Ezego: The Rise and Fall of Nigeria’s “King of Money'

In the 1990s, one name stood out in Nigeria’s pop culture, Ezego, also known as the “King of Money.” He was born as Victor Nnamdi Okafor in 1964 in Ihiala, Anambra State. Ezego grew up with a rough background but later became one of the richest and most flashy men in Nigeria.

He lived in Lagos and owned the popular Ezego Shopping Complex, which sold expensive electronics and luxury items. He had many cars, Limousines, Mercedes Benz, Rolls-Royce parked along Allen Avenue like it was his private car show. Even though he was in his 30s, he lived like a much older billionaire. People talked about how rich and generous he was, especially young people who saw him as a role model. But many still asked in quiet voices, “Where did all that money really come from?”

His rise to fame was fast but his fall came just as quickly.

On December 25, 1999, while driving one of his fancy cars from Lagos to Ihiala for Christmas, Ezego had a terrible accident near Asaba. He lost control of the car and later died from his injuries on Christmas Day. He was just 35 years old.

His sudden death shocked the whole country. People began to talk. Some said it was karma. Others said spiritual powers were involved, or that he broke a secret agreement. Whatever the reason, one thing is sure,Ezego’s story became a warning about quick wealth, pride, and how short life can be.

In the end, the so-called King of Money left behind houses, cars, mystery,and one big question: What is truly behind sudden wealth?