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Alhaji Chief Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo: Legacy of Enterprise Faith and Philanthropy

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Alhaji Chief Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo remains one of the most celebrated figures in Nigeria’s post independence history. He combined a remarkable business career with deep religious commitment and a lifelong passion for philanthropy.

Early Life and Education

Wahab Folawiyo was born on 16 June 1928 on Lagos Island then part of colonial Nigeria into a respected Muslim family. His father Alhaji Tijani Folawiyo was a well known trader and his mother Alhaja Seliat Folawiyo was known for her strong Islamic faith and dedication to community service. Growing up in a household that valued both commerce and religious devotion shaped his dual identity as a businessman and spiritual leader.

He attended Ilesha Grammar School in Osun State for his secondary education and later traveled to the United Kingdom. In 1951 he studied management with a specialization in ship brokerage at North Western Polytechnic London now part of London Metropolitan University. This training equipped him with technical knowledge and an international perspective that later defined his career in shipping and trade.

Business Career and Achievements

Folawiyo founded the Yinka Folawiyo Group which grew into a vast conglomerate with interests in shipping oil and gas real estate agriculture and international commodities trading. His business acumen helped open global markets to Nigerian companies and created thousands of jobs. His leadership style practical yet visionary earned him respect both at home and abroad.

Family Life

He was married to Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji Folawiyo and together they raised children who have carried on his entrepreneurial spirit. His son Tunde Folawiyo is today a well known businessman and continues to oversee the family’s investments and philanthropic projects. The Folawiyo family remains one of Lagos’s most influential business and philanthropic dynasties.

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Religious Leadership and Philanthropy

In recognition of his deep Islamic faith and service to his community Folawiyo was conferred with the title Baba Adinni of Nigeria the highest lay title for a Muslim leader in the country. His philanthropic efforts were vast. He supported the construction of mosques funded scholarships and founded the HOW Foundation which focuses on youth development and empowerment.

Age and Death

Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo lived a long and impactful life. He passed away on 6 June 2008 just ten days before his eightieth birthday at his residence in Ikoyi Lagos after a brief illness. His death was widely mourned with tributes from political religious and business leaders who acknowledged his extraordinary contributions to Nigeria’s economic and spiritual life.

Honours and Legacy

In recognition of his service he was posthumously listed among recipients of the Commander of the Order of the Niger in 2022. His legacy lives on through his family his business empire and his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s economic and religious development.

Sources

Yinka Folawiyo Group official history

“Business Icon Wahab Folawiyo Dies at 79” The Guardian Nigeria June 7 2008

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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