African Timber and Plywood (AT&P), a division of the United Africa Company, had a factory at this location where the wood, along with Triplochiton scleroxylon, Obeche, mahogany, and Khaya was processed into timber which was then exported from the Port of Sapele worldwide.

It is believed the British colonial authorities changed the name of the then hamlet to Sapele as it was easier to pronounce.

[5] This commercially important hardwood is reminiscent of mahogany, and is a part of the same Meliaceae family.

Sapele is particularly prized for a lustrous iridescence with colors that range from light pink to brown and gold to red.

[6] It is used in the manufacture of furniture, joinery, veneers, luxury flooring, musical instruments, and boat building.