Ubi Franklin Narrates Business Setbacks He Faced This Year

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

Businessman and music talent manager, Ubi Franklin, has recently opened up on two major business setbacks he faced this year.

Narrating his ordeal on Instagram, he revealed losing a huge sum of money due to property and legal challenges that forced him to vacate a leased property used for his short-stay apartment business, as well as a sudden demolition of his restaurant site.

Franklin explained that in 2023, he leased a building to host his short-stay apartment business, signing an agreement with the building’s owner, while the owner’s wife was absent.

Meanwhile, the owner’s wife, who resides abroad, later discovered the lease and contested it, arguing that both spouses were required to sign off on all joint property agreements.

Despite Franklin’s attempts to settle the matter amicably through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), the wife insisted on eviction, claiming the contract was void.

Franklin disclosed that he had invested ₦89 million into the property, including contributions from two investors.

Under pressure from investors, he ultimately vacated the property, relocating some equipment to another location he plans to open in December.

Franklin shared that he has now instructed his lawyers to pursue legal action after discovering the property is being used for similar business purposes.

In a second incident, the singer relocated his burger food restaurant to a site on Fola Osibo Street, where he reportedly completed all necessary approvals.

However, he was informed by staff that the building was being demolished for encroachment issues.

Arriving to see the site in ruins, he recounted the challenges faced by small businesses operating in regulated spaces, noting, “You can’t fight the government.”

Despite these setbacks, Franklin expressed his determination to rebuild, stating he’s actively pursuing a new location with more careful due diligence to avoid similar issues in the future.

Reflecting on the year’s trials, he remained hopeful, saying, “Life is not always as easy as we make it look… with God, we will overcome.”