•How Aremo SEGUN ONIRU & Siblings Gave Dad Befitting Burial
•City People Reveals Who Did What
It was a gathering of the creme-de-la-creme of Lagos society on Friday 1st of November, 2019 as popular Lagos Royal Family, the Onirus locked down the Oceanview, Victoria Island as they held the final burial ceremony of the patriarch of the Onirus dynasty, Late Oba Abiodun Idowu Oniru in Grand style. The much talked about burial which has been on the lips of over 4000 guests who attended will remain unforgettable not just because of how much was expended on the burial but because of the calibre of people who honoured the Onirus.
There were both human and vehicular traffic for many hours. The children of the deceased didn’t leave any stone unturned as they held the mother of all receptions for their late father, Oba Abiodun Idowu Oniru. CityPeople Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE, PHOTOJOURNALISTS, FEMI ADELEKE and JIMMY ABDULRASHEED were at the event. Below is their exclusive gists from the classy burial .
ALL ROADS LEADING TO EKO HOTEL WAS LOCKED DOWN
All roads leading into Eko Hotel and Suites in Victoria Island on Friday 1st of November were filled to the brim with exotic cars of different range, as the Onirus bade final goodbye to the patriarch of Oniru Dynasty, Oba Abiodun Oniru in grand style.
One needs not be told that a grand event was taking place at Eko Hotel as many commercial buses called the venue of Onirus party straight from their various car parks. Perhaps we should tell you that the event shot-up the commercial activities around Eko hotel as many guests had to park their cars due to human and commercial traffic along the area. Of course the Onirus made various amenities available to ease up the human and vehicular activities. What do you expect, the Onirus are not just Lagos prominent family, all his children are well to do and this was why many of their large friends and business associates came out in large numbers.
FREE SHUTTLE FROM OCEAN VIEW TO EKO HOTEL
Right from Eko Hotel and Suite, you will begin to see a pointer and direction indicating to you not to go further while you use the alternative car park provided by the Onirus. This was provided to allow free movement of vehicles. Though it will take a 5minutes walk to the venue of the grand burial reception but the Onirus provided a fully air-conditioned 30 seater bus which shuttled guests to and fro the venue.
K SQUARE BOSS ROLE
Immediately the guests come out of the shuttle bus, you will be welcomed by Mr Kunle, the Ceo of K-square security and his height hefty looking personnel who welcome guests with smile and check the invitation. There were 2 entrances and guests were checked at various entrance to ensure the safety of life and property. There was also a security Dog on parade that ensured that everything went as planned.
INSIDE THE 4600 MARQUE PROVIDED BY MRS DIEKOLA OSA-AVIELELE OF CEDARWOOD
Ask within the Nigeria social circle about “Ceedarwwood Rentals” in Lagos and Abuja, you will be told that Barrister Diekola Avielele runs the most sought after luxury chairs and chandelier at A-list Nigeria Owambes and corporate events. Though Cedarwood is less than 5years old, but she has been able to register her brand in the minds of super-rich Nigerians who want the best of cool Marquee at their parties. She was the one who supplied the Marque for Chief Kesington Adebutu coronation in Ile Ife, She handled the entire rentals for Governor Amosun Daughter’s wedding, She was also in Ikenne for Betnaija’s Mum at 80. She has also handled most of the Oniru’s events in the past and it was based on this that she was contacted to supply all the luxury gold chairs and chandeliers. She wowed guests with her luxury collections of never seen before chairs.
THE EVENT KICKED OFF WITH PRAYERS
As early as a few minutes past 11 am, the Marquee was filled with prominent Nigerians who came to witness the Fidau prayer which took place before the grand reception. The Muslim clerics who described the late Oba as a man worthy of emulation revealed that he will surely be missed not just in Iru town but among Nigeria council of Obas, He was described as a true definition of what a perfect gentleman should be and a family man to the core who respects tradition, culture and norms.
