Hajia Bisi Bisimilai is not new on Lagos social scene. This is not just because she was once married to a popular Fuji star Saheed Osupa but because she is a daughter of a popular Oyo billionaire Alhaji Bisimilai. Her father is one of the Oyo prominent businessmen who play big in Oil and Gas and Construction.
A few days ago, this popular Gold jeweler opened an 18-carat Gold shop and exclusive Senegalese shop on Opebi Street, Ikeja in Lagos. The event paraded many Lagos big society women of note. City People’s Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE, had an exclusive interview with her where she spoke about how her marriage to Saheed Osupa crashed and how she did everything within her power to make it work among many other related issues.
Most of us know you as the daughter of Oyo billionaire, Alhaji Bisimilai. Can we mirror your dad through you?
My father is a prominent businessman in Oyo. He is a very religious person too. His name is Abdulwahab Yusuf (Allahu Wahab) and his nickname is “Bismillah”.
How did he get that name as many of us thought that is his real name?
No, that is not his real name. His real name is Allahu Wahab, but he got that nickname because whenever he wanted to start anything, he would say Bismilai which is, ‘I start in the name of God Almighty”. That was how people gave him that name.
How old his your dad?
He is an old man, who has aged gracefully. He is over 90 years old.
What does he do?
He is a foremost filling station owner in Oyo. His filling station is still very active till date. He plays big in Oil and Gas. He also has a Bakery, Block industries in Oyo and Ibadan. He also plays big in Real Estate. He is an astute businessman.
How was growing up with your father like?
He is very religious and strict, but I thank God that he brought us up like that. Though, I spent most of my time with my mum in Oyo because of my education. My parents are both strict.
What does your mum do?
My mum sells Guinea brocade at Gbagi in Ibadan. So I learnt the rudiment of the trade from her. My mum is a good businesswoman in Ibadan, calm and well-coordinated.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up on Old Ife Road and Bodija in Ibadan and it was the marriage that brought me to Lagos. Don’t also forget that I have another mum in Lagos in the person of “Iya Oyo”, Alhaja Alimot Shadia. She took over the position of my mother after her death. We have been so close even before I got married. She advises me and prays for me a lot. She is a mother whose footstep I admire a lot.
Why do you think many ladies should invest in gold?
It is a very good investment. You won’t have a problem if you want to sell your jewelry. And if you want to float your business, you can start by selling your 18-carat gold to startup instead of borrowing from people. You just sell jewelry, use its proceeds for your business, make money and use it to buy other jewelry. It goes beyond the selling of gold to solve a problem. You won’t also be put to shame. So, my advice is that if you have small money, buy Gold, resell and buy another one.
How long have you been wearing gold?
Since I was born, I have been wearing gold for ages. My mother was a foremost fabric seller so she always adorned us with 18-carat gold when we were young.
Entrepreneurship is made simple on Instagram these days. To be a female entrepreneur is not an easy thing. You must be able to cut your coat according to your fabrics. You must know when you are to spend money and when to withdraw into your shell. You must also know that everything is not as smooth as it is said to be. You must know that challenges abound.
Let us go a little personal, your husband, King Saheed Osupa, a few weeks ago, said that he was not married, adding that he does not have any Bismilai’s as a wife, how do you feel about his utterances?
It’s quite funny to hear him talk that way. If Saheed said he doesn’t have a wife that means he doesn’t have a wife. He may be saying the truth. We have been separated for over 5 years now.
Everybody has his or her own challenges. Our marriage is blessed with 2 wonderful brilliant kids. If he said that he doesn’t have a wife, I don’t feel bad about it. He is a musician after all. Don’t forget that he may say I am the love of his life tomorrow. I am not affected by it knowing that I have not offended him or done anything wrong.
How did he move out, you had a fight?
No, we didn’t have a fight we enjoyed a very good relationship. He told me he was getting an office at Magodo and he went to have it. He then stopped coming, giving different excuses and I tried my best to know why he stopped coming home, but to no avail. Until he had that interview and said he didn’t have a wife, so I don’t have a husband too.
You are humble and sweet, why don’t you look for a way to pacify him?
I have tried all I could as a dutiful woman. As I am speaking with you, I am still living in his house despite that I have completed my house at Papa Ajao. I have put everything in place since last year but I am living in his house. My kids are with me. I have searched my conscience and believe that I have done nothing to offend him. He always has a series of excuses.
You are so English, where did you grow up?
My father sent us to good schools. I went to Ore Ofe Oluwa Nursery/Pry School, Ibadan and later to FGSS Oyo, I was a boarder with my father providing all we needed. I later went to the Polytechnic Ibadan, where I read Marketing and Communication for my ND & HND. After that, I went to London to live.
What has life taught you?
Life has taught me to lie low when rich. Even Saheed does that. He taught me to be prudent, people who make noise are not rich.
How do you rest?
I am a very homely person when I’ m not attending parties. I love being with my kids because they are my future.
What stands out Lakoko?
Our designs can’t be seen anywhere else. Our Senegalese wears are exclusive.
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