Simon Iyore Guobadia is a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, philanthropist, and film producer best known for his business empire and high-profile marriage to television star Porsha Williams. Born on June 2, 1964, Simon built a name for himself in the petroleum, real estate, and entertainment industries. Over the years, his success, lifestyle, and relationships have made him a recognizable figure in both Nigerian and American media. In 2025, Simon Guobadia’s net worth is estimated between $35 million and $40 million, reflecting his achievements as the founder and CEO of SIMCOL Petroleum Limited and his investments across several industries.
Early Life and Family Background
Simon Guobadia was born in Nigeria to Stanley and Martina Guobadia. His father, Stanley, worked in the Nigerian Prison Services, while his mother, Martina, was an English teacher. Simon often attributes his values and discipline to his parents’ dedication to education and public service. Sadly, his father passed away in 2019, and his mother died approximately 28 years before 2024, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and hard work.
Growing up in a middle-class family, Simon’s childhood was grounded in education and ambition. His parents’ influence played a significant role in shaping his vision for success. Later, he moved to the United States, where he pursued higher education and began his entrepreneurial journey.
Educational Background
Simon Guobadia attended Loyola College in Ibadan, Nigeria, before relocating to the United States for college. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of the District of Columbia. His background in accounting laid a strong foundation for his business ventures. Simon’s financial acumen became evident early on, as he used his education to navigate corporate America before transitioning into entrepreneurship.
Business Career and Rise to Wealth
The cornerstone of Simon Guobadia’s wealth is his petroleum company, SIMCOL Petroleum Limited, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in the early 2000s, SIMCOL became a leading regional fuel supplier, serving commercial and industrial clients across the southeastern United States.
Over the years, Simon diversified his investments into hospitality, real estate, and entertainment. He owned upscale restaurants and lounges in Atlanta, including ventures like Time and Buckhead Bottle Bar, which gained popularity among celebrities and socialites.
Simon is also an executive film producer, having backed several independent projects. His entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability have helped him maintain relevance and profitability in competitive industries.
As of 2025, Simon Guobadia’s net worth is estimated at $35–$40 million, derived from his diversified portfolio and long-standing business ventures. Though not a billionaire, Simon’s financial success places him among the wealthiest Nigerian-American entrepreneurs.
Marriages and Personal Life
Simon Guobadia’s personal life has often captured media attention due to his multiple high-profile marriages. His first marriage was to Karron English, a college professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta, with whom he shared over 20 years of marriage. The couple later divorced but maintained a cordial relationship.
He was later married to Marsha Shackelford for two years, followed by his third marriage to Falynn Pina (formerly Falynn Guobadia) in 2019. Their relationship ended in 2021, after which Simon began dating Porsha Williams, a popular reality TV star from The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Simon and Porsha tied the knot in 2022, drawing major media attention.
However, their marriage ended in 2025, when Porsha filed for divorce. According to their prenuptial agreement, Simon was ordered to pay $40,000 per month in spousal support for 14 months. Despite the split, Simon and Porsha maintained a respectful relationship and continue to co-parent Porsha’s daughter, Pilar Jhena.
Simon Guobadia’s Children and Family Life
Simon Guobadia is a proud father of five biological children from his previous relationships: Quentin (26), Nicole (24), Christian (12), Benjamin (11), and Ximena (10). Though he and Porsha Williams never had children together, he lovingly took on the role of stepfather to Porsha’s daughter, Pilar Jhena, born in 2019.
Simon often shares moments of his family life on social media, highlighting his role as a dedicated father. His children live across the United States, and he maintains strong connections with each of them. Despite his busy business life, Simon prioritizes family, teaching his children the same discipline and ambition that shaped his own journey.
Simon Guobadia and His Legal Issues
In early 2025, Simon Guobadia faced significant legal challenges involving U.S. immigration authorities. Reports confirmed that he was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February 2025. After several weeks in custody, he was deported to Nigeria due to immigration violations.
This event marked a turning point in his life, leading Simon to spend some time in his home country. Later, he relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he currently resides and continues to manage his business interests remotely. Despite these challenges, Simon remains active in business and philanthropy, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Life in Dubai and Current Ventures
Following his deportation, Simon Guobadia rebuilt his lifestyle abroad. Currently living in Dubai, Simon continues to oversee his investments across Nigeria, the U.S., and the Middle East. He remains involved in energy trading, real estate, and entertainment production.
In Dubai, Simon has also engaged with the African business community, focusing on initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and cross-border investment. His experience navigating multiple business environments has positioned him as a global businessman with a vision for expansion and innovation.
Simon Guobadia’s Lifestyle and Philanthropy
Simon Guobadia’s luxurious lifestyle often makes headlines. From designer suits to exotic cars and lavish vacations, Simon embodies success and sophistication. However, beyond his wealth, Simon is deeply committed to philanthropy.
He supports several causes related to education, youth development, and poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Through personal contributions and partnerships, Simon has helped fund educational programs and small business initiatives aimed at empowering African entrepreneurs. His philanthropic work reflects his belief in giving back and creating opportunities for others.
Was Simon Guobadia a Billionaire?
Despite rumors on social media, Simon Guobadia is not a billionaire. His fortune, while impressive, is estimated between $35 million and $40 million as of 2025. His wealth primarily stems from his petroleum company, SIMCOL Petroleum Limited, as well as his investments in real estate and entertainment.
Simon’s business success, however, continues to grow, and his international ventures could significantly increase his net worth in the coming years.
Relationships and Media Attention
Simon Guobadia’s relationships have frequently attracted public attention. His romance with Porsha Williams, which began shortly after his split from Falynn Pina, became a hot topic among fans of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.
In 2024, after Porsha filed for divorce, Simon was rumored to be spending time with a woman named Jenelle Salazar, with whom he was seen vacationing on a yacht. However, Simon has not publicly confirmed any new relationship, focusing instead on rebuilding his life and expanding his business network abroad.
Simon Guobadia’s Legacy and Influence
Simon Guobadia’s journey from Nigeria to international success is a story of ambition, perseverance, and vision. He transformed himself from an immigrant accountant into a multimillionaire entrepreneur, influencing industries from petroleum to entertainment. His story highlights the importance of hard work, education, and calculated risk-taking.
Even amidst legal troubles and public controversies, Simon continues to inspire many aspiring African entrepreneurs who seek to make a mark on the global stage. His resilience and ability to rebuild his life abroad show his determination to succeed against all odds.
Simon Guobadia Net Worth and Future Prospects
As of 2025, Simon Guobadia’s net worth remains between $35 million and $40 million, with a diversified income stream from petroleum, logistics, real estate, and media production. Despite challenges, he continues to evolve as a businessman, focusing on international markets and digital innovation.
Simon’s future looks promising as he explores new ventures in the energy sector and global investments. His life story stands as a testament to entrepreneurial vision and perseverance, showing that success can be rebuilt even after personal and legal setbacks.
Conclusion
Simon Guobadia’s life reflects the complex reality of success — a mix of ambition, triumph, controversy, and resilience. From his Nigerian roots to his rise in American business circles, Simon has proven himself to be a determined and influential entrepreneur. His story continues to inspire those who believe in the power of reinvention and perseverance.
With an estimated net worth of $35–$40 million in 2025, Simon Guobadia remains a symbol of global ambition and entrepreneurial spirit, balancing luxury, leadership, and legacy.