With Over 500 Celebrity Women
On Sunday,10th of December 2017, a popular Juju Musician and President of the Association of Juju Musicians in Nigeria, Ajumn Queen Ayo Balogun, QAB, turned 60 and she celebrated it amid pomp and pageantry. There was also a birthday thanksgiving in the morning of the D’day. It was followed by a classy reception at the Rose Tree Event Centre inside Dideolu Estate, Lekki. It was a payback time for Queen Ayo Balogun as many celebrity women and big boys gathered to celebrate with her on her day especially socialites, who love to listen to Queen Ayo Balogun any day anytime. City People’s Society Editor, TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI, was there and brings you juicy gist.
CLASSY RECEPTION AT ROSETREE EVENT CENTRE
The reception proper for the birthday celebration took place at the newly built Rose Tree Event Centre in Lekki at Dideolu Estate. It was a beautiful and quiet environment where guests had ample space to park their cars. Also, the venue was massive as it could sit over 1000 guests who stormed the party.
QUEEN AYO BALOGUN DAZZLED IN 2 LOVELY OUTFITS
The choice of black-and-white colour outfit was what the celebrator wore for her day. It is not a commonly used colour except for the white, it takes only someone who has style to wear both colours together. Give it to the celebrator, she was very stylish in all her 2 outfits she spotted on her day. The lace she sewed are from high premium brands and she sewed them into her usual Iro and Buba style, matched with a gold diamond jewellery.
CELEBRANTORS HUSBAND WAS THE PERFECT HOST
Queen Ayo Balogun’s husband of many decades, Jimi Balogun, was a perfect host for the day. He was on standby and made sure his wife enjoyed her day throughout the duration of the party. The affection between the 2 was betrayed at the party when they both openly displayed love in the presence of all guests. Jimi Balogun also penciled a lovely note to his wife: “Words cannot express my gratitude to the Almighty God for giving me such a gorgeous, elegant, romantic, and supportive woman like you K” as I call you, you stood by me through thick and thin, fire and rain, light and darkness. You have suddenly by man’s number become 60, but in my heart you are still as young as ever. Words fail me…if there is anything I desire, that I marry you again in the next life. God bless you. HBD Ayo, I love you so much!
LAGOS BIG BOY, LEKAN OSIFESO AND TOLA SOLOMON SPOTTED
Lekan Osifeso came in with his mistress, Tola Solomon, they have been an item for a long time and both sat together all through the duration of the party. Tola was seen wearing the aso ebi, while her man, Lekan, also spotted the Ankara outfit for the day. The popular socialite, Lekan Osifeso, and the celebrator are very close and we can tell you authoritatively that they have been friends for many years. He was seen early at the party, coordinating activities, moving to and fro to make sure guests were catered for.
LAGOS SOCIALITE, TAYO ALAKIU AND RHODA EWEKA TOO
Popular Lagos socialite, Tayo Alakiu, was at the party, he was seen with his wife, Rhoda Eweka. They have been together for many years. It was one of the rare outings for the 2 as they have not been very much visible on the social scene except for Tayo, who still attends some selected events. The couple looked superb in their choice outfit and they came in midway into the reception.
IBADAN CELEB WOMAN, JADE KUDDUS, STORMED LAGOS FOR AYO BALOGUN
Without gainsaying, Jade Kudus is, indeed, a society woman to the core whom musicians usually praise to high heavens at any party. She runs one of the biggest and thriving shipping business in Ibadan. Very popular within the Ibadan social establishment and highly industrious, she is a force to reckon with as many of her friends love her to be at their parties. She stormed Lagos for Queen Ayo Balogun and had fun with many of her Lagos-based friends, who were also present.
WAKA QUEEN, SALAWA ABENI, LOOKED YOUNGER THAN HER AGE
Queen of Waka music, Salawa Abeni, was not on the band stand this time round, despite that she was off the scene sometimes ago. She later bounced back and started performing at A-list parties. She was at the party and one thing noticeable about her is that she looked more beautiful, younger and her skin glowed like a 30-year-old lady. Many guests were attracted her, especially the women as she made her way into the venue.