WHY CHIEF KESINGTON ADEBUTU COMES EARLY TO EVENTS
Ask among other Lagos rich men, you will be told that one of Nigeria’s rich men who stick to time is Chief Kesington Adebutu. He doesn’t only keep records and antennary of all his events himself, he also makes sure he come to event promptly. This was once revealed by him at UPASSO, a popular Lagos social club where he explained that it is his traditional to come to the event ahead of time even if he is going to leave early or late. He walked into the event at few minutes to 12 and left immediately after the prayer. However, he was later represented by his pretty wife, Chief Kofoworola Adebutu, the Yeyesewa of Lagos. This was their first official party after they got their “Odole of the Source “Title, a few days ago.
SOCIETY WOMEN MADE FASHION STATEMENTS WITH 18CARAT AND DIAMOND, MEN ALSO MADE WITH CARS
Many Luxury Automobiles which ran into several millions of Naira were put on display at the Onirus party. While guests were busy admiring the beautiful styles and fashion accessories of 18carat gold and diamond of the female celeb, many of the celebrity men also made a style statement with their automobiles which ran into several millions of naira. Many couldn’t help but admire Chief Adebutu’s Rolls Royce, Oba Ademola Elegushis Rolls Royce, G-wagons and many powerful luxury cars which added class to the event.
AREMO SEGUN ONIRU LED HIS 22 SIBLINGS
Aremo Segun Oniru, the first son of Oba Abiodun Oniru looking calm in white flooring Agbada matched with Peach and touch of Green cap led his other 22 siblings into the venue. Though they had a separate seat arrangement for all the children, but there were free exit and movement from one corner of the marquee to the other. While the Oniru boys were spotted in same white and peach cap, their Girls were in Peach on peach monotone luxury lace and gele. Others sighted were Prince Ademola Oniru, Prince Tijani Oniru, Prince Olumide Oniru, Pastor Morris Oniru, Shola Oniru, Princess Ariyike Oniru, Yemi Oniru, Yomi Oniru, Muni Oniru, Wunmi Oniru, Joko Oniru, Tolu Oniru, Bili Oniru, Ronke Oniru, Mariam Oniru and many grandchildren.
EVEN IN DEATH
If you were not told, it may be difficult to know that the Onirus are a polygamous family. This is because Late Oba Abiodun Oniru was able to hold his home together despite the rift and disagreement associated with polygamy. His strength of holding his family in one accord was brought to limelight during his grand reception when the MC revealed that all the children and wives of Oniru won’t be called separately. They were told to dance together in one accord while their large guests storm the stage with them. It was as if they had a meeting as 3 of the younger wives stepped out together while the older wives were honoured on their seats by their guests. All the children stepped out in batches and left few minutes after to allow others take their turn.
OBA ONIRU’S ONLY GRIEF @ 82 YEARS
Yes, late Oba Oniru was a fulfilled man even in death. All his children are all making him proud in their chosen careers by being the best among their peers. While some play big in Construction, some play big in Real Estate. There is no Oniru daughter or son who has not made a name for himself or herself. But Late Oba Oniru had one inner issue which he grieved about and never stopped talking about till he breathed his last. This was revealed by his close friend and brother, Oba Tijani Akinloye, the Oba Ajiran Land. Many don’t know that they are not just friends or brothers, they have been friends even before he became king. Though Oba Abiodun Oniru is older, they were cousins and their grandparents were friends even before they were born. In a chat with Oba Tijani Akinloye who felt sad throughout the event revealed that Late Oba Oniru never stopped grieving about his only brother, Late Prince Alaba Oniru. His words “My brother never came to terms with the death of his only brother. He grieved about him every day and believed he should have gone instead of Alaba. I will surely miss my brother, Oba Abiodun Oniru”, he revealed.
HOW THE VENUE was NAMED AFTER MAJOR ROADS IN IRU TOWN
To say that the event was with A-Class would be an understatement, as the event planner and decorator, Funmi Atolagbe, the Ceo of “Partee Avenue“ made sure memories were kept at the grand finale of late Oba Abiodun Oniru’s burial. Major roads in Iru Palace were used to name various corners of the giant marquee to enable guests locate their destination. You will see names of streets like Aremo Segun Road, Alaba Oniru road, and so on. This helped many of the guests to locate their host under the 4600 seater Marquee. Mrs Tolagbe was also the one in charge Miss Akarawe, The Ceo of Christiana Rey Events was the one who handled Aremo Segun Onirus corner.
