Prince Amuda Yusuf Lawal Obelawo
A son of Ara, Osun State Nigeria who built industries across two continents, broke foreign monopolies in Nigeria, co-founded bilateral chambers of commerce, funded the creation of a state, and left a legacy written into the very infrastructure of the nation.
in Côte d'Ivoire
by LOPIN Pipes
Founded or Facilitated
3 Dimensions of an Extraordinary Life
Africa's Manufacturing Pioneer
From a 500-taxi fleet in Abidjan to LOPIN Ltd, one of Africa's most advanced plastic pipe facilities, he built enterprises that employed thousands across two continents and broke European monopolies on his return to Nigeria. He was the sole indigenous competitor to John Holt and CFAO.
Architect of Osun State
He did not merely advocate for Osun State, he funded it. He offered a blank cheque to its creation and provided housing for its first civil servants, ensuring the Nigeria Immigration Service could begin operations from day one. A patriotism expressed in action, not words.
Structures That Outlast a Lifetime
Chambers of commerce across four bilateral relationships, Nigeria's first indigenous cement tile factory, and a sawmill network that equipped a generation. He understood that the most powerful thing a man can build is a structure that functions without him.
From Ejigbo to History
Into the illustrious Agbetusi royal family of Ara. A beginning that would not predict, but would entirely explain, the extraordinary life that followed.
Working as an alabaru (porter) and washing dishes at parties, he rebuilt from nothing. His resilience during this period was the foundation of everything that would later define his life.
Nominated by a French expatriate who observed his determination. He returned to Abidjan equipped with new skills and a startup loan from the Ivorian government, and built an empire.
After a pivotal introduction to General Yakubu Gowon and strategic meetings with General Oluwole Rotimi, he established the Lawal Obelawo Plastic Pipe Industry Nigeria, one of Africa's most advanced HDPE and uPVC pipe facilities.
A key architect in the creation of Osun State. He offered a blank cheque and provided housing for the first federal civil servants, enabling the smooth administrative takeoff of the new state.
Awarded the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Niger, a recognition of exceptional contributions to Nigeria's industrial, economic, and social transformation.
He did not just advocate for Osun State, he funded it, housed its first servants, and stood behind it with everything he had.
Pipes That Built a Nation
LOPIN Ltd, the Lawal Obelawo Plastic Pipe Industry Nigeria, became one of Africa's most advanced facilities for HDPE and uPVC pressure pipes. With the backing of General Olusegun Obasanjo, the factory supplied the invisible infrastructure that carries water, enables construction, and makes modern habitation possible across the nation.
Structures Built to Outlast a Lifetime
The most enduring of his contributions were not made of steel or plastic. They were built from relationships, foresight, and the belief that Nigeria's greatest resource was its connection to the world.
Ivory-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Co-founded to formalize trade and industrial innovation between Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire. A bilateral institution that continues to shape regional commerce.
Bilateral TradeOsun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Founded to give the new state a dedicated institutional voice in Nigeria's commercial landscape. A founding act of state-building as much as commerce.
State InstitutionIsraeli-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce
A landmark bilateral institution enabled by Prince Obelawo's international diplomatic relationships and vision for Nigeria's global economic connectivity.
International DiplomacyIndonesia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce
Connecting West Africa to Southeast Asia through enduring institutional relationships, further expanding Nigeria's international trade networks.
International DiplomacyFirst Indigenous Cement Tile Factory & Sawmill Network
Nigeria's first locally-owned cement tile facility. The first sawmill in Oyo Town, with mills in Ejigbo, Ede, and Iwo, breaking decades of foreign industrial dominance.
Industrial PioneerA Life in Photographs
Words of Love and Remembrance
“Papa was not just a father, he was a force of nature. He taught us that no obstacle is too great when you have integrity and faith. He built with his hands, with his mind, and with a love for this country that never wavered. His legacy will outlive us all.”
“Prince Obelawo's contribution to the industrialisation of Nigeria is immeasurable. He dared to compete where others feared to tread, and Nigeria is forever better for it.”
“Grandfather showed us what it means to carry one's roots with pride while building for future generations. He was our foundation and our constant inspiration.”