Former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Dr. Tunde Ayeni, has spoken publicly for the first time about his troubled relationship with Adaobi Alagwu, describing it as the gravest mistake of his life and one that nearly cost him his sanity, dignity, and assets.
In an interview published by ThisDay, Ayeni said the relationship, which he now deeply regrets, began as a personal misjudgment that spiraled into a full-blown legal and reputational crisis. “When people refer to her as my ex-mistress, I hate to even hear it because it’s one of the darkest moments of my life. I regret ever meeting that lady,” he stated.
According to Ayeni, his initial attempts to handle the situation discreetly were aimed at protecting his family and legacy. However, he said the relationship evolved into an ordeal marked by alleged blackmail and exploitation. “I was trying to manage the episode to protect my family and reputation, but it quickly became clear I was dealing with someone who would go to any length to take advantage — with the support of her family,” he said.
He emphasized his reluctance to engage in public drama, citing the reputational risks such controversies pose to business leaders. But after enduring persistent allegations, Ayeni said he decided to speak out. “Sometimes, as a man, you have to come out and fight your battle — and that’s exactly what I had to do.”
Addressing paternity claims, Ayeni revealed that a Magistrate Court in Dawaki, Abuja, ruled on March 11, 2025, that there was no marital relationship between him and Alagwu, and that he is not the father of her child. “In any case, I was never the father. The child is not mine,” he asserted.
He said efforts he made in good faith — including financial support and housing assistance — were later weaponized against him. “Those things I did out of the goodness of my heart were used to blackmail me,” Ayeni said.
He is now pursuing legal action to reclaim two properties he says are still being occupied by Alagwu and her mother. “They’ve been served the legal notice to immediately vacate my properties. They just want to reap where they did not sow. But this time, it will not work.”
Reflecting on the impact of the saga, Ayeni described the experience as a wake-up call. “It’s a very big lesson. For the sake of my name, my children, my wife, and my legacy, I have learnt so much during this period.”
He cautioned against relationships that offer “short moments of pleasure but huge, devastating consequences,” and praised his wife and children for standing by him. “Though my actions were not permissible, they understood, and together, we’ve been able to weather the storm.”
Ayeni said his only regret is ever crossing paths with Alagwu. “That is the reason why I have boldly taken all the steps you’ve read about — from the disclaimers in the national dailies to the letters to the Nigerian Immigration Service to the cease-and-desist letters to the sworn affidavit.”
He also condemned recent attempts to drag his wife into the controversy. “It further dawned on me that I had gotten myself involved with someone I should not have,” he said. “Sometimes when people think you’re weak, you have to show them that you’re not.”
