On Saturday, January 8, 2022, the Haven event centre inside Ikeja GRA was completely turned upside down as the movers and shakers of the Lagos social scenes came in their numbers to celebrate the life and time of a popular businesswoman and mother of entrepreneurs, Alhaja Abeni Raji Olumo who passed away exactly one year ago.
The
party had everything required of a classy Lagos owambe evening and more.
Politicians, fabric merchants, gold merchants, Nollywood stars as well as party
rockers were spotted trooping in from all directions. At about 4:00 pm, the
event had started gathering momentum and about 2 hours later, the auditorium
was already filled to the brim for a night of fun and entertainment.
City
People’s Brands Editor, DAMILARE SALAMI 08155134152 was there in the company of
a senior Photojournalist, ABDULRASHEED SANNI and in this report, he brings you
all the details of all that went down there, enjoy.
ABOUT
THE DECEASED
Alhaja
Falilat Abeni Raji Olumo was a popular businesswoman in Lagos who made a big
name for herself by helping others. She was very popular and constant on the
Lagos social scene. She hailed from Gbogan in Osun State and is popularly known
as omo onikoyi eso. She died at the ripe age of 78 in January 2021 but before
then, she had made her mark in the fabrics, jewellery and political sectors of
Lagos. Mama had beautiful children and grandchildren and her later end was
surely better than her beginning. She was survived by her children, Alhaja Abiodun Odumosu, Babatunde Abdulrauf Raji, Toyin Taofeekat Quadri and
Oluwafemi Ibrahim Olumo aka Lala of Lagos.
THE
HAVEN EVENT CENTER COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN
The
Haven event centre in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, is one of the biggest and most classy
event centres in that vicinity. Everyone knows that Ikeja GRA is the home of
the big boys on the Lagos mainland; therefore, it is a very restricted area.
The reserved area became a mini-pilgrimage centre on the day all for Mama Raji
Olumo. All roads became very busy as men and women trooped in from everywhere.
Give it to the event decorators who did a world-class job at the event. For
those who frequent the Haven, they realized that it was practically transformed
for the remembrance party. It was altogether befitting for the children and
family who had seen it all in life but still celebrate a loving mother who
lived a good life for them.
ALL
SHADES OF BLUE ASO-EBI
From
navy to sky and royal blue, the event was painted in all shades of blue Ankara
Aso-Ebi. That is not to say that those in expensive HOH lace were not in
attendance. The men also stunned in sky blue senator material with a navy blue
cap to match. The event would have passed for a fashion show. This was simply
because there were big babes who rocked the Aso-Ebi in different styles and
shades. From mermaid gowns to mini and skimpy skirts and gowns, the pretty
babes at the event left jaws widely opened with their very tempting fabulous
outfits. Whether the sexy outfits were intentional or merely fashion styles, they
added the needed vibe to the party.
POPULAR
EWI POET, AJOBIEWE AND SON, AZEEZ OPEN THE FLOOR
The
beginning of any event matters a lot because it gives the guests what to expect
as the party unfolds. Mama Olumo’s remembrance party started on a very high
note. It opened with a veteran Nollywood actor and poet, Ajobiewe and his son,
Azeez going the way of tradition to entertain guests with what the Yoruba
people call Oriki. He praise-sang the deceased as well as her children in their
local dialect. He went deep into their history with some wonderful panegyric
delivery. Sulaiman Ajilara Ajobiewe is one of Nigeria’s Legendary Esa Oriki
Orile exponents. Born in Ila Orangun in Osun State, He started his craft in the
year 1962 at the age of 7 years. He has transverse many of the western states
in Nigeria with what he knows best “ Esa Oriki Orile”. In the Yoruba
traditional setting oriki is praise poetry which is often used to arouse
people and connect them to their roots.
Oriki can take the form of a local chant consisting of praise songs that
identify a family or individual with his or her roots.
