KEY POINTS

• Taiwo Afolabi appointed his son LAX as executive director of SIFAX Logistics on April 10, the singer’s 33rd birthday
• LAX built a commercial Afrobeats career with hits including “Gbefun,” “Panana” and “Go Low” before entering the family business
• The appointment signals deliberate succession planning at SIFAX Group as the company expands across West Africa

Taiwo Afolabi, the Nigerian billionaire who chairs SIFAX Group, appointed his son Damilola Afolabi, known professionally as LAX, as executive director of SIFAX Logistics on April 10, the same day the Afrobeats singer turned 33.

SIFAX Group announced the appointment through its official Instagram account, praising his “leadership and commitment to delivering excellence.” LAX holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Salford in Manchester, which he completed before returning to Nigeria. The SIFAX Logistics director role marks his formal entry into the family’s corporate operations.

From Afrobeats to the boardroom

Meanwhile, LAX built a commercial music profile before stepping into the SIFAX Logistics director role. His 2018 debut album Rasaking featured Davido, Maleek Berry, Duncan Mighty and Yemi Alade, establishing him in Nigeria’s pop mainstream.

Hit records including “Gbefun,” “Panana,” “Ginger” and “Go Low” grew his fanbase well beyond Nigeria’s borders. Celebrity stylist Toyin Lawani introduced him to Wizkid by playing his music for the superstar, a connection that accelerated his early industry profile.

Additionally, the crossover from chart-topping musician to executive director marks an unusual move in the Nigerian entertainment landscape, though one his academic background and family connections made possible.

SIFAX Group’s reach and the succession signal

Furthermore, the appointment comes as SIFAX Group continues to expand across West Africa. Taiwo Afolabi built the group into a multinational spanning shipping, logistics, hospitality and aviation, with assets including the Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Skyway Aviation Handling Company and major port operations at Terminal C of Tin Can Island Port and the SBA Inland Container Terminal. The group also operates in Warri and Banjul.

However, the timing signals deliberate succession planning at SIFAX, according to Billionaires Africa. By tying the appointment to LAX’s birthday and announcing it through the group’s social channels, Afolabi publicly confirmed the next generation’s formal entry into SIFAX operations.