•How They Still Dazzle @ Parties
When you talk about celebrity women in Nigeria, their names will readily come to mind. These set of women are in their 60s, 70s, 80s and still rocking the social scene big time. They are one of Nigeria’s social circle favorite as they make statements and turn heads at any functions you see them. They have been on the social scene for over 30,40 years and still counting. Most of them have their cliques and one common thing amongst them is that they are rich. Not only do they rock parties, but they always stand out. Despite their age, they are still very active. From a rich pedigree, they cut across different professions and are visibly seen at major shindigs. They make parties tick and they are no small fry in the style sector as they turn out gorgeous in their lovely outfits and expensive jewelries and accessories. You have to hand it to Nigerians, women in particular. They are fashion-conscious, urbane, sophisticated and up-to-the-minute. Whether it is the latest designer wears, trend-setting styles, Nigerian women know what it is all about. Usually the life and soul of the party wherever they go, they are so hooked on fashion that they could go to any length to acquire the very best money can buy. This set of pretty celebrities have got it all, they are the better halves of many prominent celebrity men in Nigeria and their marriage speaks for them. In no particular order, City People’s SOCIETY EDITOR, TAYO OYEDIJI chronicles the lives of these women who are conquering their world.
On the list is one and only Mama Bakassi, Senator Florence Ita Giwa. She is 75 but you can mistake her to be in her 60s. The powerful dresser and stylish icon has achieved so much for herself and she has been on the scene for more than 40 years. She always turns heads at parties. She was still recently seen at a 50th birthday party few days ago.
What of the pretty damsel, Senator Daisy Danjuma, when you talk about stylish women in Nigeria, her name continuously pops up. She is a 2 time Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria. Fondly called DD, she hails from Edo State and she is married to General TY Danjuma. Her love for expensive jelweries especially diamond is second to none. She is in her 60s. Hajia Bola Shagaya has been on the social radar for over 30 years and she has remained a formidable force within the corridors of power such that they conferred on her, Member of the order of Nigeria, MON. Known for her impeccable style, Hajia Bola Shagaya does not do things in half measures. Her love for exquisite fabrics has not withered and she has a huge rich collection of luxury jewelries, especially diamond which is her favourite. Dubbed the richest woman in Africa, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija is the pretty wife of Famfa Oil boss, Modu Alakija. She runs the popular Rose of Sharon foundation. On the list is highly respected society woman, Funmi Goka who is the 1st woman to attain her status as a deputy director and only female top shot in Agip Oil where she has worked for over 20 years. She is a lawyer by training and a recurring decimal on the social scene, many parties were not complete without her face and she is indeed aging gracefully. What of Chief Mrs Ireti Asemota? the diamond loving woman is the wife of Lagos Billioniare, Chief Sunny Asemota. She is in her 70s. Style matriarch and Labanella Boss who is also the wife of Late Industrialist, Wahab Folawiyo, Hajia Abba Folawiyo cannot but be on this list. It is only if you are not a socialite that you will not know Sisi Abba as everyone loves to call her. It will interest you that she is in her late 70s and still fit.Her close friend, chief mrs Yewande Onileere cannot miss this list. She is a socialite per excellence and the pretty wife of former Ex ,milad, Raji Rasaki Fatima is also a stunner anytime anyday. One woman who is surely aging gracefully at over 80 is Erelu Ojuolape Ojora who is married to Otunba Adekunle Ojora, the marriage which has lasted over 50 years is still what many emulates. She turns heads at parties and adorns choice jewelries. She is a lover of luxury French laces.
What of the great educationist and philanthropist, chief Mrs Leila Fowler? She is over 80 and still aging gracefully. The pace setter, pathfinder and one whose milk of human kindness will fill the gapping mouths of the needy and the well to do is the founder of the popular school, Vivian Fowler Schools. Madam Winifred Awosika will also make this list, the octagenarian who is still waxing stronger is the founder of Chrisland Schools.
