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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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FOUNDERS OF YORUBA CITIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES, AND YORUBA MIGRANT SETTLEMENTS

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August 31, 2026

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📍 OGUN STATE

  1. ABEOKUTA was founded by Shodeke and the Egba refugee communities.
  2. SAGAMU was founded by Arapetu and Liworu.
  3. SANGO-OTA was founded by Osolo and Eleidi Atalabi.
  4. IGBESA was founded by Akeredun.
  5. IPERU-REMO was founded by Akesan and Ajagbe.
  6. IKORODU was founded by Oga from Remo land.
  7. ISHARA-REMO was founded by Prince Adeyemo.
  8. IJEBU-ODE was founded by Olu-Iwa, Ajebu, and Olode.
  9. IJEBU was founded by Obanta.
  10. IJEBU-IGBO was founded by Ademakin Orimolusi.
  11. ITELE-IJEBU was founded by Ojigi Amoyegeso.
  12. ODOGBOLU was founded by Eleshi Ekun Ogoji.
  13. OGERE-REMO was founded by Loowa-Lida and Olipakala.
  14. IROLU-REMO was founded by Aganun.
  15. IPARA-REMO was founded by Prince Oguola and his wife, Iroye.
  16. ILISAN-REMO was founded by Isanbi.
  17. IKENNE was founded by Ogbodo and Obara.
  18. OMU was founded by Okukumadesi.
  19. OTA was founded by Osolo.
  20. ILARO was founded by Aroo from Old Oyo.
  21. OKEHO was founded by Ojo Oronna from Ilaro and an Olofin from Oyo.
  22. ADO-ODO was founded by Onitako.
  23. ITORI was established as an Egba outpost by displaced Egba refugees.
  24. AYETORO was established by communities that came together for protection during the wars with Dahomey.
  25. MAGBON was founded by Oga and Semade.
  26. MAGBON-ILADO was founded by Onafula and Ogundeko.
  27. OFFIN was founded by Liyangu from Ile-Ife.
  28. EMUREN was founded by two sons of the Ajalorun of Ijebu-Ife.
  29. IBONWON was founded by Soginna from Ijebu-Ode.
  30. IPOJI was founded by Aikemaku.
  31. IWOYE-KETU was founded by Olomu from Ile-Ife.

📍 OSUN STATE

  1. ILE-IFE was founded by Obatala.
  2. OSOGBO was founded by Laaroye.
  3. ILESA was founded by Owalushe Onida Arara.
  4. MODAKEKE was founded by Obalaye and later greatly expanded by refugees from Old Oyo.
  5. IWO was founded by Parin Olumade.
  6. IKIRE was founded by Akinere.
  7. ESA-OKE was founded by Omiran Adebolu.
  8. IREE was founded by Arolu, Larooye, and Oyekun.
  9. ILA-ORANGUN was founded by Fagbamila Ajagunla.
  10. EDE was founded by Timi Agbale Olofa-Ina.
  11. INISA was founded by Prince Ooku Eesun.
  12. EJIGBO was founded by Akinjole Ogiyan (Ogiriniyan).
  13. OKUKU was founded by Oladile.
  14. ILOBU was founded by Laarosin.
  15. GBONGAN was founded by Omoba Olufi of Oyo.
  16. ODE-OMU was established by people displaced by the conflict between Ife and Modakeke.
  17. IPETUMODU was founded by Akalako, son of Obatala.
  18. IMESI-ILE was founded by Oloja, Odunmorun, and Eiye.
  19. ORILE-OWU was founded by Pawu.
  20. KUTA was founded by Akindele Anlugbua.
  21. IPETU was founded by Owa Olabidanre.
  22. ERINMO-IJESA was founded by Ooni Obalufon Alaayemore.
  23. AWO was founded by Alaafin Okeosun.
  24. IFE-ODAN was founded by Ooni Ogboru.
  25. IRESI was founded by Ifadumila Olatimirin from Ile-Ife.
  26. IRESI was established around the first house founded by Ifadumila Olatimirin, whose descendants are traditionally known as the Alanas.
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📍 OYO STATE

  1. OYO was founded by Prince Oranmiyan.
  2. IBADAN was founded by Olagelu (Lagelu).
  3. ADO-AWAYE was founded by Prince Koyi of Oyo.
  4. SHAKI was founded by Ogun.
  5. ERUWA was founded by Obaseeku.
  6. IRAYE was founded by Odudu-Orunku.
  7. OGBOMOSO was founded by Ogunlola.
  8. IGBOHO was founded by Alaafin Eguguojo.
  9. IGBETI was founded by Sango Olufihan Ajala-Iji.
  10. ISEYIN was founded by Aaba Odo-Iseyin and was later joined by other early settlers.
  11. IGBO-ASAKO/IGBO-ORA was founded by Obe Alade.
  12. IGBO-IFA was founded by Kilisi Yeruma.
  13. IJIO was founded by Olukan, Shabiowusu, and Abogunrin.
  14. OKEHO was founded by Ojo Oronna from Ilaro and an Olofin from Oyo.

