•How Sisi Abba Was Celebrated By Everyone
•Blow-By-Blow Gists From The Event
The iconic 80th birthday celebration of the doyen of fashion, Hajia Abba Folawiyo, fondly called Sisi Abba, shut down Ikoyi for many hours. It was a well-celebrated event, and her son, Segun Awolowo, hosted the crème-de-la-crème to the grand ceremony. The event took place on Friday, 22nd July at Folawiyo Mansion, on Queens Drive, in Ikoyi, Lagos. The event was well packaged and the fun many had at the party will forever linger in their minds. City People’s Society Editor, TAYO OYEDIJI brings you juicy gists from the superlative birthday.
INSIDE THE FOLAWIYO’S MANSION, THE BIRTHDAY VENUE
Hugely mounted at the entrance of the Folawiyo Mansion, the venue of the superlative birthday were pictures of Sisi Abba.
The pictures were beautiful and many guests could not just walk past but take pictures with the iconic picture walls. At the entry into the mansion were beautiful decorations as well as Sisi Abba’s pictures. If you have been to the house before, you will surely mistake it for a proper event lounge, because it was uniquely transformed. The colour of the day was Torquoise blue and the décor was an infusion of turquoise, teal blue and white which gave it a lift. The birthday activities started with birthday prayers, which are Jummah prayers at the Folawiyo Private Mosque, inside the house, followed by a superlative reception which went on till 9 pm.
LOOK AT THE AGELESS SISI ABBA
Give it to the celebrant, Hajia Abba Folawiyo, she really does not look 80. She actually stole her show. She is your regular Style dictator anytime, and at 80, her fashion sense can’t be underestimated. For her birthday, she changed 3 times. What do you expect from the Doyen of Nigerian fashion? She wore an expensive all-white dress for the birthday prayers, in the morning, then a few minutes into the reception, she changed into a purple velvet dress mixed with chantilly lace. Then for her dinner party, she opted for an all-sequined embellished turquoise blue outfit which made her look beautiful for her day. Sisi Abba was more than happy on her birthday it was indeed payback time for Sisi Abba because many people always want her to be at their events and she attends. It was an occasion where powerful celebrity women all came together to celebrate with her. Sisi Abba has always been the darling of parties, and at her party, she performed her role well. She led all the Folawiyos and the Awolowos to the party. She sat at the VVIP table and constantly went to sit with her friends at other tables. She looked so pretty and young at heart, in all her looks. The Iya Adinni of the Surulere Central Mosque and Life Matron of Honour of Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, (FADAN) hosted over a thousand celebrity men and women at her Ikoyi home.
The very homely, free-minded and humility personified woman of class, who has friends from all age ranges, both young and old, were all represented at the party. Hajia Abba has definitely come in contact with some people in her life who are more than friends and her sojourn in the social world has also brought forth many friends who have become like family to her, hence the massive turnout of dignitaries at the party which shook the whole of Ikoyi.
AN ACCESS CARD EVENT
If you are not on the invited guest list, you had no business at the venue because security was watertight. Clearly and boldly written on the invitation letter was that Access Card is the prerequisite for entry. Many guests who stormed the Folawiyo residence were those invited for the superlative birthday and this prevented all gate crashers from entering.
SISI ABBA DRAGS OBJ AND WIFE TO LAGOS
For quite some time now, the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has been attending one party or the other in Lagos and we must say, it is the parties of those that are close to him. Such was Sisi Abba’s birthday where OBJ and his wife, Bola Obasanjo attended and sat for hours. In fact, let’s quickly tell you that Baba Obasanjo and Sisi Abba’s son, Segun Awolowo share a very close father-and-son relationship and this was evident at the birthday prayers where OBJ practically wrapped his hands around Segun all through the Jummah prayers.
