The whole of Abeokuta literally shook for several hours last Saturday, July 23rd, 2022, when top society lady and successful businesswoman, Chief (Princess) Comfort Folashade Omotade was honoured with the title of Mojibade Egba. The honour was done her by His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, Okukenu IV, the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland. The installation proper took place right inside the prestigious Ake Palace. Trust the celebrant, Chief (Princess) Folashade Omotade, she pulled out all the stops to ensure she put together an installation ceremony the Alake and his highly revered chiefs would not forget in a hurry. It was simply an exquisitely classy ceremony. She is clearly a woman of taste and high quality, hence she kept the volume of her guests moderate and not overcrowded. Those who know Princess Folashade will not only tell you she is an accomplished businesswoman with many flourishing business concerns, but that she is also one that spends money like it means absolutely nothing to her. Her philanthropic activities is legendary, yes, the Mojibade of Egba land is a woman with an immensely large heart who gives endlessly to every needy person that crosses her path without bothering to know which tribe or religion they subscribe to. It is this generous part of her that the chiefs and indigenes of Abeokuta enjoyed to the fullest when the King installed her as the Mojibade of Egbaland.
City People’s Senior Editor, WALE LAWAL (08037209290) and Photo Journalist, FERANMI BUSAYO were at the event to serve you all the juicy details of all that went down at the colourful installation ceremony. Immediately after the installation rites were concluded and Chief (Princess) Folashade Omotade was installed the Mojibade of Egba, the party moved to the magnificent Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, that was where the real party began. But first, let us take you through how it all started right from inside the Alake’s palace in the morning of the installation day.
ALAKE OF EGBALAND ARRIVES PALACE IN IMPRESSIVE CONVOY
Give it to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, he is certainly a king with class. And to say he oozes the sort of class and panache expected of a king of his standing is putting it mildly. When Kabiyesi arrived at the palace at about 11 0’clock in the morning for the ceremony, he drew attention and admiration with his impressive convoy of sleek-looking exotic cars. There were about six or seven glittering black cars in that convoy and each one of them states of the art. Right from the main road before driving through the massive gates of the palace, indigenes who were already familiar with the king’s convoy were seen bowing and waving at him to show their love and respect for the king who has led them well and brought peace and progress to the land since August 2005, when he ascended the throne. He will mark his 17 years coronation anniversary next month this coming August. Kabiyesi was looking great in his full royal regalia with his Olori Tokunbo Gbadebo right beside him.
STAR OF THE DAY, PRINCESS FOLASHADE’S STUNNING ARRIVAL
You didn’t need anyone to tell you the star of the day had arrived. Everything about her convoy spoke volumes. Her impeccably white and intimidating Range accompanied by several other wonders-on-wheels showed the celebrant’s ‘Big Girl’ status. By the time she stepped out of her Range Rover, looking smashing in her white glittering Iro and buba HOH fabric and adorned with exclusive jewellery only the super-rich can afford, the drummers, praise singers and everyone waiting outside the entrance of the hall knew the big masquerade had arrived. Princess Folashade was looking really beautiful. She was accompanied by her small but classy group of friends led by a woman she regards as a big sister, the ever delectable and ageless Chief (Dr.) Mrs. Onikepo Akande, the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadan. For those who do not know very well the ageless Chief Mrs. Nike Akande, we will gladly educate you soon.
CELEBRANT’S DISPLAY OF UNCOMMON GENEROSITY
Immediately she stepped out of her car moments before she entered the hall, the celebrant could not conceal her joy and excitement knowing she was only a few minutes away from being installed the Mojibade of Egbaland. She was all pumped up with energy as she dived straight into a dance with the various traditional drummers waiting for her at the entrance. And of course, this is where she displayed her large heart. She gave them lots of money, the type they hadn’t received from previous chieftaincy title recipients in a long while. The elderly women and men who were showering her with prayers were not left out as well. They were all overjoyed when she gave them handsome amounts of money left them stunned and showering her with even more prayers.
THE EVER AGELESS AND STUNNING CHIEF (DR) MRS. ONIKEPO AKANDE
She is ever radiant and forever gorgeous. If there is one woman in the land today who has defied all the laws of ageing, it must be the delectable Chief (Dr) Mrs. Nike Akande. Every time this ageless beauty steps, she not only turns heads but gets everyone wondering how she has sustained her gorgeous look despite that she has hit 76 years of age. Let us tell you more about this hugely accomplished woman. She is a renowned industrialist and investment expert. Chief (Dr) Mrs Nike Akande, OON, CON, is Nigeria’s first female minister of Industry (she’s a 2-time minister) second female president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the current Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadan. Ask anyone and they will tell you that you cannot be Nike Akande’s friend if you’re empty upstairs because she is an incredibly brilliant woman herself and likes to surround herself with like minds. She was right beside Princess Folashade as they both stepped out of the car together and eventually made their entry into the hall together when the celebrant was done acknowledging the various groups of dancers, praise singers and the elderly who had waited patiently all morning for her arrival.
