Draft:Abiola Iyiola

Abiola Iyiola ^[1]is a Nigerian businessman, philanthropist, and traditional chief. He is the founder and chairman of the Safeway Group^[2], a conglomerate with interests in logistics, water drilling, real estate, and public health. He holds the traditional title of Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland and has been recognized for his contributions to development efforts in Nigeria and among the Ibadan diaspora in the United States. in 2026 Abiola iyiola now holds the traditional title of Aare onibon of ibadan land

Early Life and Education

Abiola Iyiola^[3] was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, into the Anlamole family of Isale-Ijebu on his paternal side and the Olupoyi family of Oja'ba on his maternal side.He attended Saint David Primary School, Kudeti, and later Eleta High School, both in Ibadan. He pursued higher education at the University of Ibadan and Lagos State University before being awarded a Chevening Scholarship in 1999 to study at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.

He later moved to the United States, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Texas Southern University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Houston.

Career

Iyiola began his career with an internship at the Law Centres Federation in London, working with community law centres in Plumstead and Thamesmead. He later worked with the Legal Resources Consortium in Nigeria, under the leadership of Olawale Fapohunda, SAN.

In 2003, he participated in a parliamentary exchange program facilitated by the British Council and the Human Rights Institute of South Africa (HURISA).[citation needed] He later transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding Safeway Group, which includes subsidiaries such as Safeway Shipping^[4], Mattox Safeway Limited, Safeway Drilling, and Homestead Nigeria Limited. The group operates in sectors including shipping, water resources, oil and gas, and real estate.

Philanthropy and Public Service

Abiola iyiola^[5] is involved in several philanthropic initiatives through the Safeway Group and external organizations. He is the chairman of Mumineen Relief Projects Inc., based in Houston, Texas, which provides healthcare assistance to underserved populations in Nigeria and the United States.

His philanthropic projects include:

Construction of community boreholes and solar-powered water filtration systems

Support for healthcare and education through clinic development and scholarship programs

Youth empowerment and technical training in water drilling and engineering fields

Through Safeway Drilling^[6], Iyiola has offered industrial training placements to students from Nigerian institutions and supported youth entrepreneurship in the water drilling industry.

Traditional Titles and Cultural Engagement

^[7]In 2017, Iyiola was installed as Mogaji (family head) of the Anlamole family in Ibadan, a position within the Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy. He was elevated to Jagun Olubadan in 2022 and later to Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland ^[8] in 2023 by the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.

Iyiola is also active in diaspora cultural organizations, serving two terms as the National President of the Ibadan Descendants Union (IDU)^[9] , USA. He chaired the Ibadan Palace Fundraising Committee, which led efforts to complete the Olubadan Palace at Oke Are, Ibadan.

Recognition

He has received several awards from the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)^[10], including:

Omoluabi of Ibadanland (2023)^[11]

Most Patriotic Ibadan Indigene (MPII) (2024)^[12]

Personal Life

Iyiola is married to Dr. Adetayo Mabadeje-Iyiola, daughter of Professors Saida and Biola Mabadeje. They have two children. He is known for his interest in travel, polo, golf, hiking, and culinary exploration

9th of May 2025 Oloye Abiola was installed as Baadaa of Olubadan Ibadanland

Oloye Abiola Iyiola ^[13]