What Happened to Simon Iyore Guobadia?

Simon Iyore Guobadia, born on June 2, 1964, in Nigeria, embarked on a multifaceted career after moving to the United States in 1982. He earned a BBA in Accounting from the University of the District of Columbia and initially worked in accounting and tax consulting, including a stint at Deloitte. In 2007, he founded Simon & Company, which later evolved into SIMCOL Petroleum Limited Company in 2010, a major player in petroleum distribution, shipping, and logistics across the southeastern U.S. His business empire expanded to include real estate, hospitality, and film production, with executive producer credits on films like 'Son of the South'.

Guobadia gained significant public attention through his relationships with 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' cast members. After a previous marriage to Falynn Pina, he announced his engagement to Porsha Williams in May 2021, a week after Pina's divorce from Guobadia was finalized. The couple married in lavish Nigerian and American ceremonies in November 2022, which were heavily documented in the media.

However, their marriage was short-lived, as Williams filed for divorce in February 2024 after just 15 months, citing irreconcilable differences. The divorce proceedings became highly publicized and contentious. During this period, Guobadia also faced long-standing immigration challenges. Federal court records revealed a history of overstaying visas, using multiple identities, and failing to disclose criminal and immigration history. His application for U.S. citizenship was denied in January 2024, leading to his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in February 2025.

After four months in ICE custody, Simon Guobadia was deported to Nigeria in June 2025. He subsequently relocated to the United Arab Emirates. The divorce from Porsha Williams was finalized in July 2025, with a judge enforcing their prenuptial agreement. Williams was awarded the couple's multimillion-dollar home in Fulton County, a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and a settlement of $1.56 million, along with $40,000 per month in spousal support for 14 months and legal fees. Guobadia's assertion that his company, SIMCOL Petroleum, had lost all value due to his deportation was rejected by the court.

In November 2024, Guobadia filed a defamation lawsuit against Williams, seeking $500,000 in damages, alleging that her social media posts implied he suffered from erectile dysfunction, harming his reputation and business. In January 2026, Guobadia voluntarily dismissed this lawsuit, citing his inability to attend trial in Atlanta due to his deportation and residence in the UAE. Despite the dismissal, he has publicly stated his intention to pursue the matter further, insisting the situation is 'far from over'. As of September 2026, Guobadia continues to reside in the UAE and reflects on 2024 and 2025 as the most challenging years of his life, expressing hope for a peaceful 2026.