Early Life & Determination

Prince Lawal Yusuf Obelawo was born on May 20, 1930, in Ejigbo, Osun State, into the illustrious Agbetusi royal family of Ara. His extraordinary life is a powerful testament to perseverance, ingenuity, and transformative leadership.

Following the untimely passing of his father, he discontinued schooling after Standard 4. Rather than accepting limitation, the young Prince resolved to seek opportunity beyond Nigeria's borders. With his mother's blessing — and the savings she entrusted to him — he set out for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

His resilience during this period was not just survival — it was the foundation of the extraordinary success that would later define his life.

Empire Builder in Côte d'Ivoire

In 1949, Prince Obelawo arrived in Abidjan and began working under the guidance of his uncle, selling goods to factory workers and cinema-goers. He quickly built a loyal customer base through his charm, integrity, and relentless work ethic.

His determination caught the attention of a French expatriate who nominated him for a French government-sponsored business training programme in 1952 — which he completed in France. Armed with new skills and a startup loan from the Ivorian government, he launched ventures that would make him one of the largest private employers in Côte d'Ivoire:

Industrialising Nigeria

Returning to Nigeria in the 1960s–70s, Prince Obelawo founded a dynamic trading and import-export company. He became the sole indigenous competitor to John Holt and CFAO in sawmill machinery importation — breaking foreign monopolies and empowering a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs with access to world-class equipment.

He also established Nigeria's first indigenous cement tile factory and founded the first sawmill in Oyo Town, with additional mills in Ejigbo, Ede, and Iwo.

Founding LOPIN Ltd & Manufacturing Legacy

In 1969, during a state visit to Côte d'Ivoire, General Yakubu Gowon was introduced to Prince Obelawo as a distinguished Nigerian investor and encouraged him to replicate his success at home.

Following strategic meetings with General Oluwole Rotimi and the Western Region's Permanent Secretary, he identified the plastic pipe industry as vital for Nigeria's infrastructure. He established Lawal Obelawo Plastic Pipe Industry Nigeria (LOPIN) Limited in Osogbo, Osun State — one of Africa's most advanced facilities for HDPE and uPVC pressure pipes.

With support from General Olusegun Obasanjo, LOPIN evolved into a national manufacturing powerhouse. He further diversified by founding Plastex Nigeria Limited and Rehau Plastics, supplying essential materials to landmark developments including:

Statesman & Architect of Osun State

A proud son of the soil, Prince Obelawo was a key architect in the creation of Osun State. His support went beyond advocacy — he offered a blank cheque to aid the political and logistical efforts required to secure the state's autonomy.

Recognising the importance of federal presence in the newly formed state, he provided housing for the first cohort of federal civil servants — notably the Nigeria Immigration Service — enabling the smooth administrative takeoff of the new state.

Business Diplomacy & Institutional Legacy

Prince Obelawo's entrepreneurial prowess extended far beyond industry. Among his major institutional contributions:

These institutions promoted trade, industrial innovation, and international partnerships that continue to benefit Nigeria's economic landscape to this day.