Falsely accused and entangled in a prolonged legal battle, he faced one of the darkest chapters of his life. Yet, through perseverance, faith, and an unwavering commitment to truth, he emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined.
In this interview, Osamo, the former Managing Director of Star Orient Nigeria Ltd, an aviation fueling company,
opens up about his early beginnings, his rise in the corporate world, the painful ordeal that nearly broke him, and the powerful lessons he learned about trust, resilience, and divine justice.
Could you tell us a bit about your background and early life?
Thank you very much. I actually grew up in Ekiti State with my maternal grandmother. She was a hardworking entrepreneur and an excellent cook. I spent most of my childhood with her, and those memories remain very dear to me. She taught me discipline, hard work, and how to stand up for myself.
I completed my primary and secondary education in Ekiti, and I’m proud to say I graduated with some of the best results in my community. Those early years with my grandmother shaped the person I’ve become today.
Significant events in your childhood or teenage years that influenced your career choice?
After finishing secondary school, I moved to Festac in Lagos to live with my uncle, who worked with the Federal Housing Authority. Nearby, there was a community bank called Festac Community Bank, where I started working as an office assistant.
The late Mr Olowole, the chairman of that bank, had a profound influence on me. He was calm, intelligent, and deeply respected by everyone. When I found out he was a chartered accountant, I decided that was the path I wanted to follow. He actually helped me obtain my first ICAN form, which marked the beginning of my professional journey in accountancy.
What inspired your choice of higher education?
My choice was driven by a desire to enhance my value and establish a robust professional network. I’ve always wanted to be well-educated, to ask questions, and to grow continuously. I chose schools and programmes that would provide me with global exposure and connect me to a robust alumni network, and that decision has significantly contributed to my professional growth.
Who would you say is the most influential person in your life?
Without a doubt, my grandmother. She remains my most significant influence. She was hardworking, compassionate, and very protective of her family. Her strength and determination still inspire me every single day.
How did your professional journey begin?
I began my career quite early. I became a chartered accountant while I was still in college. Over time, I held key roles in stockbroking, investment banking, and commercial banking. I managed multimillion and even multibillion-naira portfolios across Nigeria. Later, I transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding advisory and energy companies, which broadened my leadership experience and allowed me to work with top-tier clients.
How do you personally define success?
For me, success isn’t defined by the size of your bank account. It’s about the number of lives you impact, the people you mentor, and the quality of service you provide to society. Money is good, yes, but real success comes from solving problems and improving lives.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m a pretty quiet person outside of work. I love reading and writing, and I also enjoy football. I work out occasionally to stay fit, but overall, I spend a lot of my free time learning and reflecting.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to be more assertive, not aggressive, but confident. Make sure your presence is felt. Don’t just do the work; let your results and your voice be seen and heard.
What was the transition from banking to entrepreneurship like for you?
It felt like a natural move. My background in stockbroking, advisory services, and investment banking provided me with solid exposure to how successful people think and operate. Working with top business minds prepared me to start my own ventures, and those experiences were invaluable.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I believe in teamwork, strategy, and collaboration. A team is only as strong as its weakest link, so I always encourage my team members to be proactive, think ahead, and see opportunities even in challenges.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career or personal life?
I have faced tough times, including moments when my integrity was tested and my business was put under tremendous pressure. It was painful seeing my name and reputation questioned. But through it all, I learned never to mix friendship with business and to always maintain clear boundaries. Those experiences strengthened my faith and reminded me that God’s plan is greater than any human setback.
The biggest challenge of my career was related to the issue of Star Orient Nigeria Limited during my tenure as managing director of the company. I was appointed to the company’s board by a friend, and he brought another friend to join me. I was running the business under their supervision, and after four years, we brought in a joint-venture partner. The agreement was meant to last ten years, but after just nine months, everything turned on its head.
What exactly happened?
The new partner suddenly turned against me. And to my surprise, the other directors, those introduced by the company’s promoter, denied ever knowing the very man who founded the company. I was pressured to deny the person who brought me in, who is the founder of the company, and they want me to claim that I owned the company myself. But I couldn’t do that. I told them plainly, “No, I can’t lie to protect greed,” and not dancing to their tunes led me to a severe crisis, which nearly ruined my career and reputation.
What did you mean by crisis?
After disagreeing with other directors on company ownership, they ganged up against me and started writing various petitions to the police, EFCC, and Special Fraud Unit (SFU). My name was everywhere in the newspapers, accused of stealing money from a company that was barely surviving. Everything I had built —my reputation, the company’s progress —was damaged by greed and the hunger for power.
What impact did that have on your life?
A terrible one. After about a year, the case was charged to the Magistrate’s Court in Yaba. My business partners, people I respected, turned against me overnight. I was forced out of the company with nothing, not even a kobo. My name and reputation are questioned. For more than four years, I moved from one investigating agency to another, every single day. It was exhausting, humiliating, and deeply painful.
How was the case finally resolved?
After those years of torment, the truth finally prevailed. On January 24, 2024, before Justice Ogala of the Lagos State High Court, I was discharged. That day, I felt a great sense of relief. I thanked God, my family, and my true friends who stood by me through those dark years.
How did that entire experience affect you personally?
It broke almost everything around me. My health suffered, my marriage collapsed, my business scattered, and my name was dragged through the mud. Everything I had worked for in over forty years was taken from me, all because of power and greed. It set me back twenty years. I had to start life all over again. But in the middle of it all, I found strength in God.
What are the key lessons you took away from that ordeal?
Three major lessons.
First, God is greater than man; no matter how powerful anyone appears to be, God remains supreme. Second, never lose hope. Even when everything seems lost, hold on, light will come. And third, never trust unquestioningly. In business, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. People act according to where their benefit lies.
How has it changed the way you relate to people now?
It changed everything. I now judge people by their actions, not their words. That experience reshaped my perspective on loyalty and taught me to rely more on God than on people. It made me stronger, wiser, and more careful in business and in life.
Finally, what message would you give to others going through difficult times?
Don’t give up. Keep your faith. Guard your integrity. No matter how long it takes, truth will always prevail. Men may try to pull you down, but if your heart is clean, God will lift you up again.
