Our story · Ojo, Lagos
SINCE
1990.
One family. One piece of land. More than three decades of welcoming people to the same ground.
-
Before 1990
A vision takes off
The founder’s vision begins while he is working as an aeronautical engineer with the now-defunct Nigeria Airways.
The founder at work as an aeronautical engineer with Nigeria Airways -
1990
The land
The Soyinka family, who share ancestry with the Ojo local community, complete the purchase of the land that will one day become Magida Gardens.
The family oriki from Oba Y. Dawodu, the Olojo II of Ojo, on behalf of the family -
1994
Ground prepared
The land is fully cleared and surveyed for the construction of a restaurant and lodging.
The survey plan and land receipt -
1995
Era Moto Inn
The founder opens the restaurant and names it Era Moto Inn.
-
2002
Remembering the founder
The founder passes on. His children carry his vision forward.
The founder with his daughter 
The founder’s other children -
2012
Rebuilt as Magida Gardens
The family rebuilds the grounds and renames the business Magida Gardens, after the name of the founder’s library and his love of Northern culture and values.
The rebuilt poolside, 2012 
The fountain courtyard after the 2012 rebuild -
2025
Growing our own
Farming begins on the grounds.
Planters along the garden walls, 2025 -
2025
Struck by disaster
A natural disaster tears through the venue.
The damage, 2025 -
2025
Rebuilt again
The family rebuilds, and Magida Gardens opens its doors once more.
The rebuilt venue, 2025 -
Today
Still in the family
Magida Gardens continues to deliver what the founder envisioned when he opened the doors in 1995.