From time immemorial, the existence of either petty traders, long distance traders, and entrepreneurs have remained a permanent feature of any society. Thus, the Yoruba was not an exception. In most societies like that of the yoruba, the rise to prominence of certain personalities can be attributed to several factors. However, an important factor that cannot be washed aside was, and still remains the occupation of such personalities. It is against this background that this paper seek to examine and discuss the various factors that contributed to the rise of Chief Razaq Okoya from rags to riches, in spite of the fact that he had little or no experience of formal western education.Today, Razaq Okoya is an industrial collosus whose business empire spans through the entire West African Region. The paper will also highlight and discuss the business philosophy of Razaq Okoya, and the lessons that upcoming entrepreneurs can learn from the great successes of this living industrial mogul.

The Nigerian Yoruba are located mainly in the south Western part of the country. The Yoruba in diaspora are scattered all over the world in countries like Cuba, Brazil, Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana and Sierra Leone, to mention but a few.They are noted for hardwork, dexterity, and their belief in indigenous religious practices. The Yoruba also engaged in trade either locally or in long distance trade. It is against this background that this paper seek to highlight and discuss the various indigenous beliefs among Yoruba traders. Some of these beliefs includes the use by traders of charms such as awure, aworo, madarikan etc. to aid their trading activities. The paper shall also discuss the role of the Iya Oloja and the Baba Oloja in the administration of the trading space popularly known as markets.