CHIEF OLU OKEOWO AND WIFE STORMED THE PARTY AT 6.30PM IN HIS ROLLSROYCE
The Chief Executive Director of Gilbratar Construction company and Lagos billionaire, Chief Olu Okeowo, was at the event and he came in about 6.30pm. Recall he was the chairman at Queen Ayo Balogun son’s wedding, a few months back. Let us tell you here, he has a close family friendship with the celebrator and his brother. He was with his beautiful wife, Ajoke.
WHEN THE AKINBOLAGBE BROTHERS PAID BACK
Lagos big boy, Muyiwa Akinbolagbe, who owns a popular Event Centre in Ikeja, Time Square and other thriving businesses, like Time Square Hotels and Autos and his younger brother, Akinlolu with whom he attends parties together stormed the party midway and added some vibes to the event. The Akinbolagbes made it a payback time for Queen Ayo Balogun, who has been their friend for many years, no wonder, when Muyiwa shook Ilesha for 2 days for his father’s burial, it was Queen Ayo Balogun who performed.
LAGOS BIG BABE, TOYIN COLLINS, SPOTTED WITH HER HUSBAND, DEBO COLLINS
Lagos big babe, Toyin Collins, is one of the most popular babes in Lagos social scene. She was at the party and she came with her new husband, Debo Collins. The love birds seldom step out since they got married 4 years ago. Toyin was formerly married to a Lagos big boy, Tayo Alakiu. She owns Fresh Look, a notable spa in Ikeja, Lagos. The lady whose youthful look and charming manners endear her to not a few people, is having it all on a roller coaster as she has found a new lease of life with her new husband.
LAGOS SOCIALITE COUPLE, JIDE ANDRE AND WIFE, YEWANDE, PARTIED HARD
You will virtually see them at most ‘A’ list parties at weekends because many love to have them at their events. They are celebrity couple, who party hard. they were at the birthday and had fun till they took their leave. They sure know how to enjoy themselves at any party they attend. His wife, Yewande, wore a lovely wrap dress Ankara aso ebi matched with a diamond earring and silver accessories to go with it.
GRANDMASTER, EBENEZER OBEY, ON THE BANDSTAND
What many talked about at the party was who was going to be on the band stand for Queen Ayo Balogun’s birthday? Many guessed several artistes, but all wowed when the grandmaster himself, Chief Ebenezer Obey, mounted the stage. Let’s quickly remind you that Obey’s son, Tolu, was the artiste, who performed at Queen Ayo Balogun son’s wedding few months back. He shares a close relationship with Queen Ayo Balogun because they installed her as the President of the Juju Musician’s Association and at the party; Obey also spoke well about the celebrator. He sang praises of all the VIPs, and mesmerised the audience with his evergreen songs. Guests were kept on their toes, dancing for hours.
ABOUT 5 CELEB WOMEN WHO PARTY TOGETHER
There are some set of celebrity women, who were at the party, they are 5 and anytime, you see one, you would surely see others. Why? Because they love to party together. The celeb women are Nana Yakubu, Ola Aladesuru, Lara Akinsanya, Betty Elegba and Queen Ayo Balogun. They have the same circle of friends, wear same aso ebi and support one another greatly. They are doing well in their respective fields. Nana Yakubu is a top shot at the Nigeria, Port Authority, Lara Akinsanya is a big-time textile merchant, who owns Affordable Shopping Mall. She also runs a catering firm, Affordable Caterers that serves at the engagement ceremony. Ola Aladesuru is into hospitality business. She owns one of the big hotels in Amuwo Odofin. Betty Elegba is a business woman, while Queen Ayo Balogun is a prominent juju musician.
SHOWERS OF TRIBUTE FOR THE CELEBRATOR
There was a moment of reflection at the party as the Master of Ceremony, TEE A, called out some close friends and family members of the celebrator to talk briefly about her. First was her close friend of over 20 years, Lara Akinsanya, boss of Affordable Fabrics. She spoke glowingly about her friend and took guests down memory lane on how they met and how they have been able to keep their friendship for many years. Members, of her church especially the choir, which she is also a member also had some nice things to say, not forgetting Juju Musician Association that was represented by Kunle Champion. To end it all, Chief Ebenezer Obey shared his father-daughter relationship with her which all guests greeted with rounds of applaud.
