John Obayuwana and the Rise of Polo Limited as Nigeria’s Luxury Powerhouse   

Many grass-to-grace stories have been told about individuals in Nigeria, but few about the individual lifting an entire industry. Such is the case for this Lagos watch repair shop that grew a nation’s taste

John Obayuwana founded Polo Limited in 1987, selling Swiss timepieces when few locally cared for them. Thirty-eight years later, Polo is Nigeria’s undisputed luxury gatekeeper. Currently, informed commentators argue that it represents over 25 global maisons, from Rolex and Cartier to Gucci and Saint Laurent. Its state-of-the-art Lagos service centre is staffed by Swiss-trained horologists.

This is no simple retail story. Obayuwana operates on a principle: beauty and craftsmanship are essential to nation-building. He received the Swiss Learning Excellence Award, a first for any African, for his fidelity to precision. His temerity paved the way.

In 2014, the man in question launched Polo Avenue, expanding into fashion. In 2025, he hosted global CEOs like Piaget’s Benjamin Comar, ratifying Nigeria’s place on the luxury map.

Industry recognition followed. Obayuwana was named Luxury Personality of the Decade in March 2025. His company, Polo, was named Luxury Brand of the Decade. These awards were a vindication of his long-held vision.

Now comes the crescendo. In 2026, Polo opens its landmark Abuja flagship, poised to be the largest luxury store in Africa. This move is a massive wager on Nigerian affluence and the continent’s luxury future.

The leitmotif of Obayuwana’s journey is consistent: an unwavering belief in high standards. He once projected Lagos alone could yield $3 billion in luxury sales, framing opulence as an economic engine.

So, what began with selling watches has conduced to something grander. Polo doesn’t just import luxury; it incubates a local culture of excellence, proving that in Nigeria, ambition itself can be a finely crafted product.