The ongoing wedding celebrations of Nigerian singer Damilola Afolabi, popularly known as L.A.X, and his wife, Ella, have drawn attention to his father, Dr Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, a prominent businessman and founder of SIFAX Group.
Key Highlights
- Dr Taiwo Afolabi founded SIFAX Group in 1988 after leaving Nigerian Express Agencies Limited.
- SIFAX has interests in maritime, aviation, logistics, oil and gas, financial services and hospitality.
- He studied law at the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2009.
- He holds the national honours of MON and CON and is Honorary Consul of Djibouti in Nigeria.
- L.A.X serves as an executive director of SIFAX Logistics.
The grand wedding reception held in Lagos on Sunday, November 1, 2026, attracted several prominent Nigerians, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Emir of Kano and the Oba of Elegushi.
The presence of these high-profile guests has sparked interest in the groom’s family background, particularly his father, whose business interests cut across several sectors of the Nigerian economy.
But who exactly is Dr Taiwo Afolabi? Here are five things to know about the businessman.
1. Founder Of SIFAX Group
Afolabi is the founder and chairman of SIFAX Group, a Nigerian conglomerate with interests in maritime, aviation, haulage and logistics, oil and gas, financial services and hospitality.
He established the company in 1988 after leaving his job at Nigerian Express Agencies Limited, where he gained experience in shipping operations and port management. What started as a freight-forwarding business has since grown into a diversified group with operations in different sectors.
Some of the companies associated with SIFAX Group include Port and Cargo Handling Services Limited, Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) and SIFAX Logistics Limited. His investments also extend to the hospitality industry, including the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja.
2. A Lawyer By Training
Beyond his business achievements, Afolabi has an academic background in law. He attended the University of Lagos, where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree, before being called to the Nigerian Bar on November 4, 2009.
He also holds postgraduate qualifications in International Law and Diplomacy as well as Urban Logistics and Transportation Policy from the University of Lagos.
3. National Honours And Awards
His contributions to business and entrepreneurship have earned him several national and international recognitions. He received the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2010 and was later conferred with Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
He was also named Business Person of the Year at the 2014 Sun Awards. In 2021, he received the Vanguard Businessman of the Year award, while the Zik Prize for Entrepreneurial Leadership was conferred on him in 2023. Afolabi also serves as the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Djibouti in Nigeria.
4. Philanthropy
Away from business, the SIFAX Group chairman is involved in philanthropic activities, particularly in education, healthcare and youth empowerment.
Through the Ajoke Ayisat Afolabi Foundation, established in memory of his late mother, he has supported scholarships for students and other initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable people.
The foundation has also supported healthcare facilities and contributed to educational development. Among Afolabi’s contributions is the construction of a 1,000-capacity auditorium at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso.
Read also:
- Goodluck Jonathan, Emir of Kano, Oba Elegushi Storm L.A.X’s Lavish Wedding Reception In Lagos
- SIFAX Chairman Afolabi for launch of MWUN’s in-house magazine Dec. 15
- What makes artiste is ability to be consistent – L.A.X
5. Father Of L.A.X
Afolabi is also known as the father of L.A.X, who gained prominence in the Nigerian music industry in 2013 following the release of Caro, his collaboration with music star Wizkid under Starboy Entertainment.
The singer went on to release other songs, including Ginger, another collaboration with Wizkid, before establishing his record label, Rasaki Music Group.
However, L.A.X’s activities are not limited to music. He is also involved in the family business, with SIFAX Group identifying him as an executive director of SIFAX Logistics. The singer’s involvement in the company reflects his interests beyond entertainment.
Dr Taiwo Afolabi is married to Folashade Afolabi, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, and they have children, including the singer.
His son’s wedding to Ella has brought renewed attention to the family, with the November 1 reception attracting influential figures from Nigeria’s political, business, entertainment and traditional institutions.
While the occasion celebrates L.A.X’s marriage, the gathering has also put the spotlight on his father, whose business career and investments have made him a recognised figure in Nigeria’s corporate community.
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