The question Who discovered Banana Island has resurfaced after comments linked to reality TV star Kiddwaya sparked fresh public interest in the origins of Lagos’ most exclusive estate. His father, businessman Terry Waya, has long been mentioned in conversations about the early development of the island.
However, Banana Island’s story is not tied to a single moment of discovery. Instead, it reflects a mix of early ideas, government planning, private investors, and large-scale construction that unfolded over time.
To understand it properly, you have to look at the different layers that shaped it.
The Competing Stories Behind Banana Island
One version of the story credits Terry Waya. He says he first learned about the opportunity through a government connection. According to him, he then brought key investors into the project. He also claims he introduced the Chagoury Group, which later became central to the development.
However, another timeline begins much earlier.
Chief Adebayo Adeleke had already imagined a waterfront city called “Lagoon City” in the same area. After losing land in Maroko, he received swampy coastal land as compensation and began planning a full urban development.
He invested heavily in the project. He also brought in international expertise, including architect Minoru Yamasaki. Even so, political and administrative changes stopped the project before completion.
Meanwhile, government policy also shaped the direction of development.
Lateef Jakande is often linked to early ideas around reclaiming waterfront land for structured urban growth. The goal focused on creating high-value estates while using proceeds to support wider housing development.
Over time, these separate ideas merged into what later became Banana Island.
The final transformation came through the Chagoury Group. The company handled dredging, infrastructure, and full estate development. As a result, the area changed from swamp land into one of Africa’s most expensive residential districts.
So Who Discovered Banana Island?
That depends on how you define “discovery.”
Discovery is not a single act here. Instead, it depends on perspective.
From an opportunity standpoint, Terry Waya played a role by connecting stakeholders and introducing investors. From a vision standpoint, Chief Adebayo Adeleke saw the potential first through his Lagoon City plan, which came years earlier.
Government planning also shaped the process, especially through policy directions linked to Lateef Jakande. Finally, the Chagoury Group carried out the physical work that turned plans into reality.
In the end, Banana Island does not belong to one origin story. It grew out of multiple contributions that happened at different stages.
Banana Island’s history is layered, not linear. Each phase added something different. vision, policy, investment, and construction.
Because of that, the question Who discovered Banana Island? does not have a single answer. Instead, it reflects how major developments often come from overlapping ideas rather than one individual breakthrough.
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