Ahmadu Bello Way on Victoria Island, in Lagos, was literally locked down, on Friday, 22nd November 2019, as the creme-de-la-creme and high profile personalities across the country stormed the Balmoral Convention Centre, at Federal Palace Hotel, in Lagos to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bisi Olatilo Show (BOS). It was a 3-in-1 event because it was an event where BISCON TV was launched, where a Book to mark the 20th anniversary was launched and the occasion also witnessed the launch of Bisi Olatilo Foundation
It was a gathering that witnessed different calibres of people, as they all came out in their numbers to witness and celebrate a polyglot broadcaster, an icon and one of the best broadcasters the country has ever produced, Prince Bisi Olatilo.
The event started at about 5 pm with the introduction of guests and personalities, who were early comers. The event was covered live on the AIT and BISCON TV. Let’s also tell you that the security at the venue was top notch. Only those with invitation cards were allowed in. It takes the calibre of Bisi Olatilo to pull the quality crowd that came to felicitate with him.
Let’s also tell you that, Prince Bisi Olatilo was at the entrance before the show was declared open to receive some of his guests. He wore a very neatly cut black suit and complemented it with his trademark black hat.
WHAT ABOUT PRINCE OLATILO’S WIFE, MRS SADE OLATILO?
The beautiful woman was very happy to receive some of the dignitaries. She was beautifully dressed in a gorgeous grey and black gown, which sat well on her. She surely got many heads turning with her dress, which was embellished with stones. These two individuals surely complemented each other in dressing and as a couple. Immediately after the first round of introduction was done by the MC, Prince Bisi Olatilo and his wife Sade were ushered in. They had a grand entry, as friends, family members, well-wishers accompanied them inside the hall.
SONI IRABOR, YEMI SODIMU, MRS KUFORIJI DAZZLE AS MC
The broadcaster par excellence and one of the icons in journalism, Soni Irabor was the Master of Ceremony, alongside Yemi Sodimu and Mrs Kuforiji. It has never happened anywhere before to have these 3 important personalities as MCs of an event.
You can easily argue it that it’s Prince Bisi Olatilo voice if you hadn’t been inside the hall and you heard Soni Irabor talking. They both sound alike. They dressed alike as well. Soni Irabor was looking dapper in his suit. The 3 MCs did well to complement one another on stage.
Shortly after, Pastor Dotun Ojelabi of Covenant Harvest Church was called on stage to say the opening prayer. The well-dressed Pastor, who was looking excellent in his white traditional attire said the short opening prayer to properly kick-start the event.
WHAT CHIEF BIODUN SOBANJO SAID ABOUT PRINCE BISI OLATILO
Chief Biodun Sobanjo is the Chairman of Troyka Group and was the Chairman of the event. He congratulated Prince Bisi Olatilo for his achievements. He said he could equate Prince Bisi Olatilo to the late Nigerian broadcaster, who was known as Christopher. For those who don’t remember the man, he was the only man who read the news in the 3 major languages in Nigeria. And it’s only Bisi that I know is capable of doing the same. So, Bisi I don’t want to waste your time, I want to congratulate you on this 20th anniversary of yours and wish you many more successful years ahead, he concluded.
PRINCE BISI OLATILO THANKS CHIEF RAYMOND DOKPESI
Prince Bisi Olatilo was full of praises as he read his welcome remarks. He thanked the founder of AIT, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, for the support he had, especially during the time he started Bisi Olatilo Show. He said, Chief Dokpesi assisted him when it was tough and also said he had never taken any loan to fund Bisi Olatilo Show.
Let us also tell you that, Chief Raymond Dokpesi was present at the event. He was not only present, he also got an award for his support towards BOS. The award was presented to him by Senator Remi Tinubu, as they both joked with each other on stage.
MEET KESINGTON ADEBUTU’S DAUGHTER, TEMITOPE ADEBUTU
Temitope Adebutu is the 10th child of Chief Kesington Adebutu. She also has twins as her younger siblings, they are 12 in number. She is a senior magistrate. She works with Ogun Judiciary, now sitting in Isara. She represented her dad, Chief Kesington Adebutu, who couldn’t make it to the event. This beautiful and sexy lady surely was a cynosure at the event with her sexy looks.
