The whole of Ijebu Ode bubbled penultimate weekend, Friday, 9th of February, 2018, as Lagos big boy, Demola Akile Shabi, buried mum, Madam Beatrice Shabi, in grand style. The event, is one of the most talked about party on Nigeria social scene.
The burial, which many believed would cause a fight between the two beautiful wives of the oil guru turned outto be peaceful and cordial . Did you say why the fight? Well, many anonymous text messages were sent out to malign the image of one of the wives by a set of anonymous group of people particularly ladies. Permit us to tell you that despite the speculation the wives of Otunba Demola Shabi: Mrs Shabi fondly called Iya-Ife and Mrs Morufat Kalejaiye-Shabi, had swell time at the event as they played their roles and dazzled while the event lasted.
Many, who believed that Morufat Kalejaiye would oppress the first wife because of her financial capability, were disappointed as she adorned a toga of humility that betrayed all speculation. She didn’t only comport herself, but also displayed tolerance and high level handedness..
Information at our disposal revealed that Morufat has always been a very cool and down to earth person. One of her friends remarked that “a book shouldn’t be judged by its cover”.
The first leg of the burial programme kicked off on Wednesday, 8th of February, 2018 a Service of Song at Celestial Church of Christ, Zion Parish, while the Christian wake-keep was on Thursday in Ijebu. Though, his pretty wives, Iya Ife and Morufat were very much on ground but because it was a solemn event, both parties maintained their cool.
On Friday, 9th Febuary, 2018, at the party, the wives came with their large number of guests. The Sekere Villa of Ikuforiji –Olubi Street, GRA was filled to the brim. Iya Ife, the first wife, who have been married to the oil guru for decades, was at her best. She was looking all glam in a royal blue Aso-Oke matched with a royal traditional bead. Did you ask if she was sitting beside her husband? Well, the sitting arrangement was that only the children of the deceased were allowed to sit in the first row. She was, however, seated with the other wives of Mama’s other 3 sons. Despite that, Iya Ife had no hidding place at the event. Her husband also adores her alot.
The second wife, Mrs Morufat Kalejaiye Shabi, was also at her best. She was sitting in the first row. She share a strong bond with all Demola’s siblings. They have since taken her as the 2nd wife many years ago. Yes, Demola and Morufat solemnised their relationship traditionally many years ago before they decided to go public when one of the daughters of Morufat Kalejaiye got married in the past. Those who are privy to their relationship revealed that Morufat and Demola love each other so much. Morufat was also at the party with her clique of friends like Otunba Folasade Adesoye, Alhaja Kuburat Sokunbi to mention a few. They all looked glamorous in a white exclusive luxury lace matched with blue black aso-oke. Their set of jewellery did the talking, while the event lasted.
After the closing remark by Akile Demola Shabi at few minutes past 1pm, the children of the deceased and their wives all came out to pay tribute to Mama for the last time. They were led by Mama’s first son. Immediately after Akile prayed for his mum, his wife, Mrs. Shabi came forward and did same. The second wife, Morufat Shabi also followed suit, while the grand grandchildren were also in attendance.
We can never forget to tell you about a young babe, who is said to be one of the wives of Demola, Funmi Maltida Komina. She was spotted in baby pink lace at the church service. She was there with a 5-years-old child, who also bade Mama Farewell.
The grand reception which took place at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode was one of a kind. This is because the wives made sure all their guests made the event. Iya Ife came with over 500 guests, so also was Morufat Kalejaiye, her friends turned up enmass. The aso-ebi was baby pink and many Lagos society women made it. She also had special “aso-ijo“ for her select group of friends. It is not strange for any Lagos owambe that Aso-Ijo is chosen. It is quite different from aso-ebi. Aso-Ebi is general, while Aso-Ijo is for a selected few; Oloori Rikat Adams, Otunba Dase Adesoye, Bimbo Pitan, Bukky Alli Balogun, Peju Muraino, Alhaja Sekinat, Iyalaje of Ijebuland, Mrs Korede Alatise to mention a few.
Mrs. Shabi fondly called Iya Ife drove in a white Luxury Toyota Jeep a few minutes past 3pm. She was followed by hefty security men in uniform. Iya Ife is also a business woman, who runs a popular store in Okota. The traditional drummers came alive immediately they saw her, dishing out danceable beats. She responded, dancing and spraying them crispy naira notes. She was spotted in blue black lace, while her silver white aso-oke was well wrapped to match her good look. Iya Ife is beautiful sha. Many couldn’t take their eyes off her 18carat white gold as her silver shoe and purse kept talking with every step she took.
Morufat Kalejaiye too is beautiful. She is a top Lagos fabric merchant and she runs Morkals fabrics in Lagos. She recently opened her shopping complex in Lagos. She is very fluent in English and well reserved. She is not just stylish; she knows what suits her look. Morufat Shabi was spotted in a black multi coloured lace matched with a baby pink aso-oke. Though, she did her make-up herself, but her gele was tied to fit her pretty face. Lets gist you about her diamond. It was a rare silver and baby pink multicoloured diamond set specially ordered from Jewellery Affairs. She also had her security personnel, who were at her call anytime. Of course, many couldn’t help, but admired Morufat as she moved from table to table greeting her friends.
Though, her ‘Iyale‘(First wife’s seat was directly opposite hers, they all occupied their space, while the event lasted. Did you say where was Komina seat? Her seat was far away from the seats of the two senior wives. But she had to come as it was her mother-in-law’s burial party.
A few minutes past 4pm, “Omo Oloku“(Son of the deceased), Demola Shabi, stormed the stage dancing to the sonorous voice of the king of Fuji, King Wasiu Ayinde. K1 sang: “Gbogbo oro e to so ma wo be Demola se gbo“( Dont listen to all the negative things people say about you). When K1 wanted to change the tone of the music, Demola insisted on the song ‘Gbogbo oro e to so ma wo be Demola so gbo“. He sang, as he quickly sprayed a pack of N1000 in a few minutes. There was, no doubt, that he was just too happy to see that the burial of his mum was grand despite all the negative messages sent out by distractors.
Was Demola Shabi praised without his wives being mentioned? The answer is No. K1 also sang the praise of Iya Ife (Mummy Ife). He prayed to high heaven for her and Morufat Kalejaiye. “Iya ife, ku aduro ti, may your children all be successful“. He also praised Morufat Kalejaiye. He prayed for all her children too while all their friends storm the stage to dance.
Don’t forget that Demola Shabi owns that popular Oil station called Petroleum Managers in Lagos. He has many branches across Nigeria. He is super rich and has other chains of businesses. Demola Akile worked with NNPC before he resigned to set up his Mega station many years ago. Demola is a member of “Olu-Ijo Mimo“(Celestial Church). Asides having financial capability to marry more than 1 wife, the doctrine of celestial allows him to have more than one wife.
-ABIOLA ORISILE
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