Award winning fashion designer, Chief(Mrs)Sade Thomas-Fahm was one of those Nigerians led by patriotism to return from England in 1960 when the nation officially broke free from the shackles of colonization. Like her contemporaries, Thomas-Fahm who is notable for kick-starting the Nigerian fashion industry and for being the first to own a boutique in the country is still hale and hearty.
Popular female SAN who is highly respected in her profession, Folake Solanke is the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). A woman whose trailblazing feats in the legal profession in Nigeria have inspired many women in the industry and whose contributions in other fields of endeavour are equally outstanding is in her 80s. The iconic First Ladies of Nigeria including Mrs Victoria Gowon, who first made the position significant is the beautiful wife of General Yakubu Gowon during the tenure of her husband as the Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Mrs. Victoria Gowon did not just make the office significant and compelling; she used the position to elevate the status of her profession, nursing, profoundly. She is aging gracefully at close to 80. On this list of Nigeria’s First Ladies are, Chief Mrs Shonekan, Chief Mrs Jakande, Ex VP wife, Hajia Atiku Abubarka, Hajia Fati Abubarka, wife of late head of State, Hajia Maryam Abacha, Mrs Ajoke Mohammed, Mrs Victoria Ironsi, Mrs Uche Azikwe and others. On this list are also Grace oyelude, the woman that was crowned the first Miss Nigeria in 1957 in a contest that involved over 200 young girls from all parts of Nigeria. Art Collector, Nike Okundaye whose home has over 8000 art pieces is the largest privately-owned art gallery in Africa.she is also turning 70.
We can’t also forget, the mother of Nigeria’s VP, Mrs Olubisi Osinbajo who is 85 years. Mother of Ex-Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Florence Saraki, Ex-Ogun First Lady, Olufunso Amosun’s mother, Elder Olusola Odesanya who recently turned 80. Foremost ex-Chief Judge of Nigeria, Maryam Aloma Mukthar and all.
Oluremi Tinubu a former first lady of Lagos State and a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,She is married Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-former executive Governor of Lagos State and the National Leader of the APC. She is in her 60s.
We cannot forget APC women leader, South West, Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson, she is known for her unique style and headgear. She is always well embraced at functions. Also her sister, Chief Mrs Kofo Olugbesan, they are celebrity women with brains who dazzle at A.list parties. They always chose the kind of parties they attend. Madam Kofo Olugbesan is a custom topshot.. Lagos fabric merchant, Barr Sade Balogun is another society woman who has been rocking the scene for over 30 years. The Iyalaje of Itori Land is always a delight at parties, she once held sway at Ogun State Government during ex-Gov Gbenga Daniel’s tenure and she is still relevant in the scheme of things. She most times sets the pace of styles because she preaches what she sells. Mummy Dupe Lawale also made this list, if you know her, you will know she never dulls at any party as she loves to dance, Aunty Dupe has been rocking the scene for over 40 years and she is still very good at it. The founder of Tastee Fried Chicken, Chief Mrs Pamela Adebayo does not just go out, she attends A class events, and when you see her at any party, she dresses moderately but expensively. She is in her 70s. Ibadan Society woman, Jade Kudus is indeed a society woman to the core whom musicians praises to high heavens at any party. She runs one of the biggest and thriving shipping business in Ibadan. Very popular within the Ibadan social establishment and highly industrious, she is a force to reckon with as many of her friends love her to be at their parties. What about Corporate Amazon and society matriarch, Chief (Ms) Sena Anthony? She holds the Yeye Olofin of Lagos. She is an Oil and Gas Law Consultant and an external director for Oando Plc. She is one of the good faces we see at parties. Chief Mrs Teju phillips, former Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations’ name ring a loud bell within the social scene. She is an accountant and had been in the banking industry for many years. Though a politician, she came from the corporate background. Mummy Adeola Yesufu, a celebrated aviation Amazon and grand dame of the Nigerian society is in her 70s. The ageless and elegant society matriarch is also a delight of many parties. Popular Lagos fabric merchant, Alhaja Bola Owoyemi, CEO of Rikaz Fabrics is the wife of Protea Hotel boss, Alhaji Owoyemi Salaudeen, she also rocks Lagos parties. Mrs. Teni Aofiyebi, a veteran actress, businesswoman and socialite is also one of the society matriachs of our time. Former Lagos Deputy Governor, Sarah Sosan is also another beautiful dame who is married to Engr Seyi Sosan, she is also in her 60s. On this list is Alhaja Hafsat Saro, the beautiful wife of Kwara Billionaire, Alhaji Umar Ayinla Saro. She compliments her husband with many businesses. She is well known amongst the social milieu as one of the paparazzi delight anytime she steps out in her expensive outfits and jewelries.