GOV. BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU, FEMI HAMZAT PARTY WITH THE ONIRUS
The Executive Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwolu was one of the guests of Aremo Segun Oniru. He changed the tone of the party at few minutes past 6 pm clad in the same Ankara Aso-Ebi picked for many of the Large guests. Though his deputy, Babafemi Hamzat came in early for the Fidau prayer, he left early around a few minutes past 1 pm for jummat service.
ALIKO DANGOTE, TUNDE FOLAWIYO AND JIM OVIA MADE IT
Aliko Dangote walked in at few minutes past 7 pm looking simple in a white flowing babariga matched with the luxury Arewa cap. He was welcomed by Aremo Segun Oniru, while he exchanged pleasantries with many A-list guests at the party. So also is the founder of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia and Tunde Folawiyo. They walked in together a few minutes past 4 pm and spent few honours before they left.
AARE RASAK OKOYA, ALHAJI USMAN SARO AND AREMO OSOBA PARTY WITH THE ONIRUS TOO
Aare of Lagos, Alhaji Rasak Akanni Okoya and his younger brother Taju walked in gracefully at few minutes past 4 pm. They were among those who chatted freely with Ilorin billionaire, Alhaji Umar Saro, Aremo Segun Osoba and wife, Beere Derinsola Osoba, Alhaji Doherty among others also made to the event.
Speaker FEMI GBAJAMIAMILA FLEW INTO LAGOS
The Speaker of House of Representative, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila made it. He was spotted in Grey colour traditional attire at few minutes past 5 pm and didn’t leave until after he has spent over an hour with Aremo Segun Oniru.
80 TOP CELEBRITY FOOD VENDORS CATER FOR 80 GUESTS
It was an array of 80 celebrity vendors who all came out with their servers to serve hot, spicy food which accompanies exotic drinks and wine. Not only was there a lot to eat and drink, many of the large guests couldn’t help but salivate after watching how many of the food vendors presented their food. Among many vendors sighted were: Party Chef, Tuwo Pama, Omolade Caterings, Kemabolm, Salt Lagos, Elshadai, Arewa, CLK, Larry Tox, Mobals Catering and others
LAGOS ASSEMBLY BROUGHT TO VICTORIA ISLAND
The Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Hon Mudasiru Obasa made the event. He came in a few minutes past 6 pm and met his deputy, Hon Wasiu Eshiloku already seated. They were not the only Lagos State Excos members that was at the event, Lagos Head of Service, Akeem Muri Okunola, Hon Saidat Oladunjoye, Hon Fatai Olukoga, Hon Seye Oladejo, Hon Jimmy Ajao, Hon Taofiq Tijani and many others made it as well.
MEET LAGOS DEPUTY GOV’S WIFE REMI HAMZAT’S ENTOURAGE
A few minutes past 4 pm, Mrs Remi Hamzat, the wife of Lagos Deputy Governor walked in with her full Squad. They comprised of sophisticated women who combine beauty with brain. They were wearing the same Aso Ebi with other guests. They are Mrs Kehinde Ajala, Mrs Olaleye Olayemi, Mrs Taiwo Abiodun, Mrs Tanwa Ballo, Mrs Fola Hamzat were among many who made the event.
AN ARRAY OF APC POLITICIANS
It was an array of APC politicians who came to show love to one of their own. APC woman leader, Kemi Nelson, Hon Jumoke Molade-Okoya Thomas, Senator Bariyu Ashafa, Senator Remi Tinubu, Prince Demola Seriki, Hon Adijat Adeneye, Dame Abimbola Fashola(Represented her hubby, Mr Babatunde Fashola), Abiodun Oki, Engineer Dapo Akinsnaya, Adekunle Oki, Ladipo Oki, Laide Akinsanya, to mention few.