LAGOS GOVERNOR, SANWOOLU AND WIFE HONOURED SISI ABBA
Wherever you see Lagos Governor, H.E Jide Sanwoolu, there is never a dull moment. He is always very cheerful. So full of life and very humorous, one thing about him is that he knows how to exchange pleasantries in a very joking manner, no wonder when he stormed the Folawiyos residence with his wife, Dr Ibijoke, the atmosphere was lightened up. He went on straight to greet VP’s wife, Dolapo Osinbajo’s father, Chief Soyode, then Baba Obasanjo and later to the celebrant. His wife also did the same.
ABOUT THE CHIEF HOST, SEGUN AWOLOWO
What more can one ask for from a child, if not the honour Segun Awolowo gave his mum by hosting a superlative 80th birthday for her? Heaven will surely raise their blessing on Segun Awolowo, the only child of Sisi Abba. He was the one who sent the birthday invitations and eulogized his mum. He wrote, “if I have come to know the true meaning of unconditional love, it is because of the woman I am fortunate enough to call my mother”. He was a great host at the event and also dragged many celebrities to his mum’s 80th birthday. No one need to tell you the closeness he shares with his mum, it is indescribable, he was seen practically holding his mum and telling her what next to do. He was extremely happy seeing his mum happy. The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s grandson who shares a striking resemblance is one of the well-recognized lawyers in Nigeria. He also took after his mum in fashion, He looked good and wowed many people with his dapper look. He was seen wearing a white outfit in the morning but changed to a blue outfit for the reception proper. All his friends and well-wishers were around him because he is such a good man.
BOLA AWOLOWO-SISI ABBA’S SPECIAL DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
The pretty and reserved wife of Segun Awolowo is Bola Awolowo who is from the illustrious Fowora family. She is a very darling daughter-in-law to Sisi Abba. In fact, you will mistake her for Sisi Abba’s daughter because of their bond. Ever by the celebrant’s side was Bola Awolowo who made sure her mother-in-law never lacked anything. She looked so pretty in her choice of green lace and her signature eyeglasses. She is not your regular Owambe person but calls the shot within the social and corporate circuit. She was seen with her daughters and son who also played an important role at the party. Bola made sure all her husband and mother-in-law’s guests were well taken care of.
MAMA BAKASSI- A SISTER INDEED
What of Mama Bakassi? The ever gorgeous Senator Florence Ita Giwa is a stunner anytime. Her role was huge at the party, as Hajia Folawiyo had always played a motherly role to her so she was fully on the ground all through and stood behind Sisi Abba. she was part of the VVIP on the high table. She wore a teal green outfit and paired it with a teal turban. It was highly expected that Senator Florence Giwa will grace the party. Not only was she part of the celebrity guests, but she played the role of a sister to Hajia Abba Folawiyo. She was part of the organisers of the party and she stood solidly behind Sisi Abba. Her closeness with Sisi Abba is over 35 years and she does not joke with her. In fact, Senator Ita Giwa sometimes refers to Sisi Abba as a mother. She was seen exchanging pleasantries with many important personalities and also she never left Sisi Abba’s side for once, she came in with Africa’s richest woman, Apostle Folorunsho Alakija.
ZAPPHAIRE EVENTS OUTDID THEMSELVES
Hardly will any weekend pass that Zapphaire Events, led by Funke Bucknor will not have one wedding or event to plan or decorate. She is unarguably the most sought-after event planner in Nigeria. She is very good at what she does and she put her feet forward again at Sisi Abba’s 80th wedding. The event was well coordinated.
SENATOR REMI TINUBU’S HUMBLE MIEN
One of the closest associates of Hajia Abba Folawiyo is the wife of APC National Leader, Remi Tinubu. There is hardly an event they are both having that they will not attend. She has been a recurring decimal in Hajia Abba Folawiyo’s life since her husband became the Governor, this necessitated her presence at this great occasion of her dear sister. She was very calm all through the vent, in fact, she was seen sitting with just her society friends, her humility was second to none.
