Shafi Edu

Shafi Lawal Edu (popularly known as S.L Edu) was born on January 7th, 1911 in Epe, a town in Lagos state, Nigeria. Edu lived an accomplished, celebrated, contented and fulfilled life as a philanthropist, astral business icon, seasoned politician, benevolent educationist, foremost conservationist and environmentalist, devout Muslim and patriotic citizen whose prodigious accomplishments will continue to endure for generations to come. He was certainly a giant among giants in business and cornerstone builder in modern entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Shafi Edu Age

Shafi Edu would have been 113 years old, if he were alive today. May his soul rest in peace.

Shafi Edu Early Life

Edu belonged to a royal ancestry with a rich historical heritage. He was the scion of a highly respected and devoted Muslim family that drew sustenance from the tenets of the Quran and the Hadith of Prophet Mohammed. His grandfather was Buraimoh Edu, a distinguished and seasoned Muslim Mogaji who later became the Baale of Epe. Buraimoh Edu reigned between 1903 and 1917 and is generally regarded as the last paramount ruler of Epe. Buraimoh Edu was one of the most martial and adventurous young men who accompanied Oba Kosoko of Lagos into exile in Epe in the wake of British military infiltration and occupation of Lagos in 1851. His father was Mr. Lawal Edu and his mother, mother was Raliatu who was the daughter of a Muslim cleric.

Edu began his education at Quaranic schools before enrolling in the Government Muslim Primary School, Epe. He finished his education in 1927 and thereafter, taught at his alma mater.

Shafi Edu Career

During this cataclysmic movement, Buraimoh Edu was said to be in his early 20s. His decision to migrate with Kosoko was contingent on the fact that he was also a Lagos Prince from the Onilegbale segment of the Akarigbere (White Cap Chiefs) and an ardent adherent of the Oba Kosoko’s cause.

S.L. Edu was a man of modest education but he did not perceive his modest educational background as an obstruction to upward mobility in society but rather as a challenge that must be transcended. In fact, as a template for his self-effort and doggedness, Chief S. L. Edu appreciably improved on his formal education. In 1945, he resigned from Holland West African Line to feather his own nest as an independent business man. At this time, he derived great inspirations from and found remarkable models in such business icons as Oga Josiah Henryson Doherty, the “Prince Merchant of Alakoro Fame”, W. A. Dawodu of Olowogbowo, Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, Alhaji Sule Oyeshola Gbadamosi, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony and Alhaji Issa Williams, among others.

S. L. Edu’s voyage on the high seas of entrepreneurship started as a ship chandelier, food contractor and timber trader. He successfully and creditably ruddered his way through the storms to the safe shores of a fulfilling business life. His spectacular sense of insightfulness and penetrating vision in business enabled him to expand his business interest in the early 1950s to include transport which he named Slee Transport Liimited. This company majored in oil haulage and transportation of petroleum products. From the 1950s to the end of the First Republic, Slee Transport Limited was a major haulage contractor for the British Petroleum. The Time of Friday, September 17th, 1965 describes him thus ‘Chief Shafi Lawal Edu, 54, who is president of Lagos chamber of commerce, has built a fleet of eight oil tankers. He owns a silver-blue Rolls-Royce, but usually drives around in a Mercedes – thinks it is less ostentatious.”

Edu was also a distinguished Nigerian politician and a statesman. His stint in politics dated to 1945 when he was elected as a councilor to represent Bado Ward in Epe District Council. In 1952, he was elected as a member of the Federal House of Representatives and served till 1954.

Shafi Edu Personal Life

Edu's family and friends celebrated his 90th Birthday with pomp and grandeur on January 7th, 2001. He turned 91 on January 7th, 2002 and bade the world farewell 24 hours after he turned 91. In line with his wish, S. L. Edu remains were lowered to the mother earth of his homeland Epe on Monday January 9th, 2002. His life was a life of service, a life well spent in the service of humanity. He was married and had children as well as grandchildren.

Shafi Edu Awards

He was a Chief in his hometown of Epe in Lagos.

Shafi Edu Net Worth

His net worth is not available.

Shafi Edu on Social Media