CELEBRATORS SIBLINGS WERE UP AND DOING
At the party were siblings and, extended family of the celebrator. Her direct siblings include Olushola Olukuyide, Gbenga Ogunlade, Bukola Aduke, Abosede Ajisafe all supported their sister. They were up and dong at the event making sure everything went as planned.
FEMALE JUJU MUSICIANS WERE THERE TO SUPPORT THEIR BOSS
It was expected that many juju musicians would grace the event especially the female ones. They were at the party to support their boss.
WHEN IBADAN WAS BROUGHT TO LAGOS
It would interest you to know that the celebrator, Queen Ayo Balogun, is a woman of many parts, as she holds sway in Lagos. She is also visible in Ibadan because she is always their preferred musician whenever they are having parties. No wonder, Ibadan big boys and babes trooped to Lagos to honour her. Popular socialite and celebrity designer, Bashy Kuti, was spotted and big-time business woman, Jadesola Kuddus and many others.
LAGOS BIG BOYS WERE ALSO PRESENT
Lagos socialites were also not left out at the party, they are lovers of Queen Ayo Balogun’s music and that was why they stormed the venue to honour her. Among them were Rotimi Ishola, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Oba Akinsiku Dosunmu, Segun Oniru, Demola Oniru and Tijani Oniru, Shina Peller, Jide Andre, Lawrence Akinsanya, Dele Bankole, Chief Olu Okeowo, Otunba Laide Okunola of Citizens Suites, Hon Yinka Esho Kazeem, Tunde Osinowo, Biodun Kupoluyi, Jibola Bisiriyu, Tunde Bejide, Gbenga Bamiro, Tayo Alakiu, Kayode Ojo, Basorun Jaiyesinmi, Tunde Odula, Wale Faniyi, Hon Taiwo Adeyemi, Bolaji Esho, Noah Oyeneyin, and others.
THE CELEBRATOR’S SON, AYOJIMI, STOOD BY HIS MUM
The celebrators son, Ayojimi, who got married a few months back was up and doing at the party. He made sure his mother was well celebrated and he attended to guests at the event. His pretty wife, Jennifer and the celebrator’s grandchildren, were also there.
TOP CLUB BOSSES ON THE LAGOS ISLAND HONOURED QUEEN AYO BALOGUN
The celebrator is one of the top juju musicians if not the only juju musicians who performs at some A-list clubs on Lagos Island regularly. At her party, there were many big boys, who sit atop thriving and bubbling clubs for big boys and babes on the island. They include Finishing Touches, FT where she performs every week, 100 hours Night Club, Eldorado club and others. The guys who own the clubs all stepped out for the celebrator. Sighted were Bolaji Esho, Wale Okuwobi, Rotimi Odumaiya, Tony Okorodudu, Anere Alalubosa, AK and many others.
SEGUN ONIRU AND HIS BROTHERS, TABLE BUBBLED ALL THROUGH
One table that was not devoid of various delicacies and exotic drinks, like champagne and cognac was Segun Oniru’s table. His table bubbled all through the duration of the party and all his friends especially Oba Akinsiku Dosunmu, who sat with him had their mouths and throats watered throughout the event. Aremo Segun Oniru was a former Commissioner for Lands in Lagos and also one of the heirs apparent of Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Oniru. He partied with his brothers, Prince Tijani and Demola Oniru.
SHINA PELLER WAS NOT LEFT OUT
At the party was the king of night club, Shina Peller, who has just been given a chieftaincy title, Otunba, in Lagos. His table was also well attended to and he had fun at the party. As we are gisting you, he just played host to crème de la crème in Ibadan for his mother’s 70th birthday at a prestigious Event Centre in Ibadan.
WHAT ABOUT REMOL DÉCOR OUTFIT?
The beautiful but unique décor was done by no other than the celebrator’s friend, Remi Akinterinwa, the pretty wife of the new Commissioner for Finance, Ondo State, Wale Akinterinwa, who has been married for close to 30 years. She was all out for the party, making sure all was in place. She met the celebrator through her husband and they have become family friends. She did a good job with her expertise put in right place and the hall looked lit with candescence of happiness. She sits aboard a decorating company, Remol Event Managers.
