- For Her 70th Birthday
- Details Of The 3-In-1 Party
Penultimate weekend, 28th and 30th of July respectively, a quintessential woman of style, Erelu Abiola Dosumu, played host to family members and friends as she celebrated her 70th birthday, which also doubled as the day she celebrated her 43 years reign as Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos and 30 years as Erelu of Egbaland. Her birthday date is July 29, but her family members and friends decided to celebrate her around the day. On the same day, she launched two books and had a grand reception at Landmark Event Centre. July 29 was a day of prayers with her close family members in attendance, in her house, while on Sunday, 30 July, there was a thanksgiving mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Victoria Island followed by a night of songs of praise and thanksgiving at Terra Kulture Arena, Victoria Island. Society Editor, TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI, attended.
BEHOLD THE AGELESS BEAUTY, ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU
That Erelu Abiola Dosumu is a beautiful princess is simply stating the obvious, she is one of the style matriarchs of our time. She has been on the social scene for over 40 years and she still has not retired. Blessed with a lovely figure, she has aged gracefully at 70 that you can even mistake her for a 50 year old lady. Erelu Abiola Dosumu is a Lagos Princess, who had her education in Lagos. She was the first Nigerian woman to have a store on the popular luxury street in London, New born. She is a woman of many first in her home front. She has a beautiful family to show for it. she combines her frock, with lovely hair fascinators and lovely pearls to always stand her out at events. If she is not wearing a pearl, then you can be sure she is spotting a diamond or strictly pure fined gold. The Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos and Erelu of Egbaland, Abiola Dosunmu, is the traditional noble woman charged with the responsibility of upholding the glory of Oloye Erelu Kuti 1, an 18th century Yoruba royal, who aided the consolidation of her homeland. Erelu Kuti is referred to as the first queen’s mother, while Erelu Dosunmu is a Princess of the contemporary Lagos, who is hosting the cultural flag of the nation . She serves as a ranking chieftain of the realm and a ceremonial queen’s mother.
WHAT THE 3-IN-EVENT WAS ALL ABOUT
The party was classy and everyone, who attended had fun. It was a 3-in-1 Party. Erelu marked her 70th birthday and also celebrated her double title as the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos and Erelu of Egbaland. She also used the medium to launch her 2 books. There was also a thanksgiving service in her church. It was followed by a night of songs. At the grand reception, which was presided by a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, there was an opening prayer, which was led by the Archbishop of Lagos. The most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, while the Islamic prayer was delivered by the Chief Missioner of the Ansarudeen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad, represented by Alhaji Tijani Gbajabiamila. It was followed by traditional prayers.
THANKSGIVING AT OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH
The thanksgiving service for the 70th birthday was held at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island. It had many dignitaries, family, friends and well-wishers in attendance. They included the Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo, the founder of FCMB, Otunba Subomi Balogun, a PDP former governship aspirant in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, and a former Osun Ist Lady, Princess Omolola Oyinlola among others. Hymns rendered followed by opening prayers and thanksgiving.
PK LAMOUR WOWS GUESTS WITH CLASSY DÉCOR
The lovely décor, of the venue was done by Kenny of PK Lamour Events. The tall and beautiful woman, who is a core professional, did wonders with the stage and made guests to wow her decoration.
LANDMARK HALL FILLED TO THE BRIM
Important celebrities stormed the venue, Landmark Event Centre, and filled the hall to the brim as all the seats were occupied. Important VIPs’ who also came with entourage and various brands of automobile were feast for the eyes at the car parks.
NATIONAL ANTHEM KICK OFF THE EVENT
Hardly would an event kick off with a national anthem before the opening prayers, but as a custodian of unity and supporter of a great Nigeria, at Erelu Abiola Dosumu’s birthday, the national anthem was accorded utmost priority.
WHEN ERELU’S 2 BOOKS WERE LAUNCHED
At the party, Erelu Dosumu launched two books, MOTHER OF ROYALTY and LEGACY OF HONOUR- both invaluable compendia of her life were launched. The two books give account of her. as a Lagos girl and her life as a royalty. The books captured her first marriage to Major Tunde Elegbede and the agony of his untimely passage, life as a single mother of two boys as well as the account of her second marriage to Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Baron Deinde Antonio Fernandez, her friendship with the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, the late Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, a.k.a Tripple A, a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, fashion, service to mankind and her philanthropic services. Those who participated in the book launch: were a former President, Chief Obasanjo, Gov. Amosun, Gen. TY Danjuma, Tunde Ayeni, who was the Anchor Chairman, other keynote speakers and VIPs at the event.
