Nigerian influencer and entrepreneur, Waris Olayinka Akinwande, popularly known as Ola of Lagos, has explained why he continues to live in a rented apartment despite owning houses.

The luxury lifestyle influencer made the revelation during a recent episode of the KK Show, where he spoke about his approach to money, property and maintaining the drive to keep working.

Ola said he has never slept in any house he bought with his own money because he believes living in his own property could make him too comfortable. “I have never slept in any house I bought with my own money. If you do, you will become too relaxed,” he said.

According to him, he deliberately chooses to rent because the responsibility of paying rent gives him an added reason to keep working. “Despite being in a beautiful estate, I still live in rented apartments and pay rent. When I pay 50 million naira a year, I use that pain to keep grinding harder,” he said.

Ola’s comments come despite his public image as someone who deals with luxury cars, properties and high-end lifestyles. Rather than moving into one of the houses he owns, he said he prefers the financial pressure that comes with renting. He explained that knowing he has a major rent payment to meet keeps him focused on making money and pursuing new opportunities.

However, Ola noted that his approach should not be treated as a rule for everyone. He advised people to consider their individual financial situations before making major decisions about buying a house or car. “No, it depends on your reality,” he said.

The influencer also recalled advice from one of his online mentors, who told him that the first car he bought eventually helped him acquire houses. “Some people now, na the car wey dem go buy, go buy them houses,” Ola said. “Yeah, so look at your current situation.”

His comments have since generated discussion online, particularly because of the reported ₦50 million annual rent and his decision to continue renting despite owning property.

For Ola, however, the arrangement is less about whether he can afford to own a home and more about maintaining the pressure he believes keeps him ambitious.

While homeownership is often viewed as a sign of financial progress, Ola has chosen a different approach, keeping his properties while continuing to rent the home he lives in.