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How She Died 3 Mths To Her 90th
On 5th January 2025, Princess Khadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri, passed on to greater glory.
Her death came to some as a rude shock. It came to many as a big surprise, because she was not ill. Till she died, she lived an active life.
A few days to her death, she was still in Ijebu-Ode for a 70th birthday, where she played an active part.
What many don’t know is that she died 3 months to her 90th birthday. Her 90th birthday was to hold on 8th April.
We have it on good authority that Mama was not planning a big party. “She was probably going to have an Open House,” explained a family source, “certianly not a big Owambe party.”
But we can confirm authoritatively that her children will mark her 90th post humous birthday in her honour.
One thing everybody a great about her is that Cash Madam lived a very good and accomplished life. And she touched many lives, in so many ways.
She was A GREAT entrepreneur, philanthropist, Religious and cultural leader whose remarkable life story remains a beacon of inspiration to many. She was born on 8th April 1935, in Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State. She was the daughter of Chief Sanusi and Mrs Sabitiu Elegbede, firmly rooted in the proud traditions of Yewa and Egba Alake. Her life was a testament to resilience, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting her community.
From an early age, Princess Adebisi, displayed an innate entrepreneurial spirit. At just 10 years old, she left formal education at St. Andrew’s School, Ibara, to pursue her passion for business. Under the mentorship of her elder sister, Princess Bilikisu Akewusola, in Badagry, she developed essential trading skills that laid the foundation for her illustrious career.
Her early business ventures took her across several towns, including Aganna-Olorunda, Idiagbon, Ota, and Isaga Onilado, where she gained invaluable experience under the guidance of trusted family friends. By 1954, her diligence and marketing acumen had earned her recognition as a dealer for John Holt in the Ijebu-Ode area. Over the next few years, her reputation as a business powerhouse grew, culminating in distributorships with industry giants such as UAC, CFAO, and GBO.
Despite the setbacks caused by the Ogunpa River disaster of 1960, which destroyed her inventory, Princess Adebisi exhibited remarkable resilience. She reinvented herself as a contractor, becoming a supplier of sand and gravel to the :Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Water Resources. By leveraging her business instincts, she played a key role in numerous infrastructural projects, including drainage works and water reservoir construction, across the Western Region of Nigeria. Between 1970 and 1995, Princess Adeblsi diversified her business empire, establishing thriving ventures in road and building construction, specialised supplies, advertising, public relations, and telecommunications. Her entrepreneurial success cemented her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential business leaders.
Princess Adebisi’s success in business was paralleled by her unrelenting commitment to philanthropy. A firm believer in the mantra “Giving is Living,” she dedicated her life to supporting causes that empowered the underprivileged. Over 10,000 young people benefited from her scholarship schemes, which ran through primary, secondary, and tertiary education. She also supported 500 postgraduate students in Nigeria and abroad.
Her charitable efforts extended beyond education. She generously contributed to hospitals, schools, universities, and religious institutions, leaving a lasting impact on her community. Her selfless acts earned her the affectionate nickname “Cash Madam”, reflecting her willingness to share her wealth without hesitation.
Princess Adebisi’s generosity and influence extended to the arts, particularly the Nigerian music industry. In the 1970s, Juju music legend Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey immortalised her in his hit album “Board Members,” which celebrated her financial acumen and philanthropic spirit. Her nickname, “Cash Madam,” became synonymous with her identity, and she was widely recognised for her ability to transport large sums of money – comprising coins and notes-to Barclays Bank (now Union Bank). It was said that a dedicated room and team of cashiers were required to handle her deposits.
Yusuf Olatunji’s epic album ‘Yegede’, released in 1973 was an album principally dedicated to “Cash Madam”, an appreciative composition for saving him from being amputated. The late Fuji music legend Sikiru Ayinde Barrister dedicated a 47-minute track titled “Cash Madam” to her in his 2004 album “Reality.” Her enduring support for the music industry played . a significant role in its growth and success during her era. Her love and patronage of musicians continued throughout her life.
Princess Adebisi’s immense contributions were widely recognised with a multitude of honorary positions and chieftaincy titles across Ogun State, Nigeria, and beyond. Her accolades are a testament to her dedication to community development, cultural preservation, and religious commitment. She was:
- Iya Suna of Ogun State •Iya Suna of Yew a Land •Iya Suna of Egbaland •Iya Egbe Adinni of Ayetoro •Iya Egbe Anobi LonHgba Alasalatu •Iya EgbeShamsuQur’anofEgbaland •Iya EgbeAlalu Qur’an ObirinofEgbaland •Iya Egbe Alhaja Sanmori of Egbaland •Iya Egbe Ajijola Anobi of Egbaland •Iya Egbe Alasalatu Anabilonigba of Nigeria (ljebu Branch) •Iya Egbe Alasalatu of Nigeria and West Africa (AKOREDE) •Matron of Saaddatul Abaddiyat of Nigeria •Arowo Sadinni of Aiyepe
- Bobare of Ijebu •Iya Alaje of Yewaland •Iya Alaje of Egbaland •Yeye Oba of Ayetoro •Yeye Oba of Eruwa •Yeye Oba of Igan Okoto •YeyeOba of Ota.
Princess Adebisi was the matron of numerous esteemed social and community clubs, including: •Abeokuta Sports Club (under Almond Trees) •Ogun Prestige Social Club •Metro Club, Ilaro •Abeokuta City Club •Club 20 Aiyetoro •Club 85 Ijebu-Mushin •Crown 88 Club of Nigeria •Talented Gents Club of Ijebuland •Ayo Club, Aiyetoro •Ibara Young Star Club •Diamond Sisters Club •Sunshine Ladies Club Egba •Classic Sisters Club •Ifelodun Family
Princess Adeblsi also served as Iya Egbe (mother of the association) for several influential groups across Ogun State, including: •Bobagbimo Asiwaju Okunrin Akile Ijebu •Bobajolu Basiri Obirin Akile Ijebu •Gbobaniyi Asiwaju Obirin Akile Ijebu •Gbobagunte Obirin Akile Ijebu
Her cultural and religious leadership earned her an enduring legacy as a bridge between tradition and progress, enriching the lives of those she served with unwavering grace and compassion.
In her later years, Princess Adebisi continued to focus on humanitarian causes, dedicating her time and resources to improving the’ lives of others. Her influence extended beyond Ogun State, touching countless lives across Nigeria. She retired from active business in 1995 but remained a revered figure in her community.
Princess Adebisi was blessed with a large and loving family, including seven (7) children, twenty-two (22) grandchildren, and two (2) great-grandchildren. Her family continues to uphold her legacy of generosity, resilience, and leadership.
On 5th January 2025, Princess Khadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri, passed away at the age of 89, following a brief illness. Her death marked the end of an era, but her legacy endures as an inspiration to generations of Nigerians.
Her life serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of determination, entrepreneurship, and compassion. Princess Adebisi, will forever be remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers, uplifted her community, and left an indelible mark on Nigerian society.
Princess Khadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri’s remarkable life was defined by resilience, enterprise, and selflessness. From her humble beginning as a young trader to her celebrated status as “Cash Madam,” she embodied the virtues of hard work, generosity, and cultural pride. Her impact on business, philanthropy, and culture ensures that her legacy will inspire generations to come.