Fatima Adegunwa is as popular as her husband, very prominent on the social scene. She is a big time business woman who has a knack for expensive jelweries is married to her husband of many years, Dr. Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR, whom they popularly call Alhaji. Princess Roseline Omolara Osipitan is an Oil baron, she is the founder and Chief Executive officer of First Royal Oil and Gas and also the President of the Women Wing of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). She hails from Ondo State and married to Prince Bola Osipitan. Risi Odumosu is a big time textile merchant and the Iyaloja of Gutter Market in Lagos Island. Alhaja Bintu Tinubu made history 4 years ago when she became the Iyalode of Lagos, a title which has been vacant for many years.
She is also well known especially within Lagos social scene.Chief Mrs Bewaji Kuku who is the Alaye Gbade of Lagos is a big time textile merchant, a chartered administrator and politician. The woman who is over 70 is a party delight and she runs a successful company, Bewatex Limited. One of her close friends is Hajia Titi Atiku with whom they rock parties together. Hajia’s beauty has also stayed for many years and they complete parties when they step out. For almost two decades, Mrs. Folake Majin, the brain behind the wave making Schon Afrique has got her fingers mainly in one pie; churning out beautiful fashion designs for her teeming and quite exclusive clientele, that is why she is very stylish. Top civil servant, Chief Mrs Enitan Akerele had been on the social scene for decades and she loves to celebrate with most of her friends.She has been attending events back to back for the past few months.
Elegant, beautiful are the apt words to fully describe Olori Abimbola Balogun who clocked the iconic 70 years few years back.When you mention the beautiful wives of prominent and highly educated men in Nigeria, Olori Abimbola Adetutu née Ayoola, the pretty wife of Otunba Subomi Balogun, the Chairman of FCMB and Olori Omo Oba of Ijebu land will not be missing. She wields enormous influence and well respected in Ijebu and Ogun State as a whole and most significant, she wears the best apparels and Jewelries.Chief Mrs Joko Oni too, she is well known within the social scene. She is in her mid 60s. The 1st wife of late Oba Oniru, Olori Aramide Oniru is also not left out, dark beautiful robust Olori is the head of all the wives, she is the Iya Aafin of Iru Land. What of the Tejuosho Oloris, who does not know them? If you don’t, you must be new on the social scene. They are the most united Oloris who wear same thing, goes out same time and practically does everything together. They don’t do colour riots. They have good taste for fashion and are the most prominent Oloris at any A class event. They are very close so that endless for them to do things together. The trio of Olori Omolara, Olori Yetunde and Olori Olabisi are party darlings anytime anyday. Mrs Dupe Sagoe is the doyenne of textile business in Nigeria and one of the most formidable society grand matriarchs of the Nigerian society. She is in her 70s. Seasoned politician and a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas is a party rocker as well. She is in her 60s. Alhaja Tinuke Abioro is in her 70s, she is a trained nurse and runs one of her late husband’s business. She is well visible on the social scene. Queen of Juju Music, Ayo Balogun’s profession says it all. She is a great entertainer and hardly will you find any weekend or even week days that she is not busy. She is also one of Lagos society women who make parties tick. She is in her 60s.Among the former first ladies in Nigeria, Mrs. Derin Osoba, wife of a former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, still commands a lot of respect.when her husband held the reins of power in Ogun State. Her good looks was always a subject of attraction, as celebrity journalists scrambled over one another for pictures for their cover pages. Their presence at high-octane events has never gone unnoticed. Though the elegant former first lady could be said to be selective about social events she attends. Yoyin Makanjuola is the proprietress of Rolam School in Iju. she