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.
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
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
TUMBLR
INSTAGRAM
