Prominent Osun businessman Yusuf Amuda Lawal ‘Obelawo’ is dead

By Isa Isawade

A prominent businessman and respected community leader in Osun State, Yusuf Amuda Lawal, popularly known as Obelawo, has passed on at the age of 94.

Chief Obelawo was born on May 20, 1930, in Ejigbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

He hailed from the illustrious Agbetusi royal family of Ara. He was widely regarded as one of the most influential entrepreneurs of his generation in West Africa.

He belonged to the second generation of Nigeria’s wealthy industrialists, following the footsteps of notable pioneers such as Candido Da Rocha, Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, and Alhassan Dantata.

According to a commissioned write-up on him, Prince Obelawo commenced his education in his hometown of Ejigbo. However, following the untimely demise of his father, he had to discontinue schooling after completing Standard 4. Rather than succumbing to despair, the young Prince resolved to seek opportunities beyond the borders of Nigeria. With the unwavering support and blessing of his mother—who entrusted him with a significant amount of money—he set out for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in search of a better future.

Unfortunately, his initial capital was stolen by a dishonest travel agent. Undaunted by this early setback, he undertook several menial jobs, including working as an alabaru (porter) and washing dishes at parties, to raise funds for his onward journey. His resilience during this period laid the foundation for the success that would later define his life.

Through his ventures in the construction sector, Obelawo rose to become one of the wealthiest businessmen in the old Western Region and also built a strong presence in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was based for many years. Operating largely from Abidjan, he became a major figure in the country’s construction industry.

His influence extended beyond Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, as he maintained close relationships with several African leaders of his time.

At some point, Nigeria’s former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, reportedly encouraged him to return home and contribute to national development.

Responding to the call, Obelawo invested in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. He established the Lawal Obelawo Plastic Industry Nigeria, widely regarded as the first privately owned plastic manufacturing company in the country. The factory was located in Osogbo, along Ikirun Road.

Apart from plastics production, he was also heavily involved in the wood processing and sawmill business, in addition to his well-known achievements in building and construction.

According to Insidelinks, in his hometown of Ejigbo, the arrival of the Babalaje of Ejigbo was often a spectacle. Known for his distinctive style, Obelawo once owned a Citroën car with the registration number WOC 1. The vehicle was fitted with a customised horn that reportedly sounded like his name whenever it was pressed.

Chief Lawal’s life and legacy remain closely tied to the growth of business and entrepreneurship in southwestern Nigeria and across West Africa.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to national development, he was awarded the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Federal Government.