belongs to the caucus of the nouveau riche because she lives and breathe, affluence. She is beautiful though an educationist, she still loves to party. Derin Braithwaite Disu is the famous society lady and the former Special Adviser on Central Business Districts to Ex-Lagos State Governor. Born to a medical doctor father and an Irish mother, Priscilla Soyemi loves the good life and has friends across the social divide, she is one of our party delights any day anytime. The wife of former Ondo governor, Angela Adebayo made the list. Highly intellectual and a selective socialite. Also Mrs Ranti Johnson is the famous society lady, textile merchant and younger sister of Sisi Abah Folawiyo. Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, the only white wearing Erelu is very stylish and it is only the type of Erelu that can stick to one colour and make the best out of it. She is in her late 70s and a party delight too.The first daughter of late General Adeyinka Adebayo, Nike Makinde too is on this list. She is in her 60s as well. Grace Egbagbe, a lawyer and former NTA director which ranks them among the A-list of Nigeria’s most admired and intelligent woman who is always in tune with the modern trends in the fashion world. She knows what to wear to suit any occasion.
Mrs Funmilayo Alebiosu is the wife of Otunba Bushira Alebiosu from Ijebu Ode, she is a titled Chief, Otunba Adefugba of Ijebu. Funmi Bush is also one of the society women in Ijebu who adorns expensive jelweries and laces. Another Funmi is the Tejuoshos, Aunty Funmi like many call her is a socialite per excellence. She deals in selling expensive gold and diamonds. Folashade Omobola Ashafa is the wife of senator Bariyu Ashafa, an astute politician. His wife, Sade of over 35 years is also one of the society women who complements her husband at any party. Quintessential Lady of style, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande is over 70 but she looks younger than her age. Very stylish and highly learned, the 2-time minister is the beautiful wife of Chief Bayo Akande, an Ibadan high chief, she always stands out at parties in her lovely French laces and when she goes cosmopolitan, her hair fascinators are second to none. Chief Remi and Bisi Abiola are wives of Late MKO Abiola, they have been on the social scene from time immemorial due to the large heart and popularity of their late husband, and they are also merrymakers at parties. The pretty Olori of late Ooni of Ife, Sijuwade is Ladun Sijuwade, the wife of the Ife Monarch, Oba Okunade Sijuade has set a standard within the social milieu as one of the trend setters with her love for expensive French laces. She hails from the prominent Harold Shodipo family in Ogun State. She runs a multinational company known as Dalora Ventures.
Tall and very well endowed, Ngozi Nkoloenyi hails from Enugu State and she has been a style icon from time immemorial, born into fashion and having learnt from her mum, she has been on the style radar for many years. She runs the flourishing and most sought after bridal house, Valerie Bridals in Lagos, also sits atop bloomingdale fashion outfit. In the pen profession is the Lady Maiden Ibru, wife of Late Alex Ibru, the chairman of The Guardian newspapers, is also in her 70s and still strong. Former Chief Judges of Lagos and sisters, Chief Judge of Lagos, Hon. Justice Mrs Funmilayo Atilade, daughter of late Hon. Justice Williams and sister of the Ex-Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Mrs Ayo Philips are women who love their job and also loves to grace her friends party. Yoyin Makanjuola is in her 60s but the beautiful woman who is aging gracefully never looks it a bit, she is the wife of top bizman and caverton Helicopter boss, Chief Adeniyi Makanjuola. Another beautiful woman on the list is Aduke Theresa Akinyelure, she is the wife of Former Mobil topshot and NNPC Director, Pius Akinyelure, she runs a thriving boutique on the Island. Mutiat Ladoja is the wife of Former Oyo Governor, Rasheed Ladoja. She also has many friends across all geopolitical zones.
-TAYO OYEDIJI
READ ALSO: HOW FORMER KANO EMIR, SANUSI LAMIDO, LIVES BIG IN LAGOS
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