ESTHER AJAYI, CAME WITH HUSBAND
Not until Friday 1st of November 2019, not many knew that Aremo Segun Oniru, Pastor Esther Ajayi and her husband her close. They were early callers at the event and they spent over 2 hours at the event before they left.
OBA RILWAN AKIOLU SENT HIS WHITE CAPS CHIEFS
Olowo Eko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu couldn’t make the reception Burial of Late Oba Biodun Oniru, but he sent his white caps chiefs who were led by Opemoluwa of Lagos, Obanikoro of Lagos among others.
BETWEEN OBA OLOFA, OBA ELEGUSHI AND AKINSIKU
Oba Ademola Muhammed Saheed Elegushi and Olori Eyo, Akinsiku of Lagos were perfect hosts. They were one of the early callers who came to honour the Onirus. Don’t forget that Aremo and Oba Ademola and Akinsiku are so close. They had a table themselves while they also had their large guests. Olofa of Offa land, Oba Esuwonye, Lagos Businessman Abisoye Fagade, Oba Fatai Aromire and wife, Oba Latifu Adams and wife, Olori Risikat Adams were among many who sat at the Obas high table.
AN ARRAY OF PROMINENT NIGERIAN IN ATTENDANCE
it was an array of Lagos society women and men who came to honour the late Oba Abiodun Oniru. Among many sighted were Senator Daisy Danjuma, Senator Amosun, Mrs Jokotade Adeusi, Mrs Bimbo Benjamin, Alhaja Kuburat Shita Bey, CSP Dolapo Badmus, Mrs Tayo Gbajabiamila Olamora, Mrs Ronke Williams, Mrs Yetunde Adio, Mrs Bolajoko Adeyemi, Remi Williams, Otunba Dapo Alli Balogun, Princess Abiodun Elegunshi, Princess Ajiboye, Mrs Kemi Kupoluyi, Mrs Bukky Adeniji, Bibi Ibidapo, Bunmi Ojuolape, Hajia Ibrahim, Tope Bnajoko, Abike Abu, Lolade Abuta, Olorunfemi Yetunde, Biola Ibidapo, Folakemi Oniru, Tope Posh Murano, Ibironke Oniru Okesanya (Mrs Olatokunbo Dawodu, Mrs Eloho Aggreh Baiyewu, Oluwa Aishat, Kunle Awolaja, Dapo Ogunlewe, Wale Alesemowo, Aishat Flower, Otunba Dapo Alli Balogun, Alhajai Asabari, Depeju Oloyede, Debisi Oderinde, Tade Ayeni, Biola Ben Cash, Folasade Ben cash, Lola Fine Face, Mrs Jasmine Tukur, Mama Alaja, Tope Adegbite, Chief Afolabi, Chief and Mrs Emeka Osai, Mrs Labake Adeola (Signai Fabrics), Doyin Akinrinola, Toyin Ogunlake, Bunmi Ayuba, Bolaji Bj, Lara Balogun, Lara Tejumola, Sherifat Olugbode, Tola Shodipe, Mrs Anu Adeoti, Mrs Kemi Balogun, Olori Olayemi Langbasa, Olori Mojisola Asongbon, Mrs Amoke Akinsnaya, Olori Olorogun-ide, Mogaji Sherifat, Mogaji Abolanle, Mrs Tayo Fakorede, Mrs Yinka Odunsi, Mrs Kemi Eko, Mrs. Dupe Dada, Alhaja Bola Agbabiaka, Alhja Bolanle Bamgbote, Trinket Boss, Folasade Kokunmo, Tolani Agbalajobi, Tosin Balogun, Alhaja Wenu, Yemi Fuja, Tayo Ashimowlowo, Oluwatosin Babs, Yetunde Odunlami, Lynna Ayobami, Christina Martin, Moyosola Otufale, Mrs Funmilayo Soyinka, Kafilat Osho, Kemi Balogun, GbemiBuraimah and many others.
