In just three weeks, the Lamborghini Urus went from being a niche luxury SUV to a household name in Nigeria, thanks to the magnetic pull of celebrity culture. What was once considered a “man’s car”—a symbol of male dominance in the luxury car space—has now become a beacon of female empowerment and success. This shift is largely due to two influential Nigerian women: Sophia Egbueje, a fashion entrepreneur and socialite, and Mercy Eke, the fiery winner of Big Brother Naija Season 4.
Their acquisition of the Urus within days of each other sparked a nationwide conversation, reshaping perceptions and igniting a newfound interest among female drivers. But the story doesn’t end there. It’s laced with drama, ambition, and a viral voice note involving none other than mega superstar Burna Boy. Let’s dive into how these women have redefined the narrative around luxury cars in Nigeria and why the Urus has become a cultural phenomenon.
The Rise of the Lamborghini Urus in Nigeria
The Lamborghini Urus is no ordinary SUV. With its aggressive design, thunderous engine, and opulent interior, it’s a vehicle that demands attention. For years, it was the preserve of male celebrities and high-net-worth individuals in Nigeria. Names like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Zlatan, and Rema come to mind—A-list male Nigerian artists, men who have long dominated the luxury car scene. But then came Sophia Egbuje and Mercy Eke, two women who not only entered the boys’ club but took centre stage.
When Sophia and Mercy took delivery of their Urus models within days of each other, it wasn’t just a moment—it was a movement. Almost overnight, the Urus became a topic of conversation not just on social media but also in living rooms and offices across the country. Nigerian women, who had previously viewed luxury cars like the Urus as unattainable or reserved for men, began to see it as a symbol of their own potential. The Urus was no longer just a car; it was a statement of ambition, success, and independence. Just search Lambo on Nigerian social media pages and thousands of posts will come up.
Sophia Egbueje: The Voice Note That Broke the Internet
Sophia Egbueje, the socialite with a murky rise to fame, made headlines not just for her purchase but for the controversy that surrounded it. In a leaked voice note that went viral, Sophia revealed that famous musician Burna Boy had promised to contribute to the purchase of her Urus. The audio sent social media into a frenzy, with fans and critics alike dissecting the dynamics of their relationship and the implications of such a generous gesture as well as his failure to come true on the promise.
- Colour: Sophia’s Urus is a stunning pearl white, a colour that exudes elegance and sophistication.
- Timeline: She took delivery of her Urus shortly after the voice note incident.
The leaked audio didn’t just trend for days—it brought unprecedented attention to the Lamborghini Urus. Sophia’s story became a talking point, with many praising her for her confidence and ambition; others voiced their concern about her audacity to buy such a vehicle with no source of income.
But just as the buzz around Sophia’s Urus began to settle, another powerful woman entered the scene: Mercy Eke.
Mercy Eke: From BBN Winner to Luxury Icon
Mercy Eke, the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 4, is no stranger to making bold statements. Nicknamed “Lambo Mercy” during her time in the house—a nod to Kanye West’s hit song with the hook, “Lamborghini Mercy”—she has always been associated with luxury and ambition. Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and larger-than-life personality, Mercy took her brand to new heights when she acquired her Lamborghini Urus in 2021.
- Colour: Mercy’s Urus is a vibrant bright orange, a perfect match for her energetic and fearless persona.
- Timeline: She purchased her Urus four years after her BBN win, cementing her status as one of Nigeria’s most successful reality TV stars.
Mercy’s purchase was a game-changer. As one of the first female celebrities in Nigeria to own a Lamborghini Urus, she inspired a wave of interest among women who had previously viewed such luxury cars as unattainable. Her bright orange Urus became a symbol of her success and a testament to her ability to turn her reality TV fame into a thriving business empire.
But with great success comes great controversy. Soon, a debate erupted over who owned their Urus first. In true reality TV fashion, both women took to social media, sharing screenshots and timelines to prove their claims. The rivalry only added to the allure of the Urus, making it an even hotter topic of conversation.
The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Car Preferences
The influence of Nigerian celebrities on consumer behavior is undeniable. When Sophia and Mercy acquired their Urus models within a week of each other, it created a ripple effect across the country. Suddenly, their purchases cemented the Urus as a symbol of female empowerment and success.
Social media played a significant role in amplifying this shift. Photos and videos of Sophia and Mercy posing with their Urus flooded platforms like Instagram and Twitter, sparking conversations about ambition, luxury, and the changing face of wealth in Nigeria.
Conclusion: Redefining Luxury and Empowerment
The Lamborghini Urus has become more than just a car in Nigeria—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Their purchases have inspired countless women to dream bigger and aim higher, proving that luxury knows no gender.
As the trend continues, it’s clear that the Lamborghini Urus has established its place as the ultimate luxury SUV for Nigeria’s elite women. Whether it’s the thrill of driving a supercar or the desire to make a bold statement, the Urus offers something that no other vehicle can. And for as long as Nigerian celebrities continue to shine, the Urus will remain a key part of their glamorous lifestyle.
