Health concerns force PWAN Group MD Julius Oyedemi to step down

Michael Olumide

Group Managing Director, PWAN Group, Prof. Julius Olaniyi Oyedemi, has resigned from his position, ending his tenure as the second substantive Group Managing Director of one of Nigeria’s leading real estate network-marketing conglomerates.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that Prof. Oyedemi’s decision to step down was primarily influenced by health concerns, reportedly worsened by the intense operational demands and internal challenges that characterized his time in office.

A senior management source within the organisation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the resignation was formally communicated in a letter dated June 22, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the Board, Dr. Michael Okonkwo Afamefuna.

According to the source, the resignation took immediate effect.

Multiple insiders familiar with developments within the company described Oyedemi’s exit as the culmination of months of pressure arising from unresolved structural and administrative issues within the organisation.

While acknowledging that his tenure witnessed notable achievements, including the rebranding of the company and efforts aimed at addressing concerns surrounding the controversial Buy2Sell scheme, sources said the former GMD continued to grapple with deep-rooted institutional challenges that constrained his ability to drive meaningful reforms.

A top official told our correspondent that Prof. Oyedemi was saddled with enormous responsibilities without the corresponding authority, institutional backing, and operational support required to effectively implement far-reaching decisions.

“He was expected to carry the weight of the office, but the structures needed for effective leadership were either weak, absent, or beyond his control. Over time, that imbalance took a serious toll,” the source said.

Further findings indicate that the apparent mismatch between responsibility and authority became a recurring challenge during his tenure, leaving him to confront critical organisational issues without the full decision-making latitude and support systems necessary to resolve them.

Another reliable source within the company confirmed that the cumulative effect of these pressures significantly impacted Prof. Oyedemi’s health and overall well-being, eventually compelling him to make what was described as a difficult but necessary personal and professional decision.

“After careful reflection, he came to the conclusion that stepping aside was the most responsible course of action—for his health and for the organisation,” the source added.

Despite his departure, insiders say Prof. Oyedemi has expressed his willingness to continue supporting PWAN Group as an affiliate member.

He is also said to have conveyed appreciation to the Board, the founders, management, staff, and the wider PWAN family, while expressing optimism about the company’s continued growth, stability, and recovery.

His resignation marks a significant development in the leadership trajectory of PWAN Group, a company that has, in recent years, maintained a prominent position in Nigeria’s real estate and network-marketing landscape, even as it contends with increasing scrutiny over its operations and investor-related concerns.

Industry observers believe the exit of Prof. Oyedemi opens a new chapter for the organisation and raises fresh questions about the company’s future direction, succession plans, and efforts to address longstanding structural challenges within its operations.