BABA ADINNI EGBA STARTS THE PROCEEDINGS
The installation ceremony was officially kick-started by the Agba Akin, Baba Adinni Egba, who began with prayers and eulogies for Kabiyesi. After he was done, titled chiefs, all male, lined out to pay homage to His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo. After the men came the Erelus, they also paid homage to their king. Their prayers and eulogies for the king were powerful and also pleasing to the ears.
CELEBRANT TOO PAYS HOMAGE TO KABIYESI
Before now, the celebrant, Chief (Princess) Folashade Omotade Odumosu was not part of the proceedings, she was kept in one of the rooms inside the building where she was being tutored on how she would pay homage to Kabiyesi. And when she was brought in to take her turn and pay homage, she didn’t do badly at all. She impressed everyone present. She rolled on the floor before Kabiyesi and reeled out words of the eulogy that impressed both Kabiyei and his chiefs present.
CHIEF MRS. BAKRE RECITES PRINCESS FOLASHADE’S CITATION
Pretty looking Chief Mrs. Bakre, very close friend of the celebrant, was given the honour to read her friend’s citation. And as you would expect, she did good reading through the fairly lengthy citation that revealed the depth, tenacity and accomplishments of the woman of a substance called Chief (Princess) Folashade Omotade Odumosu, the Mojibade of Egbaland.
CELEBRANT TAKES OATH OF OFFICE
After the recitation, Princess Folashade took the oath of office. Soon after, Kabiyesi prayed for her and she was installed as the Mojibade of Egbaland. She was then presented with her crown and a small staff of office.
PARTY MOVES TO OOPL
Immediately after the installation was over, everyone moved to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. For those who were stepping inside OOPL for the first time, the sheer grandeur of the ambience was more than enough to tell you that Princess chose just the right venue for her installation party. The outside of the marquee was decorated with lovely photos of the celebrant. And the inside was magnificently done. The hall decoration was breathtaking, the sort you could tell must’ve cost Princess quite a sizeable chunk of money. It oozed nothing but pure class.
ALAKE’S COMMENDABLE PUNCTUALITY
Everyone couldn’t but notice Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo’s punctuality. Earlier in the day, he arrived early for the installation taking place in his palace. Later in the afternoon, even before the celebrant arrived at OOPL, Kabiyesi was already there along with his Olori and chiefs. He is obviously a stickler for time and it showed.
HERE COMES THE MOJIBADE OF EGBA LAND
The celebrant again arrived OOPL in company of Chief (Dr) Mrs Nike Akande. She had changed into another outfit, this time an even more expensive fabric that must’ve cost her a fortune. She took her time to oblige the paparazzi and let them take as many pictures of her as they wanted. She was looking really regal and royal in her new outfit.
KING SUNNY ADE ON BANDSTAND
The king of world beats was the artiste billed to perform at the event. He was just the right musician for the occasion. And he was awesome. From the comments and praises of the guests present, it was obvious that many were shocked to see that KSA was still as energetic and as strong vocally as he displayed at the Mojibade Egba’s installation ceremony. Despite being very close to marking his birthday, KSA’s vocal cords still sound very strong. He could very easily go the next ten years still sounding as good as he did. When he mounted the stage, the entire hall came alive, the real party was about to begin!
EGBA MONARCHS AND HIGH CHIEFS STORM OOPL
As you would expect, there were several Egba monarchs and high chiefs in attendance. They were there in all of their royal compliments to support and honour the gorgeous Princess Folashade Omotade Odumosu, the Mojibade Egba. Notable amongst the monarchs present were Oba Fatai Akamo, the Olu Itori Ewekoro Egba, Oba Mathew Ayinde Ajibulu, the Olu Onigbedu land, Chief Oluyinka Kufile, Aro Egba, Sikirulai Atobatole, Balogun Egba, Akanni Akinwale, Baagbimo Egba, Ganiyu Babayeju, Aare Egba, Kolawole Akinyele, Seriki Agba Akin Egba, Chief (Dr.) Femi Majekodunmi, Bada of Egba land, Hon. Chief Olayiwola Olawale, Seriki Bobagunwa of Egbaland, High Chief (Amb) Taye Okanlawon, Bobagunwa of Egba land, High Chief Alhaji (Navy Capt Rtd.) Rasheed Raji, Agbaakin of Egba landHigh Chief Sunday Oduntan, Asiwaju Baamofin of Egba land, Chief Musibau Eyiowuawi, Aare Akinrogun Egbaland and so many others.