EBIPADEI ALAMEYESEIGHA, SON OF LATE GOV ALAMEYESEIGHA, PRESENT
Epipadei Alameyeseigha is the son of Bayelsa ex-governor, The late Diepreye Alameyeseigha, was present to receive the posthumous awards for his late dad. This dude who was in a suit spoke well of his dad when he received the plaque. He thanked Bisi Olatilo for the honours bestowed on his late dad, and said, it meant his father had made an impact on many lives while he was alive. This young dude is an engineer, who is based in Abuja. Now, he’s single but plans to get married next year.
AREMO OSOBA, OTUNBA GBENGA DANIEL, OSCAR IBRU, SHOWER ENCOMIA ON PRINCE BISI OLATILO
Aremo Segun Osoba is a former Ogun governor. He stormed the venue in his black traditional attire at the wee hour of the event. He said he had to leave his meeting In Abuja to be with Bisi Olatilo. He also said, by birth, he’s from Osun. While Oscar Ibru made heads to turn as he walked through the big hall. He was dressed in white traditional attire, white wine shoes crested in gold with a lion logo.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel still has it. He was a friend to everyone and no one dodged him for whatever reason.
WHAT ABOUT CHIEF RASAQ OKOYA AND PRINCE ADEDOYIN?
These 2 individuals have been friends for many years, but not everybody knows. This was evident at the Bisi Olatilo 20th anniversary.
Let’s tell you what we saw. Few hours after the event started, the MC announced the presence of Prince Adedoyin and his wife. While doing this, the celebrator thanked Prince Adedoyin for coming despite ‘your I’ll health’.
Few minutes after, Chief Rasaq Okoya came in, in his white attire and made sure he greeted as many guests as he could. What about his wife, Chief Sade? This beautiful lady stormed the venue in an orange gown which sat perfectly on her body.
FORMER OSUN DEPUTY GOV., MRS TITILAYO LAOYE TOMORI, STEPS OUT WITH HUSBAND
Former Deputy Governor, Osun State, Mrs Titilayo Laoye Tomori and her husband Prince Michael Ponle stepped out. This couple married a few months ago. Prince Michael will be 80 years old in a few days and activities have been lined up to mark the day in Osun.
While his wife, Mrs Titilayo, was looking radiant at the 20th anniversary of BOS. She was a cynosure. And when the couple were ushered into the hall by the ushers, Prince Bisi Olatilo, took them to the head table, where big dignitaries were seated. She was gorgeously dressed in a green and white gown.
SENATOR REMI TINUBU, ALSO GRACES THE EVENT
One of the big personalities who graced the event is Senator Remi Tinubu. The ever beautiful woman stormed the venue in her low-key way. She beautifully combined the colours of her outfits. She was in a green gown, a lemon headgear, to complement it. We also noticed how the majority of people tried to get her attention.
DR REUBEN ABATI REVIEWS THE BOOK
Dr Reuben Abati is one of the icons of Journalism in Nigeria. He was saddled with the responsibility of reviewing the book which is was presented to mark the 20th anniversary of Bisi Olatilo Show. The book is about the memoirs of High Society and high society means big personalities in the society who have done well. It’s about the high class and their arts.
While doing this, Dr Reuben Abati took the audience down the memory lane on how Prince Bisi Olatilo took his foray into journalism and also revealed a lot about his backgrounds. Dr Reuben Abati was well dressed in his usual black suit, and as he rounded off the book review, he praised Prince Bisi for his work in the broadcasting sector.
CHIEF (MRS) NIKE AKANDE LAUNCHES THE BOOK
Chief Nike Akande, surely got many heads turning at the event. The former Minister of Industry and Second Female President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), was well dressed for the big occasion, as she rocked dazzling red gown. She’s one of the first awardees who was honoured for her support for Bisi Olatilo Show.
BEN BRUCE FLIES IN FROM ABUJA
Senator Ben Bruce flew in direct from Abuja to attend the event. He was a bit late to the event, and immediately he showed up, Prince Bisi Olatilo asked him to join them on the stage. He was well dressed in a black suit. The celebrator also praised him for his support over the years.
SHUGA BAND, ARA, FEMI SKY, RASKIMONO’S DAUGHTER, SERENADE DIGNITARIES
Among the highlights of the night were the performances of Shuga Band, who made sure every guest and well-wishers enjoyed their stay, as he dished out the best of music. Ara too did well with her talking drum. She is well known for entertaining people with talking drums, and she did well in the night. What about Femi Sky? His performance got many people moved, as he walked on stage. Femi Sky is the popular disabled music act who trended on social media for his remarkable performance of RnB songs. He was there and he performed well.
