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Ganikale is a compound name formed in Lagos, Nigeria between 1974-5 or thereabout, when the then Mr Abdul Ganiyu Akanbi Kale, a popular polygamist from Lagos, Nigeria decided to form a new name from part of his own given name, Ganiyu, and his adopted father's name, Kale. An Alhaji who married his mother whilst pregnant with Ganiyu.

Ganiyu's biological father was a young man named, Ajibade (from the family of Lamina of Òshó court in Obalende/Epetedo area of Lagos island). Ajibade died after he had impregnated Ganiyu's mother who was then abandoned by the deceased's family. Then Kale adopted his mother and nurtured the unborn child whom he raised as his own.

Ganiyu grew up in the Lagos mainland to become very rich and famous. He married many wives and was survived by up to 51 biological children. He died at the age of 81.

After the death of his parents, Ganiyu decided to change his name because the other offspring of his adopted father refer to him as not biologically one of theirs. So he carved out Gani from Ganiyu to join to Kale and he legally became Gani-Kale. Hence, Ganikale.

He raised all his 51 children is Oshodi, Lagos State, Nigeria where he had many properties and investments. He was survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Kolakale family is a branch of Ganikale. Kolawole is one of the sons of Ganikale who gave the surname Kolakale to his own children raised in the diaspora.