ANDALUSIA, Spain – The Nigerian business landscape is witnessing a historic expansion as Chief (Engr.) Dotun Sanusi, the Okanlomo Oodua and prominent business mogul, officially enters the elite circle of Nigerian billionaires owning European football clubs.
Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort (Hospitality) Limited has announced that, effective January 29, 2026, it has assumed full ownership of Interlink, taking total control of its assets, including the Spanish football side Club Deportivo Atlético Berja, based in Andalusia.
Joining the Global Football Elite
With this acquisition, Dotun Sanusi—the powerhouse behind the Ibadan-based Ilaji business empire and various oil and gas ventures in Port Harcourt—joins a select group of Nigerian entrepreneurs who are strategically infiltrating the European football space. This move signals a new level of investment for Sanusi, bridging the gap between Nigerian grassroots sports and the global market.
Sanusi now follows in the successful footsteps of other Nigerian business titans who have acquired European clubs:
- Kunle Soname: The Chairman of Bet9ja and owner of Remo Stars FC, who made history in 2015 as the first Nigerian to acquire a European club, C.D. Feirense in Portugal.
- Shola Akinlade: Co-founder of Paystack and owner of Sporting Lagos FC, who recently acquired a majority stake in Danish club Aarhus Fremad.
- Nneka Ede: The trailblazing entrepreneur who became the first Nigerian woman to own a European side after acquiring Lusitano Ginásio Clube in Portugal.
New Leadership for Atlético Berja
Following the takeover, an Extraordinary General Assembly was held at the Salva Sevilla Municipal Stadium in Spain. The Assembly unanimously approved a new Board of Directors to reflect Ilaji’s long-term vision for sports excellence.
The newly reconstituted Board includes:
- President: Chief Dotun Jubril Sanusi
- Vice President: Mr. Adesina Araoye
- Secretary: Miss Divine Sanusi
- Treasurer: Dr. Justin Fenech
Regulatory and Institutional Compliance
Chief Sanusi, in his capacity as the new President, has been authorized to conclude all legal and administrative procedures with the Andalusian Regional Government, the Royal Spanish Football Federation, and the Royal Andalusian Football Federation.
All documents are currently being executed before a notary to ensure the transition remains in full compliance with Spanish law.
A Vision Beyond the Pitch
For the Okanlomo Oodua, this is more than just a business transaction; it is a commitment to community development. Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort has reaffirmed its mission to:
- Strengthen Atlético Berja’s sporting infrastructure.
- Establish direct pathways for Nigerian youth talent into European leagues.
- Promote international collaboration in the hospitality and sports sectors.
This acquisition cements Chief Dotun Sanusi’s status as a visionary leader who is not only building a domestic empire but is now a formidable player on the international stage.
For more exclusive updates on this acquisition and other top business news, visit hotsource.com.ng.
