantly influenced the way we approach development, making sustainability a non-negotiable aspect of our strategy. We are now more intentional about incorporating environmentally conscious practices such as tree planting, sustainable energy systems, and eco-friendly designs. Our focus is on building developments that are not only relevant today but also resilient and sustainable for the future.

What advice do you have for young Africans looking to enter real estate?

My advice is to start with knowledge rather than money. Take the time to understand land, study the market, and learn how value is created within the industry. Once you build competence, access to capital and growth opportunities will naturally follow. Knowledge is the foundation that supports long-term success in real estate.

How do you want your legacy to be remembered in Nigeria’s history?

I would like my legacy to be remembered as someone who did not just build houses, but redefined how cities should exist and how people experience them. It is about creating impact that goes beyond physical structures and contributes to a better way of living.