Kolawole Ajayi’s journey from a student in the UK to a celebrated culinary entrepreneur is an inspiring tale of perseverance and cultural pride.
Originally moving to the UK to further his education, Ajayi tapped into his Nigerian heritage and turned a simple side hustle into a thriving business centered on suya, a popular Nigerian delicacy.
Today, he owns successful restaurants that serve a diverse clientele, gaining recognition as a key ambassador for Nigerian cuisine. His efforts were recently acknowledged by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), who commended him during a visit to his restaurant in Peckham, London.
Growing Up in Ibadan
Born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria, Ajayi grew up in a household where boys were rarely encouraged to cook. Despite this, his curiosity was piqued as he watched his mother prepare meals.
“I didn’t cook much as a boy, but I was always by my mum’s side, observing how she seasoned, stirred, and adjusted the heat,” Ajayi recalls.
At nine, he prepared his first dish—brown beans—which earned him his mother’s praise and sparked his confidence in the kitchen. Later, his experiences living with relatives and attending boarding school taught him self-reliance and traditional cooking techniques like making pounded yam and ogi (fermented corn pudding).
In 2001, while studying at university, Ajayi honed his skills further at an eatery run by his uncle in Osun State. Under the mentorship of a professional chef, he mastered the art of cooking and baking, learning techniques he still applies today.
Academic and Professional Growth
Ajayi’s academic journey began in Nigeria, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology. Seeking broader opportunities, he moved to the UK, where he obtained degrees in Education from Middlesex University and Business Administration from the University of East London.
While working as a teacher in the UK, Ajayi discovered his passion for cooking. By 2018, his part-time business selling suya and other Nigerian delicacies was earning him more than half his teaching salary. Recognizing its potential, he transitioned fully into the food business.
Building a Suya Empire
Based in Peckham, a vibrant London neighborhood known for its cultural diversity, Ajayi’s restaurant has become a hub for lovers of African cuisine.
“Peckham has a unique community spirit. People from across London and beyond come here, and it feels like home to them,” he says.
Ajayi’s menu centers on suya—a spiced, grilled meat dish beloved across Africa. Although it originated with Nigeria’s Hausa and Fulani communities, suya has become a cultural unifier. “It’s a dish that transcends boundaries. People from different African cultures love and enjoy it,” Ajayi explains.
His restaurants also serve a variety of traditional Nigerian dishes, including Agege bread, Banga soup, Edikaikong, Okazi soup, and Oha soup, earning them a reputation for authenticity and quality.
The Values Behind the Success
Ajayi attributes his accomplishments to his work ethic, integrity, and a commitment to uplifting others. “I believe in doing things the right way and creating opportunities for people to succeed,” he says.
From his humble beginnings in Ibadan to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur in the UK, Ajayi’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and staying connected to one’s roots. Through his passion for cooking, he has not only built a successful business but also shared a piece of Nigeria with the world.
