Celebrating An Outstanding Nigerian Industrialist At 84: Asiwaju (Dr) Solomon Kayode Onafowokan.
The Success Story of an Architect of Enduring Success and Outstanding Nigerian from Remoland Who Built To Last.
By Charles Segun Adegbite
In a world where many are driven by fleeting passions, Asiwaju Solomon Kayode Onafowokan stands apart—defined not by ordinary ambition, but by an enduring addiction to success.
At 84, his life reads like a masterclass in discipline, vision, and legacy-building—an inspiring narrative that stretches from humble beginnings in Sagamu to the commanding heights of Nigeria’s corporate and industrial landscape.
Humble Roots, Enduring Values
Born on March 22, 1942, into the Onafowokan and Ogunfuwa families of Sagamu, Ogun State, young Solomon’s journey began in modest surroundings. His early education at Wesley School, Oko 1, Sagamu, instilled in him the foundational discipline that would later define his life.
Driven by a hunger for knowledge, he proceeded to the National School of Accountancy in Idi-Oro, Lagos. But even at this early stage, it was clear that Onafowokan was not merely chasing certificates—he was building capacity.
His pursuit of excellence later took him abroad to Kingston Polytechnic (now Kingston University), where he earned a Higher National Certificate in Business Studies (Accountancy) and later a Diploma in Business Management—equivalent to today’s MBA.
Corporate Climb: From Clerk to Boardroom Titan
Onafowokan’s professional journey began with G.B. Olivant, a division of UAC Plc, before brief stints at the Nigerian British Marketing Company.
His defining career chapter, however, unfolded at Chellarams Plc.
Joining the company in Lagos, he rose through the ranks with remarkable speed and competence:
Head of Secretarial Services, Personnel Manager (Human Resources & Corporate Affairs)
Company Secretary during its historic transition
In 1979, Chellarams became one of Nigeria’s early quoted companies—a move he strongly championed. That same year, he joined the board. By 1982, he was Executive Director, and by 1986, Deputy Chief Executive.
For nearly four decades, he helped shape corporate governance and business strategy at the highest level, retiring in 2000 with a legacy of excellence.
READ THIS: Successful Company of the Month: Coleman Wires And Cables
Building a Business Empire: Yodeson Group.
Retirement, for Onafowokan, was not an end—it was a rebirth.
Returning to Sagamu, he founded the Yodeson Group of Companies, a name cleverly derived from his own—Ka(yode), (S)olomon, (On)afowokan.
Under this umbrella emerged a network of thriving businesses, including:
Coleman Wires and Cables
Eskay Petroleum Company Limited
Power Systems Limited
What began as a modest venture in 1970s evolved into a manufacturing powerhouse, with Coleman Wires and Cables becoming a continental leader in cable and fibre optic production.
A Culture of Excellence and Succession
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Onafowokan’s legacy is not just wealth creation—but continuity.
His four sons, all highly educated in Europe and the United States, have taken strategic leadership roles:
George Onafowokan – MD/CEO, Coleman Wires and Cables
Engr. Michael Onafowokan – Executive Director, Engineering
Engr. Bimbo Onafowokan – MD/CEO, Power Systems Limited
David Oluyomi Onafowokan – MD/CEO, Eskay Petroleum
Under their stewardship, Coleman’s growth has been phenomenal—expanding from a ₦100 million turnover in 2002 to multi-billion-naira revenues, with production capacity scaling dramatically.
This deliberate succession planning drew national praise from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who described the Onafowokan model as “a rare culture of succession, service and sustainability.”
“You have ensured your business continues to thrive even while you are alive… That is wisdom,” Obasanjo remarked at Coleman’s 50th anniversary.
For Onafowokan, succession is not an afterthought—it is the ultimate proof of success. As he puts it:
“Success is not complete without a successor.”
READ ALSO: Sagamu Day At 40: The Glamour, Challenges and Achievements.
Industrial Leadership and National Influence
Beyond his companies, Onafowokan has played a significant role in Nigeria’s organized private sector.
As Vice President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, he has contributed to policy advocacy and industrial growth.
A Fellow of both the British and Nigerian Institutes of Directors, he embodies corporate governance at its finest.
His national impact earned him the prestigious honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)—a recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
Community Leadership: The Asiwaju of Remoland
In Sagamu and across Remoland, Onafowokan is not just a businessman—he is a pillar of leadership.
As the Asiwaju of Remoland, a revered title once held by the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he carries forward a legacy of visionary leadership and community development.
His leadership was particularly evident during the coronation of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, where he chaired the coronation committee and delivered a flawless, historic event.
At the royal banquet, he declared:
“Failure is an orphan; success has many cousins. I cannot afford to fail.”
Faith, Family and Personal Philosophy
Despite his towering achievements, Onafowokan remains deeply reflective and spiritually grounded. He attributes his success not merely to strategy, but to divine grace.
He is a devoted family man whose greatest pride lies not just in his accomplishments, but in the values he has passed on to his children.
Rather than celebrate birthdays lavishly, he is known to spend such moments in quiet reflection—“applying his heart to wisdom.”
Recognition, Tributes and Legacy Moments.
The 50th anniversary of Coleman Wires and Cables was more than a corporate milestone—it was a celebration of a life well lived.
The event drew dignitaries including:
former Vice Presidential candidate in 2011 and Founder of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare and Juju music magnate, King Sunny Ade, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun and several others.
In a symbolic gesture of appreciation, Onafowokan was presented with a Rolls-Royce—an emblem of honour for a man whose life has been defined by excellence.
Yet, beyond the glamour, the true highlight was the recognition of workers—the “heartbeat” of the company—a testament to his belief in people as the foundation of success.
The Man Who Cannot Stop Succeeding
From Nigeria Airways in the 1960s to multinational boardrooms, from Sagamu to global markets, Asiwaju Solomon Kayode Onafowokan has built more than businesses—he has built systems, structures, and successors.
He is, in every sense, a “success addict”—a man whose life proves that success is not an event, but a culture.
Today, his legacy stands tall:
A thriving industrial empire, a well-prepared next generation, and a model of leadership that Nigeria—and indeed Africa—can emulate.
As the echoes of his journey continue to inspire, Charles Segun Adegbite, The Editor/Publisher of Successful People Magazine celebrates Nigeria's “Success Addict” who built to last, as our Successful People's Industrialist of the Month, to commemorate his 84th Birthday.
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