Oga Kimono is the daughter of the late reggae star, Raskimono. She was a carbon copy of her late father. She didn’t only look like him but also sang like him. The young lady made sure she got everyone on their feet, which she eventually succeeded in doing. Sunny Nneji also performed his hit track, Oruka Ti Dowo Naa, as he also added glamour to the already colourful event. The Disc Jockey at the event is popular DJ Jimmy Jatt. His presence surely added to the beauty of the event.
LET’S TELL YOU HOW ERELU DOSUNMU DAZZLES
Erele Dosunmu, a direct descendant of Oba Dosunmu has been the Erelu Kuti of Lagos for over 40 years. She is one of the dignitaries who stole the show at the event. She stormed the venue in her usual white regalia and entourage. She was also awarded for her ever support towards Bisi Olatilo Show.
HAVE WE TOLD YOU ABOUT DR FREDERICK IGBINEDION?
Dr Frederick Igbinedion is the son of Sir Gabriel Igbinedion. He was at the event to represent his dad who couldn’t come. This bold and handsome man came with his entourage and his long attire would readily tell you who he is, he says a lot about BOS and its impact on his family. ²
PRINCE SAMUEL ADEDOYIN AND WIFE SHINE
Prince Adedoyin and Wife are friends of Bisi Olatilo Show, this is because Prince Adedoyin has been sick for days before the event, but said he would come and pay homage to Olatilo. He was very agile despite being sick for sometimes. And when Chief Rasaq Okoya came in, he became more lively, as they both exchanged pleasantries.
GOV OYETOLA DELEGATES 5 COMMISSIONERS
Governor Oyetola couldn’t come to the venue on time but had to delegate 5 of his commissioners to stand in for him. Hope it’s a known fact for everyone that the celebrator is from Igbajo, Boluwatofe Local government area of Osun State. He didn’t just do this, he also contributed financially to the success of the event.
PRINCE BOLU AKIN OLUGBADE DRIVES IN HIS LATEST ROLLS ROYCE
Lagos billionaire, Prince Bolu Akin Olugbade, is one the dignitaries at the event who stole the show. He came in his latest Royce Rolls with the plate number BOLU-9, grey colour. This fashionista and entrepreneur came In his usual white attire and got many eyes rolling.
HAJIA BOLA SHAGAYA STEALS THE SHOW
She just clocked 60 years a few months back, and she didn’t look it a bit. This beautiful woman, who rocked one of the finest frocks at the event, got many guests admiring her. She was dressed in a pink stone- embellished gown. She was also honoured for always being a pillar of support to BOS.
ALSO AT THE EVENT ARE:
Lanre Obey is the son of Juju legendary, Ebenezer Obey. He supplied the stage that was used. Taofeek Okoya was also there. He is the younger brother of Chief Rasaq Okoya. Did we tell that Lagos Island Club members were present? This is the club of Prince Bisi Olatilo, and they came in their numbers to celebrate one of their own. Governor Sanwo Olu was represented by Mr Gbenga Omotosho. Chief Alex Duduyemi was there. Oloori Ladun Sijuade was there too.
What about Ade Bakare, a London based fashion designer. He came with his crew and they did a fashion parade. Funsho Adeolu, Lala, Ayo Adesanya, Foluke Daramola represented Nollywood.
Also present are: Alhaji Akindele Akinta, Alhaja Fola Akintola, Ms Vivian Ajibola, Mrs Bosede Davies, Barr. Shade Balogun, Princess Sikeade Fadare, Mrs Labo Adeyefa, Mrs Yinka Badero,Mrs Roseline Alonge, Mrs Omobola, Women Association for Progress, Chief Alex Onabanjo, Senator Ashafa(represents Hon. Minister Of Works and Housing, Fashola), Senator Ben Obi, Otunba Seni Adetu, Soni Kuku, Lola Adefusika, Mr Taiwo Adeolu (former SSG to Ogun state government, represented Senator Ibikunle Amosun), BEN TV, Chief Micheal Adeojo of Elizade Motors, Mr Emeka Okafor represented Chris Ngige, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Mrs Joko Oni and many others
–ISAAC ABIMBADE