📍 ONDO STATE

  1. AKURE was founded by Omoremilekun Omoluabi.
  2. OWO was founded by Ojugbelu Omalaaye.
  3. ONDO was founded by Omoba Pupupu.
  4. OKE-IGBO was founded by Derin Ologbenla.
  5. ODE-UGBO was founded by Oronmaken Obamakin Osangangan.
  6. ODE-MAHIN was founded by Omoranpetu.
  7. IKARE-AKOKO was founded by Owa Agbaode or Batimehin, according to competing traditions.
  8. OKA-AKOKO was founded by Asin and Okikon.
  9. ODE-IRELE was founded by Olumisokun.
  10. ODE-IDEPE/OKITIPUPA was founded by Jegunyomi Abejoye.
  11. ILARA-MOKIN was founded by Obalufon Modulua Olutipin.
  12. IGBARA-OKE was founded by Olowa Arajaka.
  13. EPE was founded by Huraka.
  14. IDANRE was founded by Olofin Aremitan.
  15. ODE-AYE was founded by Adanikin.
  16. ILE-OLUJI was founded by Olori Olu-ulode.
  17. ODE-ERINJE was founded by Ogeyinbo.
  18. ARAROMI-OBU was founded by Agboligi Adetosoye, also known as Obu Alakika.

📍 EKITI STATE

  1. ADO-EKITI was founded by Awamaro.
  2. IGEDE-EKITI was founded by Ake.
  3. IJERO-EKITI was founded by Prince Ogbe.
  4. IKERE-EKITI was founded by Aladeshelu.
  5. IKOLE-EKITI was founded by Akinsale.
  6. ISE-EKITI was founded by Akinluaduse (Akinluse).
  7. EFON-ALAAYE was founded by Ooni Obalufon Alaayemore.
  8. IKORO-EKITI/ESO-OBE was founded by Olushe and Olugona.
  9. OTUN-EKITI was founded by Oore (Owore).
  10. IRE-EKITI was founded by Ogun (Lakaaye).
  11. EMURE-EKITI was founded by Fagbamila Obadudu.
  12. ILAWE-EKITI was founded by Oniwe Oriade.
  13. IMESI-EKITI was founded by Ojugbaye.
  14. IGBARA-ODO was founded by Asare and Olowa Arajaka.
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📍 LAGOS STATE

  1. ISHERI-OLOFIN was founded by Olofin Ogunfunminire.
  2. IDDO was founded by Olofin Ogunfunminire.
  3. LAGOS/EKO was established by early Awori settlers, with Aromire prominent in the traditional foundation history.
  4. IRU/VICTORIA ISLAND was founded by Oniru Origefon.
  5. IKATE was founded by Elegushi Kusenla.
  6. OTO was founded by Pawu Ogboja.
  7. OTO-AWORI was founded by Aregi Ope, Iworu Oloja, and Odofin.
  8. IJORA was founded by Ojora.
  9. AJAH was founded by Olumegbon, Ogunsemo, and Ojupon.
  10. IKOYI was founded by Onikoyi.
  11. EBUTE-ILEKI/LEKKI was founded by Lootu.
  12. IBEJU was founded by Abeju.
  13. ORIMEDU was founded by Ladejobi.
  14. AKODO was founded by Oyemade Ogidigan.
  15. IBA was founded by Ayoka Oniba Ekun.
  16. ISOLO was founded by Osolo.
  17. EJIGBO was founded by Fadu Onimewon and Olojan.
  18. IKOTUN was founded by Ategbo Olukotun.
  19. EGBE was founded by Kudaki and Akeja.
  20. OSHODI was founded by Olusi Onigbesa and Agedegudu.
  21. IJEGUN was founded by Ajibade Agbojojoye.
  22. IGANDO was founded by early Awori settlers.
  23. ELEKO was founded by Sobokunren.
  24. AKESAN was founded by Ominuye and Aina Odofin.
  25. OGBA was founded by Owoeni and Ashade.
  26. IKEJA was founded by Oladiti and early Awori settlers.
  27. ITIRE was founded by Ota Onitire.
  28. EPUTU was founded by Ogunfayo.
  29. EJINRIN was founded by Loofi.
  30. IWORO-AWORI was founded by Oba Ademiluyi Ajagun.