FMR PRESIDENT OBASANJO PRESIDES AT THE EVENT
The Chairman of the day was a former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who was not only the Chairman, but also played a fatherly role. Erelu Dosumu has a special place for Obasanjo and it was evident at the party. Immediately Obasanjo stepped into the venue, Erelu found her way to the entrance to usher him in. He spoke glowingly about her, prayed for her and declared the event opened. He was also one of the VIPs, who launched the books. Attendees would surely notice there is a robust friendship between the celebrator and the Chairman.
GOV. AMBODE, THE CHIEF HOST
Though, Gov of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, was the chief host, but he was absent at the party. It was learnt that he was abroad to attend to international issues, but he sent a representative.
GEN. T.Y. DANJUMA & OBA AKIOLU PLAY FATHERLY ROLE
The duo of Gen. T. Y. Danjuma and Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, were the father and royal father of the day respectively. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma could not make it to the party, but his beautiful wife, Sen Daisy Danjuma, was there as a Lagos billionaire, Tunde Ayeni, a close pal of Gen. TY Danjuma, launched the books on his behalf, Oba of Lagos too was not there, but all his white cap chiefs alongside his staff of office were there.
6 ROYAL FATHERS OF WERE PRESENT
It is only important and expected that at a Princess’ party, royal fathers would attend in numbers. The party had more than six royal fathers. The royal fathers are: HRH Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, whose wife, Oloori Wuraola, was also at the party; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubarka 111, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, Alake Of Egbaland, Oba Adedokun Aremu Gbadebo 111, Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikechukwu Keagborekuzi and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM Alhaji Ado Ibrahim.
ERELU’S 1ST SON, KUNLE ELEGBEDE, GIVES OPENING
REMARK
The first son of the celebrator, Kunle Elegbede, gave the welcoming speech and he started by welcoming all attendees for honouring his mother, Erelu Dosunmu. He said “she is an icon who transcends the social, cultural and business realms, adding that she is a national treasurer of culture, who is loved by all. He also highlighted some of Erelu’s achievements, as she had transformed the title of Erelu to a most sought-after traditional title in Nigeria, adding that she has contributed immensely to the development of not only Nigeria, but Africa as a whole, he said she was, indeed, the Erelu of the world.
HIS SIBLINGS, ADEWUNMI & ANTONNIETTE TOO
The other Erelu’s children, who also played a tangible part in their mum’s 70th birthday are; Adewunmi and Antonniette Oyinkansola, who were called to the stage to give the closing remarks. In their vote of thanks, they thanked all guests for honouring their mum’s her invitation and also declared the dance floor opened.
1 SPEAKER ALONGSIDE 6 CONTRIBUTORS
As part of activities lined up to celebrate her 70th birthday, a lecture series was organised and had as the Guest Speaker, Nigeria’s former Foreign Affairs Minister and one time Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, CFR, who first extolled the celebrator’s qualities and also talked about how her grandfather fought for the nations amalgamation in 1914 alongside other robust speakers including retired Super Permanent Secretary and Diplomat, Chief Phillip Asiodu, a renowned Economist, Prof. Pat Utomi and Culture Advocate, Mrs. Bolanle Austen Peters, Mr Gbenga Oyebode, an Economist, Mr. Lekan Fadina as Prof. Bola Akinterinwa focused the topic: Threats To Peace and Security around the globe given the present state of the world’s insecurity. Each of the speakers highlighted the challenges, threats to peace and security in Africa, especially Nigeria in the face of biting economic recession, dwindling crude oil earnings, rising commodity prices amid ethnic war drumbeats, intense clamour for restructuring and the need for diversifying the economy. The speakers, having identified the myriad of the challenges, proffered solutions.
BETWEEN 2 LAGOS ARCHBISHOPS
There are two important Lagos Archbishops, who share a close friendship with Erelu Abiola Dosumu. They are: Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie and the Anglican Archbishop of Lagos, His grace. The most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins. Though, Archbishop Emeritus, Anthony Okogie, was not at the event, but he sent his warmest regards, while Archbishop Adewale Martins participated in the opening prayer and specifically prayed for the celebrator and members of her family.
ABOUT ALIKO DANGOTE’S WARMEST WISHES
The richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote group, was at the party. He came alongside his best friend of many years, Femi Otedola, Chairman of Forte Oil. They both dined and wined together. Aliko Dangote’s wishes was boldly written inside the brochure of events congratulating Erelu on her mile stone in life.
DR SUNNY KUKU COORDINATES THE CAKE CUTTING
Ijebu high Chief, Sir Sunny Kuku, coordinated cake cutting by counting from 10 and on the dot of 70, the birthday cake was cut. The celebrator was joined by other VIPs and took a couple of photographs. Her grandchildren also sang her happy birthday songs. There was a special traditional performance by a troupe from St. Anthony Catholic Church of Lagos and thereafter Chief Bisi Olatilo supervised the birthday toast.
