Nigerian media personality and influencer Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye, has sparked widespread online reactions after expressing shock at the soaring cost of beach houses in Lagos during the festive Detty December season.
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account, the popular corps member questioned the high rates charged for short-term beach house rentals, especially for brief stays.
“Why are beach houses in Lagos so damn expensive? What do you mean N3.8m for 12 hours and N5.2m for overnight? Omo na wa o,” she wrote.
Her comment quickly resonated with many Nigerians, igniting conversations around the rising cost of leisure, luxury, and short-term rentals in Lagos. Beaches across the city, particularly exclusive locations like Ilashe, have become hotspots for influencers, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals during the festive period, driving prices to unprecedented levels.
Reacting to Raye’s post, several social media users shared similar experiences. A user identified as Chessman said he was stunned by the prices, noting that some Ilashe beach houses now go for as much as N4 million for just 12 hours.
Another user, Lala, criticised what she described as opportunistic pricing, arguing that even luxury experiences like yacht stays should not cost more than N5 million per night.
However, some users defended the pricing, pointing out that demand during Detty December remains extremely high due to the appeal of exclusivity, privacy, and social media hype. According to them, the festive season significantly inflates prices, making cheaper bookings nearly impossible.
James, another X user, explained that the surge is mainly seasonal, noting that smaller beach houses can rent for around N450,000 on weekdays, while prices skyrocket on weekends and during peak festivities.
Others argued that the high fees often do not match the overall experience, suggesting that international travel or long-term investments offer better value than spending millions on a single night’s stay.
Raye’s remarks have once again drawn attention to the steep rise in short-let prices in Lagos, highlighting how increased demand during Detty December continues to reshape the city’s luxury and leisure market.
