By Gite Igiehon
Society Column Editor
igerian-American businessman Simon Iyore Guobadia has officially been deported from the United States to Nigeria after spending several months in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The high-profile entrepreneur, best known in pop culture circles for his brief marriage to reality TV star Porsha Williams, was reportedly removed following multiple immigration violations that ultimately led to a deportation order.
Guobadia’s deportation comes after a protracted legal battle and months of speculation surrounding his residency status, business dealings, and alleged misrepresentations on immigration documents. The removal has sparked widespread reactions across social media, especially within the Nigerian diaspora and entertainment communities, where Guobadia had become a familiar name.
A Sudden Fall from High Society
Simon Guobadia, a businessman with interests in energy, entertainment, and real estate, enjoyed years of high-profile visibility in the U.S., particularly after his engagement and subsequent marriage to former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Porsha Williams, in 2022. The pair later divorced under contentious circumstances, with court records and media reports hinting at mounting legal and personal troubles.
Guobadia, who had portrayed himself as a self-made mogul with dual ties to the U.S. and Nigeria, often shared his luxurious lifestyle on social media, drawing admiration and skepticism in equal measure. However, in late 2024, reports began surfacing about inconsistencies in his immigration filings, including accusations of visa fraud, overstaying lawful residence permits, and providing false information to immigration authorities.
According to ICE officials, Guobadia had exhausted all legal avenues to remain in the country. His detention earlier this year was part of a broader crackdown by federal authorities on individuals flagged for serious immigration violations, particularly those involving fraud or misrepresentation.
Legal Proceedings and Deportation
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed that Guobadia had been held in a Georgia-based detention facility since early 2025. Attempts by his legal team to secure a stay of removal reportedly failed in both immigration and federal courts.
ICE issued a brief statement:
“Simon Iyore Guobadia was removed from the United States on June 10, 2025, after due process was afforded through all available legal channels. His removal is in accordance with U.S. immigration law and judicial findings.”
Sources close to the case indicate that Guobadia may face additional legal scrutiny in Nigeria tied to financial disclosures and pending civil suits in the U.S. tied to unpaid debts and allegedly fraudulent business activity. While no formal charges have been filed in Nigeria as of press time, legal analysts suggest that international cooperation between U.S. and Nigerian authorities may further complicate his post-deportation prospects.
Public Reaction and What Comes Next
The news of Guobadia’s deportation has gone viral, sparking a wave of mixed reactions. Supporters expressed sympathy and accused U.S. authorities of targeting a successful Black immigrant. Critics, however, pointed to a pattern of questionable claims and evasive conduct that ultimately caught up with him.
Reality TV fans, particularly followers of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, have flooded social platforms with commentary, given Guobadia’s once-prominent role in the franchise’s narrative. “The truth always comes out,” one commenter wrote. “You can’t build a house of lies and expect it to stand forever.”
In Nigeria, his deportation has already made headlines, with local media speculating on whether Guobadia will attempt to revive his business ventures or fade from public view. Close associates say he intends to “clear his name” and possibly relaunch a legal campaign from abroad to revisit the U.S. immigration decision.
Whether he re-emerges as a public figure or remains in the shadows, one thing is clear: the saga of Simon Guobadia has taken a dramatic and very public turn. His deportation serves as both a cautionary tale and a reflection of how immigration enforcement can upend even the most carefully curated public image.
