Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, CON, FNIM, CNIM is a Nigerian business expert, politician, philanthropist and the founder of Colenson Group of Companies.
Asiwaju was born on 24th August, 1949, in Lagos where he also grew up in Lagos. An interesting fact about him is that, his brother is the reigning Oba of Ojota Kingdom – Oba Olawale-Cole.
He had his primary education at Maryland Demonstration School and his secondary education at Bola Memorial School, Agege, Lagos but completed his high school study at the prestigious King’s College. He then proceeded to to study Accounting at the University of Lagos.
After an election conducted at the Chamber’s 133rd Annual General Meeting (AGM), he Asiwaju Olawale-Cole, emerged as the president and was formally inaugurated as the 24th President of the Chamber on Saturday 4th December 2021 at an Investiture Ceremony billed to hold at the Orchid-Lantana Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Asiwaju, a two-time Former Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, as well as Works and Transport in Lagos State, prior to his presidency served the Chamber as Deputy President, Vice President, Chairperson, Public Affairs Committee, Chairperson, Financial & General Purposes Committee among others.
The Past District Governor of Rotary District 9110 in his quest for knowledge attended University of Cambridge; South West London College; All Saints University of America and Harvard Business School, USA.
He is married to Chief Mrs Adebola Olawale-Cole.
For his outstanding performances, he won quite a number of awards, among them are, The State of Alabama Award, Lieutenant Colonel, Hide-Camp, 1986; Eko Merit Award for Outstanding Contributions Public Service and Community, 1993; Merit Award for Distinguished Service to the Club and the Community, Rotary Club of Alapere, 1993-94; Certificate of Appreciation Award, Nigeria Institute of Management 1999-2001; Recognition of Valuable Contribution as Speaker, 2000; Recognition of Outstanding Contribution to Insurance Industry. Champion Insurance Day Award, 2001; Certified Distinguished Manager Leadership Trust Foundation Award, 2001; Award for Selfless Service to Rotary, 2001-2002; African Leadership Award and Award of Excellence for Services to Humanity, Rotary Club of Apapa, 2002-2003.
