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A good man has gone.
Not merely a man of means, but a man of meaning.
Not merely a titan of commerce, but a custodian of humanity.
And now, the final journey has begun for Chief Lawal Yusuf Obelawo, the great Osogbo industrialist, continental merchant, Lagos business icon and legendary philanthropist whose generosity became folklore.
From Thursday, 23 July to Sunday, 26 July 2026, family members, friends, business associates, traditional rulers and admirers will gather in Osogbo, Osun State, to celebrate a life that touched countless others.
Indeed, Erin l’ákàtàbú wọ!
The mighty elephant has fallen. But this elephant did not fall unnoticed. He departed after leaving indelible footprints across the landscape of commerce, industry, philanthropy and humanity.
My encounter with the late Chief Lawal Yusuf Obelawo dates back to 1994, during the launch of the biography of Oba Oyeyode Oyesosin, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, at Premier Hotel, Ibadan.
It was a gathering of giants—men whose names defined enterprise, influence and philanthropy in their generation: Chief Akanni Aluko, Aare Musulumi Alhaji Alao Arisekola, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin and Chief Obelawo himself.
Sadly, all those giants have now departed.
But that memorable day remains indelible in my mind.
The hall was already alive with dignitaries when, suddenly, a presence announced itself—not with noise, but with an unmistakable aura.
A man of imposing stature, walking with regal heaviness, entered the hall. Almost immediately, the murmurs rose into a chorus:
“Chief Obelawo! Chief Obelawo!”
Like a man completely at home among his people, he responded with warmth, laughter and that unmistakable charm for which he was renowned.
Clad in a richly embroidered agbada, he moved straight towards the Kabiyesi and, despite his enormous frame and towering status, prostrated fully—first to the left and then to the right—in profound reverence and humility.
It was a powerful paradox: a giant in wealth and enterprise, yet a man deeply rooted in culture, tradition and respect.
When he was called upon to speak, he did what had come to define him—he gave.
He gave generously, effortlessly and humorously.
“Kabiyesi, ẹ má bínú o… Cefa ti lólè ni o…”
The hall erupted, not in mockery, but in affectionate recognition of a man whose generosity had become legendary.
Chief Obelawo did not merely donate money; he made giving an experience. His interventions were often accompanied by humour, warmth and a genuine desire to lift the burden of others.
Years later, I encountered him again at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja—his familiar domain, where he maintained a permanent suite.
Even before I could settle down, he recognised me instantly.
“Ojo-Lanre Tribune, ọmọ Ogiyan of Ejigbo…”
I was stunned.
So many years had passed, yet Baba remembered me vividly. But that was Chief Obelawo—his memory was sharp, his mind alert and his presence commanding.
We had gone to discuss the possibility of writing his biography and documenting his remarkable journey for posterity.
He listened attentively, smiled and then delivered a lesson that has continued to echo in my soul:
“The best way to immortalise yourself is not only through books, but through the memories you sow in people’s lives.”
That statement perfectly captured the philosophy of Chief Lawal Yusuf Obelawo.
He was a continental merchant.
A pioneer of industrial enterprise.
A formidable player in the steel and pipe trade across West Africa.
An Abidjan business giant.
An Osogbo industrialist.
A Lagos merchant icon.
Yet, beyond his commercial success, he was a giver, a lifter and a silent builder of lives.
He did not merely transact in goods; he invested in human beings.
He did not measure wealth only by the money in his accounts, the industries he established or the properties he acquired. He measured it by the number of people he empowered, the families he supported and the lives he transformed.
You could hardly encounter Chief Obelawo and leave empty-handed—whether materially, intellectually or emotionally.
That was Baba.
Today, we do not mourn him in despair. We celebrate him with honour and gratitude.
His life was full.
His impact was undeniable.
His generosity was legendary.
His legacy is enduring.
Yet, his absence leaves an enormous vacuum.
An elephant has fallen in the forest.
An oak has departed from the woods.
A mighty iroko has been uprooted from the landscape of commerce and humanity.
The Final Journey
The funeral ceremonies will begin on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at Obelawo Estate, Osogbo, with the Lying-in-State and Wake-Keep at 4:00 p.m., followed by a Service of Songs at 7:00 p.m.
On Friday, 24 July 2026, the Funeral Service will commence at 9:00 a.m., while interment will take place at 12:00 noon.
A reception will follow at 3:00 p.m. at The Reception Pavilion, Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, opposite the City Stadium.
The ceremonies will conclude with a Thanksgiving Service at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, 26 July 2026.
Except for the reception, all the ceremonies will be held at Obelawo Estate, Osogbo, Osun State.
Chief Lawal Yusuf Obelawo—the man whose imposing presence matched his prosperity; the cheerful giver; the industrial colossus; the unforgettable soul—is finally going home.
Erin l’ákàtàbú wọ!
Obelawo goes home.
Odìgbóse, Baba!
May the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and give his family, associates and admirers the fortitude to bear this monumental loss.
SB E-news.
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