Many don’t know the real name of Mrs Tinuade Falade, an American-based Lagos society celeb, but a mention of her alias, “Yeye Merry”, is likely to attract comment such as: “Oh that pretty American-based society woman who rocks Lagos parties.
She is one of those now rocking the Lagos party scene. She travels all the way from America to rock Lagos parties. Penultimate week, she was a guest at Lagos society woman, Princess Toyin Kolades mum’s burial in Ilesha, Ekiti State where she granted City People’s Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE, an exclusive interview on her life at 50. Enjoy it.
People call you Yeye Merry, how did you get that name?
I got the name 9 years ago and since then, it has stuck . Yinka Aiyefele gave me that name, Yeye of the Merry Makers. He gave me that name in 2008 when he visited United States (US). It was owing to the way I attended to him. He told me he would want me to be the matron of his band, which I accepted. He called me Yeye of the Merry markers and since then, people have even forgotten my real name, they preffer to call me Yeye Merry.
What do you do for a living?
I am a registered Nurse in United States and my name is Evangelist Tinuade Falade.
Are you a Pastor?
No. I am not a Pastor, but I was given Evangelist tittle under CAC Agbala Itura, owned by Baba Abiara.
How long have you been staying in the United States?
It is 27 years now, but I used to come home often. As I am here in Nigeria now for a while.
Are you married?
Yes, I am. My husband is Deacon Adedotun Falade. He is also based in United States. We have been married for 27 years now and still counting.
How did you meet?
Well, his younger sister is my friend and when he saw me, he felt he won’t allow this lady to go. We met in Nigeria and got married here, 3 years later. I joined him abroad.
It is not easy to be married for 27 years, what is the secret of your enduring marriage?
It is not easy to be married for 2 years, not to talk of 27 years. You know, if you follow what the Bible says, you will enjoy your marriage.
You have good skin, how do you treat it?
Waoh, I don’t have a beauty routine that makes me beauty. I will attribute it to God and my husband. I also make sure I am happy.
How often do you come home?
I always come home, but for now, I am in town purposely for Princess Toyin Kolade mum’s burial. She is one of Yinka Aiyefele’s fans. She supports everything that Yinka Aiyefele does, so I have to be here to show support to her.
How long have you known Princess Toyin Kolade?
I have known her for a while now, but we became very, very close in the last 3 years.
You are a popular socialite and also a nurse, which seems to be a very tasking job, how do you juggle all these roles?
As I said, in everything you do, you must be able to strike a balance. The Bible says we can do everything through Christ. So, I find time to socialise, I love to care for people and I thank my loving husband for allowing me to do all that I want to do.
You are going to be 50 in the next few weeks, how have you been able to maintain your shape?
I eat right and I exercise much. I don’t joke with that. I don’t joke with my body as a woman.
How do you plan to celebrate your 50 birthday?
I am celebrating it big. I am going to celebrate it in Nigeria, but Aiyefele band group, which I am their matron has something in the pipeline for me. It gonna be all over.
You are from which state in Nigeria?
I am from Ekiti State.
How is it like turning 50?
I feel great, but 50 is just a number, you know.
What has life taught you at 50?
Life has taught me to know God better. Life has taught me to come closer to God. I want to help people more at 50.
