Everyone calls her Iya Ereko. That is her stage name. But her real name is Morenikeji Alausa. She is a veteran actress. On 6th of July, 2019, at 10 Degrees Event Centre, Oregun, Lagos she celebrated her 35th year on stage. She also premiered her latest movie, “Egbo”.
The event was witnessed by the creme-de-la-creme of the Yoruba movie industry. Actress, and television personality Doyin Kokuyin and Glo Ambassador, veteran actress and TV personality Madam Kofo were the masters of ceremony. There was a long list of performances for the event, but Oganla
Alabi Pasuma, Alhaji Saoti Arewa and Small Doctor were the official artistes at the event.
The venue was crowded, as guests kept trooping in. Two different Aso-Ebi were picked for the grand ceremony. A pink lace, which was strictly for Iya Ereko close friends and her contemporaries in the movie industry, and the brown-and-gold ankara was the general Aso-Ebi for the the party.
Alhaji Al Fulani started the event with an opening prayer before the celebrator danced in with her group of friends in pink Aso-Ebi. It was a funfilled event, with so much to eat and drink.
ALHAJI ABDULLAHI AL FULANI OPENED THE EVENT WITH AN OPENING PRAYERS
The highly respected muslim cleric started the event with an opening prayer and talked about the reason the hall was so crowded to celebrate the veteran actress, which according to him, was became of her being humble Iya Ereko is very humble and accomodating he said adding that, that is why she is very loved and respected in the industry.
DOYIN KUKOYI AND MADAM KOFO ARE OFFICIAL MC
Veteran actress and Glo Ambassador, Madam Kofo and beautiful television personality- cum-actress, Adedoyin Kukoyi were the MC’s for the event. The two ladies were really perfect in handling the event, and as they carried everybody along and there was no dull moment at the party.
IYA EREKO’S GRAND ENTRY
Anybody who knows Mama Ereko, would boldly tell you, she loves to dance anytime. She danced into the hall with her friends and contemporaries in the industry, all in beautiful pink Aso-Ebi. She also went round to greet all her guests before finally settling down on her special chair.
LIST OF PERFORMANCES
The special performance for the event was Alabi Pasuma, Sati Arewa and Small Doctor. Other artistes also played on stage to entertain guests. They include Ayo Ewebiyi, who performed a special song for Mama Ereko.
Baba Ijesha, popular actor, comedian and musician also entertained guests. Others are Young Kizzy, Major Matt, Faloba, the Ekiti Boy, who sang in Ekiti dialect and kid comedian, Small Mummy, who happened to be one of the best performers for the night. She gave rib-cracking jokes, that made most guests stand and beg for more.
BETWEEN MAMA EREKO AND HER SISTER ASHABI
The two beautiful ladies could pass for twins. They danced into the hall together, sat together on the special chairs and even dressed alike. Madam Ashabi was the co-host, as she stood by her sister althrough, greeting guests and also making sure they were comfortable and well taken care off.
FATHIA BALOGUN STANDS OUT
Ageless screen diva, Fathia Balogun, was looking gorgeous as ever in a pink and brown touch of gold lace. She also tied a pink gele to complement her look. She and veteran actress, Sola Sobowale sat together at the party and they were one of the best dressed on the occasion.
ALHAJI AL FULANI GIVES A SPECIAL LECTURE
The highly respected Islamic clergy man gave a lecture at the event. He talked about why celebrities fame don’t last for long, using Mama Ereko as a contrary example of an actress who despite being in the industry for 35 years, still remain very relevant in the industry.
According to him, the only way to keep fame in the industry is to keep doing 5 particular things, which are giving alms, this according to him opens doors to people, if you treat people around you right and take care of them when they are in need, God will do same to you.
Second, don’t be arrogant, it is necessary to humble yourself, no matter the fame, don’t look down on people, and don’t be unnecessarily arrogant, because you believe you are a star and can get away with anything.
Third, respect everybody around you both young and old. According to him celebrities find this very difficult to do because of the fame involved, but it is important not to look down on people and respect everybody, and that is why someone like Mama Ereko is loved by all in the industry, because of her simple and friendly nature.
Don’t live a fake life, it is the other of the day in the movie industry to showcase what you don’t have, just to meet up with the celebrity status, but at the end, it leads to destruction.
Lastly, be prayerful, it is necessary to always put God first in everything you do, if you want success in life. Alhaji Al Fulani ended the lecture with prayers for the celebrator, that no sickness would come close to you, and untimely death would not be her portion. He also prayed for people who graced the well-attended event.
KEMI KOREDE AND BIMBO SUCCESS AS CHIEF HOSTS
The two beautiful actresses were the Chief Hosts at the party. They were really up and doing. They made sure everything went well. They were gorgeously dressed, and also saw to the proper execution of the launch of Mama Ereko latest movie, “Egbo”.
IYA RAINBOW STEPS OUT IN ALL WHITE OUTFIT
Veteran actress and movie icon, Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow stepped into the event dressed in her Celestian outfit. She also sat with Mama Ereko, while stars took turn to greet her.
ALABI PASUMA STEALS THE SHOW
Popular Fuji star, Alabi Pasuma who was the official artiste of the event stole the entire show. Immediately he stepped into the venue guests went ‘wild’. They took turn to take selfie with him, while looking up to his performance which later came. His fans could not get enough of him.