STAR ACTRESS, SOLA SOBOWALE-ROCKS PARTIES BACK-TO-BACK
For some time now, star actress, Sola Shobowale has been very relevant on the social scene. She has been seen at many social events lately. She stormed the Folawiyo Residence with her friend, and they looked great in their special Aso Ebi brocade chosen for some set of people. She looked so beautiful, had fun and sat among some of her colleagues in the Showbiz industry like Alibaba, Yemi Solade, Bimbo Akintola and others.
FAITH BAND AND HIS MELODIOUS TUNES
To serenade guests were award-winning band, Faith Band which made sure guests danced irrespective of their age from morning till the event lasted.
OGD STEPS OUT
For Otunba Gbenga Daniel, life is meant to be enjoyed, and so he has been celebrating in the last few weeks. He stepped out for the first time at a Lagos Owambe a few weeks after his son got married in Lagos. He also hosted many celebrities a few weeks back and Sisi Abba was one of the important celebrities who graced his son’s wedding.
CELEBRITY WOMEN WHO DAZZLED
It is expected that many celebrity women will grace this great occasion and look good at their best. Amongst them were Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Lagos First Lady, Dr Ibijoke Sanwoolu, Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson, Hajia Bola Shagaya, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Barrister Shade Balogun, Chief Mrs Tinuke Abioro, Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, Justice Wonu Folami, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Sagoe, HRH Yewande Onileere, Chief (Mrs) Joko Oni, Mrs Bola Awolowo, Akwa Ibom ex-First Lady, Ekaette Akpabio, Hon.Abike Dabiri, Lagos ex-Deputy Governor, Sarah Sosan, star actress, Sola Sobowale, former First Lady of Ogun State, Beere Derin Osoba, Mo ABUDU, Ruth Osime, Vivienne Chiologi, Chief (Mrs) Enitan Akerele, Shola Coker, Emem Akenzua, Olori Ladun Sijuwade, Lady Maiden Ibru and many others.
FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA SHUNS JEWELRY
Since Africa’s Richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija, became an Apostle, she has minimized the jewellery she wears, in fact, after her 70th birthday 2 years back, she has literally dumped the use of jewellery. Such was the case at Sisi Abba’s party where she was seen with no necklace, rings or earrings but she still looked beautiful in her outfit and signature headgear.
ABIKE DABIRI’S NEW LOOK
The Special Adviser to the President on Diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri was at the party. She wore the brocade Aso ebi and was looking so beautiful with her new robust look. She has added much weight but it fits her so well. Her choice of ponytail hair also added finesse to her carriage.
WITH LOVE FROM GHANA
At the party were many families and friends of Sisi Abba all the way from Ghana. Sisi Abba is Ghanaian by birth. This is the reason they all came to honour her as she celebrates at 80
HAJIA BOLA SHAGAYAS ROLE
And we can’t forget our own Style matriarch, Hajia Bola Shagaya whose fashion style cannot but be noticed at parties, she loves diamonds and puts them on whenever she attends an A-Class event. She looked beautiful in the turquoise colour dress code, paired with a white pearl and was seen with her friends at the same table. She was the one who invited the popular missioner, a prominent sheikh to coordinate the Jummah prayers.
OVER 5 GOVERNORS ATTENDED
To honour Sisi Abba as she celebrated 80 were present and past governors such as Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu and his Ogun counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ogun ex-Governors, Aremo Segun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief James Ibori, the ex-Governor of Bayelsa State and Cross Rivers ex-Governor, Donald Duke.
AREMO SEGUN OSOBA SUPERVISED CAKE CUTTING
To supervise the cutting of the cake was the former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba. He did the cake cutting in batches so as to accommodate many dignitaries.
MEET THE FATHER OF VP OSINBAJO’S WIFE, DOLAPO
At the event was the father of H.E Dolapo Osinbajo, the wife of Nigeria’s VP, Yemi Osinbajo. The powerful couple is well-loved by everyone. When Chief Soyode came in, Sisi Abba went to usher him in and everyone there including Baba Obasanjo acknowledged Chief Soyode. He is also in his late 70s. Though the Osinbajos were not at the party the Awolowos represented well. H.E, Dolapo Osinbajo is also from the Awolowo Clan, she is also a grandchild of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo. She is the closest sibling to Segun and they are both grandchildren who grew up together. Hardly will you see any function organized by Segun that she will not be there.