WHEN THE CELEBRANT NEARLY LOST HER COOL
Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Omotade, the Mojibade Egba, who had been excited and cheerful all day very nearly lost her cool when she stepped inside the venue of her party and realized that no one had been served anything. Not even water! She was livid with rage and one could see she was barely trying to suppress the anger she was feeling inside. She could be heard calling the MD of ASTORIA Foods and wondering where they were and why no one had been served at the party. It turned ASTORIA Foods were already set and ready to serve, they were only waiting for her to say so. And so, in a matter of minutes, every table had been served. Many were impressed with her show of concern for her guests, most of who travelled from far and near to felicitate with her. Twice, City People approached her for a brief interview but she declined, insisting there was no way she could sit down for a chat when her guests were uncomfortable, that was how worried she was before food and drinks were served. And if truth be told, there was more than enough to eat and drink! From local dishes to continental, anything you request would be served to you pronto!
HOW THE MOJIBADE EGBA USED HER PARTY TO NETWORK FOR HER FRIENDS
Not a few noticed that, despite being the star of the day and there was pressure on her to play the perfect host to her guests, Princess Folashade still didn’t think it was just okay for her and her guests to come together and have fun on her installation as the Mojibade of Egba. Trust this astute businesswoman, she ensured she helped her friends and children of her friends take advantage of the high calibre of guests present at her event, by personally introducing them to the business moguls and monarchs in attendance. She would tell the prominent business moguls and monarchs what her friend does for a living and how she will need their assistance. Same with the younger ones who need employment and the sort, she tried to get everyone she knew could need one assistance or the other connected to those who could be of help. It was so heartwarming to see her take the time to do this in the middle of her celebration. Many of the guests were clearly impressed by her smartness and eagerness to support those around her in whatever she can.
OBJ’S GRAND ENTRY
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo made perhaps the biggest entry of the day. Remember that Baba presides over the OOPL, so he was right in his element when he strolled into the venue and went straight to greet the celebrant, dancing and having a good time. Princess Folashade Omotade, always looking out for her friends, took OBJ around different tables to meet her friends and take pictures with them. Trust Baba, he didn’t just take pictures, he danced with them and you could see the delight on their faces. To have a distinguished former president in the mould of OBJ dancing with you is a big deal in the Naija context! When he was done with the celebrant’s friends, he moved to the stage to greet KSA who had been singing his praise the minute he stepped inside the hall. He danced and danced with KSA for several minutes, exchanging banters with him before taking his leave. His arrival really charged up the atmosphere in the hall.
ROLL CALL of guests
CP Amusa Bello, AIG Baba Adisa Bolanta, Birgadier General Lander Saraso, Commander 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army Asaba, Oba Fatai Akamo, the Olu Itori Ewekoro Egba, Oba Mathew Ayinde Ajibulu, the Olu Onigbedu land, Chief Oluyinka Kufile, Aro Egba, Sikirulai Atobatole, Balogun Egba, Akanni Akinwale, Baagbimo Egba, Ganiyu Babayeju, Aare Egba, Kolawole Akinyele, Seriki Agba Akin Egba, Chief (Dr.) Femi Majekodunmi, Bada of Egba land, Hon. Chief Olayiwola Olawale, Seriki Bobagunwa of Egbaland, High Chief (Amb) Taye Okanlawon, Bobagunwa of Egba land, High Chief Alhaji (Navy Capt Rtd.) Rasheed Raji, Agbaakin of Egba landHigh Chief Sunday Oduntan, Asiwaju Baamofin of Egbaland, Chief Musibau Eyiowuawi, Aare Akinrogun Egba land, Chief Jonathan Oluwole Odekunle , Bada Asoju Egba, Chief Sowemimo Shonekan, Odole Of Egba land, Kudirat Adike, Asiwsaju Iya Abiye Egba, Oluwakemi Oloyede, Iyaloja Egba, Tejumade Bakre, Gbegba Aje Egba, Chief Janet Gbadebo, Otun Iyalode, Chief Dr. Busola Fasehun, MD, Holy Trinity Hospital, Mrs. Kafilat Amoje, MD, Lotus Bank, Jide Adeola, First Bank, Idowu Thompson, First Bank, Aisha Balogun, Lotus Bank, Tunde Kilaso-Berkeley, Tunde Adeola, Mrs. Ibironke Adeyemni, MD Chrisland Schools Ltd, Mrs. Anike, Director of Admin, Chrisland Schools, Mr. Oladele Oye, Mr. & Mrs. Dimeji Aluko, Arc. Abiodun Fari-Arole, Ms. Sola Odele, Mrsa. Jumoke Oyeneye, Olushola Adeniyi Adegeye, Emperor Ademola Adegeye and many more.
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