NOLLYWOOD
GREATS CAME THROUGH
Do
you remember that we mentioned earlier that different people from all walks of
life were in attendance? Let us start with the entertainment industry. Veteran
broadcaster cum actor, Doyin Kukoyi was among the big names in the industry
that stormed the event in style. At her arrival, a lot of people were expecting
her to mount the stage because everyone knows that she’s a compere and a very
good one at that. However, Doyin Kukoyi didn’t do that, she just took her seat
in the VIP corner, enjoying the vibes and entertainment the party offered. Also
spotted was Dayo Amusa, a young and dynamic movie producer and actor. Dayo
equally stunned in the party Aso-Ebi and to say the truth, she looked very
beautiful in the attire. What about Bisi Ibidapo-Obe who is poised to celebrate
her birthday in a few weeks? She also came to the party with a banger! Spotted
among her friends, Bisi Omologbalogba was busy taking selfies with her fans who
would not allow her to enjoy the party as she would have loved to. In all, they
all made it fun.
LET’S TELL YOU ABOUT ABEKE’S CORNER
Oluwatoyin
‘Abeke’ Olumo is one of the children of the late Alhaja Raji Olumo and she had
a stand to herself at the event. Her friends were one of the early birds and
they stayed till the end of the party in the early hours of Saturday. They all
came in the lace Aso-Ebi and that is not just about them, many of them are good
dancers. They enjoyed the party and when it was time to show their worth with
cash, they surprised a lot of people. Of course, being financially buoyant and
spending it has nothing to do with looks but we can testify that these people
look it and they have it. Abeke’s friends are all fabric merchants and
jewellers. They sell in popular Lagos markets and they are doing well in their
businesses.
…LALA
OF LAGOS TOO
Mr
Oluwafemi Ibrahim Olumo aka Lala of Lagos is one of Mama’s children but we will
be very accurate to call him a wavemaker. This popular socialite was
absolutely the life of the party. His friends turned up big time and we can
tell you that they are big in every sense of it. They came through for the one
and only Lala of Lagos and when K1 eventually stormed the stage, the story
completely changed. The boys were separated from the men and we can tell you
for free that Lala of Lagos and his gang were the men. They made huge
statements with cash, babes, and everything in between for a proper night out.
FLEXIBLE
FOOT DANCER ENTERTAINS
I’m
sure that many people were not just wowed by the performance of a young female
dancer called Flexible Foot, they were left with their hearts almost jumping out
of their mouths. Flexible Foot is a fast-rising Nigerian female ballet and
gymnastics dancer. She is an entertainer with a difference. She dances as if
there is no bone in her body, her twists and turns are out of this world,
hence, the name flexible foot dancer. She was one of the side attractions at
the event and she made a lot of money for herself after a highly energetic
performance.
ROYAL FATHERS WERE PART OF THE FUN
The
Olowode Of Owode Egba, Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo was spotted at the event, he
came with his wife, Olori Toyin Sowemimo. She is a very beautiful woman who
dresses well. Call her a Style icon and you won’t be wrong. The town Owode Egba
is close to Mowe Ofada. Kabiyesi came to honour the children of the deceased
and he came in his royalty. Also in attendance is the incoming Oloto, Hon
Prince Fuad Oloto who also stormed the event in glamour. The incoming Oloto
made fashion statements and also did well to show gestures to his hosts.
ELENIYAN
LEADS THE POLITICAL TRAIN
Hon.
Olusegun Olulade needs no introduction. He was a former Lagos Lawmaker who
represented Epe Constituency II. He had contested to represent Epe at the House of
Representatives but lost out at the primaries. But he will always be remembered
as one of the most glamorous and accomplished Lawmakers while in the Lagos
House of Assembly. Popularly known as Eleniyan, he had an eventful two terms
while at the Lagos Assembly. He was at
the event and led the group of politicians that came. Their table was eventful
with various discussions and of course, politics was a big part of it.
DJ
TRICH AND THE DORIME VIBE
For
more than 8 hours before the arrival of the live band, DJ Trich was on standby, dishing out different party vibes for the guests and we must tell you
that they enjoyed it. They danced and sprayed cash even before the arrival of
the band, all thanks to the unrelenting DJ Trich. The high point of the event
was the arrival of the prestigious wines for the ballers at a party. It came in
the usual club manner, lights were changed to the mood one and the masked wine
bearers came along accompanied by the DORIME soundtrack… It was really
enjoyable.
K1
FINALLY ARRIVED AND THRILLED TILL DAWN
Many
of the guests waited almost all night for the King of Fuji Music, Alhaji Wasiu
Ayinde Marshal, K1 De Ultimate who was travelling down from another event. He
eventually arrived and played till dawn. Was it worth the wait? You already
know the answer. K1 will not give you a below the par performance. At the
event, he delivered optimally and the guests went home very happy.
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