THE AWOLOWOS STOOD OUT
One family who also stood out at the party were the Awolowo’s. Both young and old, they made sure they supported Segun Awolowo in giving his mum a flashy party. Conspicuous at the party was the Tokunbo Dosunmu. She stood as the matriarch of the Awolowos and made sure all went as planned.
TUNDE FOLAWIYO LED THE FOLAWIYOS
At the party was the head of the Folawiyo dynasty, Tunde Folawiyo who led his siblings and family to the party. He shares a great and strong brotherly friendship with Segun Awolowo. His late Dad, Alhaji Iyanda Wahab Folawiyo, the Baba Adinni of Lagos is Sisi Abba’s husband. He was conspicuously present in all the activities of the day.
TONY ELUMELU AND JAMES IBORI HONOUR SEGUN AWOLOWO
These 2 friends, Tony Elumelu and James Ibori are close buddies of Segun Awolowo. They are very close to the Awolowo’s and Folawiyos hence their presence at the party. They both stayed for many hours.
QUEENS DRIVE ON LOCKDOWN
Queens Drive in Ikoyi, Lagos was shut down that Friday, 22nd July.. It was a show of class, wealth and status as all routes that led to Ikoyi stood still for many hours. Many celebrity men and women trooped out and stormed the party to honour her. The colourful birthday took place inside the gigantic Folawiyo residence and it will be an understatement to say the car park was full to the brim. Cars were parked on all lawns and even outside the venue, along the kers on the main road, cars were fully parked which occupied almost a very long stretch of the Queen’s Drive. It was a bit hectic for other road users as all roads leading there were jam-packed due to the number of celebrities who stormed the birthday. The event was planned and coordinated by the Funke Bucknor-led Zapphaire Events, Over 15 vendors took part in taking care of guests.
THE CELEB WOMEN IN SISI ABBA’S 80s CLUB
Some of the celebrity women who had also joined the octagenarian club as Sisi Abba did were also at the party. In fact there was still no slowing down for these women as they all looked hale and hearty. Amongst them were the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Wonu Folami who is in her mid-80s, Yeyeoge of Lagos, Chief (Mrs) Opral Benson who is now 87 years, Chief (Mrs) Dupe Sagoe who celebrated her 80th birthday a few months back.
ABOUT SADE BALOGUN’S SIGNATURE ASOOKE
Hardly will you see Barrister Shade Balogun at a party and not notice what she is wearing. The beautiful woman who has a lovely physique to carry any outfit was one of the celebrity women who graced Sisi Abba’s 80th birthday party. In her usual manner, she showed up big time in her lovely turquoise and black outfit then paired it up with her signature Aso Oke, gele and Ipele, which readily sit well on her. She has been doing the Aso-Oke business for over 30 years and preaches what she sells.
SISI ABBA’S FRIEND OF OVER 40 YEARS, YEWANDE ONILEERE SHOWED UP
When Lagos society woman, HRH Yewande Onileere stormed the reception venue, many were not surprised because she is one of the closest allies of Sisi Abba. She was one of the early callers at the wedding and stayed by her friend all through.
PARTY TRAIN MOVES TO GHANA
For a special selected few, they will be flying to Ghana as the birthday party train moves to Ghana in a few weeks. The party will be hosted by the President of Ghana and his wife. The party will have a full representation of the Gold Coast country because Sisi Abba hails from that country. Let’s quickly tell you that Sisi Abba was born a Ghanaian, and lived in Ghana before she relocated back to Nigeria. Her late mum shares a great deal with the Ghanaians and there is virtually nothing Sisi Abba is doing that will not have representatives from the Gold Coast country.
-TAYO OYEDIJI
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