OBASANJO ARRIVED ALONGSIDE ESAMA OF BENIN
When former President Obasanjo and Esama of Benin, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion stormed the venue, there was an uproar and a change of Tempo at the birthday party. Obasanjo and Esama came into the venue hand-in-hand and many people wondered on the closeness of the 2. Obasanjo is a man of many parts, therefore, he enjoys a robust friendship with the Edo billionaire, Esama of Benin, who rode in his latest gold Rolls Royce alongside some traditional rulers and Edo Chiefs.
AGAIN, OGUN GOV, AMOSUN & FMR GOV GBENGA DANIEL REUNITE
Just 3 weeks ago, we filled you in with a gist of how Ogun Gov, senator Ibikunle Amosun and his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, embraced each other in Abeokuta at Gov Amosun daughter’s Grand wedding, yes this past weekend ,same thing repeated itself and both were seen exchanging banters with each other.it was another form of reunion for the once good jolly friends.Gov Gbenga Amosun was live at the event because the celebrator is also a titled chief in Egbaland, He was the first to launch the books.
LAGOS BIG BABE, NIKE OSINOWO, AND HER KILLER FIGURE
When beauty Queen, Nike Osinowo, stormed the venue, she was almost mistaken for a young lady in her 20s. What got many tongues wagging was her killer physique which she accentuated with a short stoned sequined couture Ankara and a purple high heel shoes. She still got a banging body at close to 50. Nike, who is a Nigerian talk show host, entrepreneur, former pageant director and a style icon shares a great mother to daughter relationship with Erelu Abiola Dosunmu as she was seen at her feet all through, attending to the VVIPS.
… Also ERELU’S STEP DAUGHTER, CHIEF (MRS) TEJU PHILLIPS
Erelu Abiola Dosunmu and a Lagos society woman, Teju Phillips, shares a great bond, let’s quickly tell you that Chief Mrs Teju Phillips is Erelu‘s step daughter. Erelu was married to her father. Late Deinde Fernandez who she had a daughter for, Antonnitte Oyinkansola.Mrs Teju Phillips was there and supported Erelu all through. She came as the apparent representative of the Deinde Fernandez Dynasty
TOP CELEB WOMEN STORM THE PARTY
Sighted were: Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Sen. Daisy Danjuma, Nkiru Anumudu, Mary Inegbese, Hajia Abba Folawiyo, Folorunsho Alakija, Prof Dapo Ashiru’s wife, Bolu Akin Olugbade’s wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande, former Ondo 1st Lady, Funke Agagu, Oloori Abimbola Balogun, former Lagos Dep Governor, Sarah Sosan, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Nike Osinowo, Hon Abike Dabiri, Teni Aofiyebi, Teju Phillips, Alhajia Sinatu Ojikutu and many others.
HON. ABIKE DABIRI STEPS OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME AFTER SON’S WEDDING
After so much rest from the superlative wedding of her son, which shut down the whole of Abeokuta about 4 weeks ago, Hon Abike Dabiri has many reasons to be happy as she has bounced back to the social scene after much rest. This will be her major first outing in Lagos and she enjoyed herself to the fullest.
ROLL CALL
The Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos venue of the grand party was bursting at seams with high profile guests, including the Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and his wife, Olufunsho, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, founder and Chairman of First City Monument Bank, Otunba Subomi Balogun and his wife, Oloori Abimbola, a former Oyo State governor, Chief Alao Akala, a former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Yeye Olufunke, a former Secretary-General of Commonwealth, Dr. Emeka Anyaoku, White Cap Chiefs of Lagos, President, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chief (Mrs.) Bisi Akande, Nollywood stars, Omotola Jalade and Rukky Sanda, Tunde Ayeni, Mrs Teni Aofiyebi, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote, Nkiru Anumudu, Prof Dapo Ashiru and wife, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, Prince Olgunsoye Oyinlola, Gen Ike Nwachukwu, Gen. David, Jembewon and wife, Sen. Olorunnimbe Mamora, former IG, Alhaji Musiliu Smith, Sen. Sumbo Onitiri,Chief Mike Inegbese and wife, Mary, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, Chief Sunny Asemota and wife, Olorogun Sunny Kuku, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, Publisher, Vanguard Newspapers, Chief Sam Amuka Pemu, Founder and Publisher, BOS Show and Magazine, Prince Bisi Olatilo, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Ms. Biola Okoya and Erelu Dosunmu’s step-daughter, Chief (Mrs) Teju Phillips, nee Fernandez and Mrs. Abike Dabiri, among several others.
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