📍 KWARA STATE

  1. ILORIN was founded by Ojo Isekuse.
  2. OFFA was founded by Olalomi Olofa-Gangan.
  3. ESIE was founded by Prince Baragbon.
  4. OMU-ARAN was founded by Prince Olomu-Aperan.
  5. IWOYE-AYEDUN was founded by Atabata.
  6. IRAA was founded by Laage.
  7. AJASE-IPO was founded by Olupefon.
  8. SHARE was founded by Osoja Jogi, Oyi Andi, Adifasola, Majapo Ajibodede, and Awodo.
  9. IGBAJA was founded by Elese.
  10. ORA was founded by Olora.
  11. IKOSIN was founded by Olukosun.
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📍 KOGI STATE

  1. KABBA was founded by Aro, Balaja, and Areka from Ile-Ife.
  2. IFE-OLUKOTUN/IFE-YAGBA was founded by Ajalorun and Iyewoyo.
  3. EKINRIN-ADDE was founded by Esein and Omoye from Ile-Ife.
  4. OGIDI was founded by descendants of Esein and Omoye.
  5. IYARA was founded by descendants of Esein and Omoye.
  6. IYAH-GBEDDE was founded by Owa from Ile-Ife.
  7. ISANLU was founded by Isanlugbara from Ile-Ife.
  8. IYAMOYE was founded by Oyeniyi.
  9. ODO-ERE was founded by sixteen communities that came together for security.

📍 EDO STATE — YORUBA-LINKED SETTLEMENTS

  1. USEN/ODE-USEN/AWURE/UFE-KEKERE was founded by Olu Awure (Elawure), traditionally associated with the Oranmiyan tradition.
  2. EGBETA was founded by Ajibuwa from the ancient Uso/Owo area.

📍 DELTA STATE — YORUBA MIGRANT AND YORUBA-LINKED SETTLEMENTS

  1. TEBU was founded by Ijebu migrants.
  2. UGBORODO was founded by five Ijebu brothers.
  3. OGIDIGBEN/ESCRAVOS was founded by five Ijebu brothers.
  4. INORIN was founded by Ogunmaja from Ile-Ife.
  5. UREJU was founded by Ilaje fishermen from Itebu Manuwa, Atijere, and Itebu Olero.
  6. OMADINO was founded by Lenuwa.
  7. IRIGBO/OKOTOMU was founded by Yoruba-linked settlers, according to Itsekiri historical tradition.
  8. WARRI was established as the centre of the Itsekiri Kingdom under Prince Ginuwa, while earlier communities in the Warri area preserved Yoruba, Ijebu, and Ilaje migration traditions.

📍 REPUBLIC OF BENIN — YORUBA HISTORICAL SETTLEMENTS

  1. KETU was founded by Soipasan from Ile-Ife.
  2. DASSA-ZOUME/IGBO-IDAASHA was founded by Jagun Olofin.
  3. SHABE/ILE-SHABE was founded by Prince Akiyo from Ile-Ife via Oyo.

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He Has Not Seen Food To Eat – Ibiyeomie Reveals Why Hell Message No Longer Works

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14 hours ago

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August 30, 2026

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Founder and presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has stated that Nigerians are no longer afraid of the message of hell due to economic hardship.

According to him, they should preach a message of love and compassion instead.

It was reports that the clergyman made the remarks while addressing his congregants.

Ibiyeomie said many Nigerians are already struggling with severe economic challenges, making messages focused solely on the consequences of hell less effective in winning them to Christ.

“Just tell them God loves you; He can change your story. Come to Jesus. But if you say, ‘You’ll go to hell,’ the man will say, ‘The suffering wey I dey suffer now, na wetin e be?’

“That kind of message can’t convert one soul. You go there and say, ‘If you don’t convert to Jesus, you are going to hell.’ The man will say he has not even seen food to eat, he has not bought petrol; already, he is in hell,” he said.

Ibiyeomie said compassion should motivate Christians to tell people that Jesus loves them regardless of what they are going through and that God can show them mercy.

“Compassion will make you tell them Jesus loves you. In spite of what you’re going through, He will show you His mercy. Compassion is the greatest tool that brings people to Christ. It is from your heart,” he said.

The pastor said God himself is compassionate and urged Christians to extend the same quality to others.

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Citing Psalm 103:8, he said: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.”

He added that God does not treat people according to their past mistakes and failures, saying those who have received God’s compassion should also show compassion to others.

Ibiyeomie, who cited Ephesians 4:32, said: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

He described compassion as one of the most powerful expressions of God’s nature, stressing that it goes beyond merely feeling sorry for another person.

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Igbos built Nollywood, but Yorubas have become dominant” — Francis Duru

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17 hours ago

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August 30, 2026

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Veteran actor Francis Duru has sparked debate after saying Igbos played a major role in building modern Nollywood, but Yoruba filmmakers have become more dominant.

Speaking in an interview on Gbam, Duru said Igbo entrepreneurs helped build the home-video industry but argued that the Yoruba community has been more successful at supporting and promoting its own people.

“We [Igbos] created Nollywood, but if you go to Netflix today, you hardly see one movie that speaks of Igbo heritage,” he said.

Duru urged Igbos to learn from the Yoruba community’s ability to protect and project its culture, stressing that his comments were not an attack on Yoruba filmmakers.

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