•Bride, SEUN Is Hajia ABBA FOLAWIYO’s Grand Daughter
•10 Governors Storm Wedding
•GHANA 1st Lady Attends
All roads led to Victoria Island on Easter Monday, 22nd April when the grand dame of Nigeria’s society, Hajia Abba Folawiyo, the pretty wife of late Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Wahab Folawiyo hosted over 3000 celebrity women at her granddaughter’s wedding in Lagos. The traditional wedding was between Oluwaseun, the daughter of Segun Awolowo who is late Pa. Awolowo’s grandson and Toye, the son of late Chartered Accountant, Olabode Kayode.
It was a classy wedding which had all the paraphernalia of the high society. Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and wife, Dolapo Osinbajo led over 10 governors who graced the event alongside the special appearance by the first lady of the Republic of Ghana, H.E, Rebecca Akufo Addo. It was a crowd pulling wedding where important dignitaries flooded the Balmoral Convention Centre, choice venue of the engagement ceremony. City People’s Society Editor, TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI and senior photojournalist FEMI ADELEKE were at the event that lasted for 10 hours.
INSIDE THE ENGAGEMENT VENUE
The colourful wedding took place inside the gigantic Balmoral Marquee mounted on the grounds of the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos and it will be an understatement to say the car park was full to the brim. Exotic cars were parked on all lawns of the hotel and even outside the hotel, along the kerbs on the main road, cars were parked everywhere and occupied almost the very long stretch of Ahmadu Bello Way.
Gen TY Danjuma’s parking lot was also used for the party. The lovely hall had one of the best decorations and it was a floral décor all through which made it look like the heavenlies. Give it to the event planner, they surely did a unique and beautiful job. The hall had over 3000 guests and everyone had fun all through. The transparent chavari chairs and table decorations gold added beauty to the event.
The event was coordinated by Zapphaire event, Over 15 vendors took part in taking care of guests, Vintage Band on the bandstand, BJ Sax thrilled guests and star appearances by Sir Shina Peters, Teni The Entertainer and Styl Plus group. Spartan securities manned the gate with their special squad and bounced guests who had no access card.
SEUN AND TOYE’S SWEET LOVE STORY
A first glance at the couple will surely confirm to you that they are both in love. The love radiates in everything that they do. It was because of them and their parents’ many dignitaries stormed their wedding. They both looked lovely in their choice of outfits for their engagement, reception and after party. The bride, Seun Awolowo is the first child of Segun Awolowo, grandson of Late sage, Obafemi Awolowo. Her love story with her husband dates a few years back and they had their proposal 9 months ago precisely in June 2018. Even Seun gushed about her proposal on her social media page. She has been seen doing bridesmaid duties for many of her friends but finally became the bride too.
The 27-year-old bride is part of the Management and Strategy team for Real Estate at Goldman Sachs and holds a degree in Politics and International Studies from Warwick University. She is passionate about people to living life to the fullest and runs a website to that effect. She is a motivational speaker who also runs an NGO called Teach A Girl Nigeria, which is focused on girl’s education in Nigeria with 7 other incredible ladies. She is the founder of Leads Africa and founder of 3D Living Moments. On her website, Seun once wrote about what she looks out for when getting married”. This first came up in a chat with my mum about the topic of marriage. When will you marry, Seun? I said to my mum, is it really about When or is it more about WHO?
The right person at the right time is a winning formula. As this thought floated through my mind, I heard it again in the context of living your best life by purposefully pursuing your dreams.”. She has now gotten the winning formula and finally walked down the aisle with her dream man. Toye Kayode is another calm guy who is well read. He is the account manager for Smartrail USA, Smart metro and safe rail and also the founder of a lifestyle start-up, Neocove. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Reading. He is a music lover and a lifestyle enthusiast.
SENATOR LANRE TEJUOSHO A PERFECT CHAIRMAN
The Chairman of the event was Senator Lanre Tejuosho, the handsome son of Adedapo Tejuosho, the Osile of Okeona. He was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and opening the reception proper at the wedding. He did it perfectly well and got rousing applause for his flow of advice for the couple and coordination. He was happy to honour Segun Awolowo who is his friend of many decades.
A MINUTE SILENCE FOR GROOM’S PARENTS
It is the joy of every parent to be present at their children’s wedding but this was not to be for the groom’s family because the groom, Akintoye had lost both parents. Toye’s dad, Late Olabode Kayode, the University of Ibadan graduate who was a chartered accountant died a few years ago while his mum, Osayomwanbo Kayode died in December last year. It was a solemn moment where his parents were honoured with a minute silence before the commencement of the reception proper.
MEET GROOMS LATE PARENT’S FRIENDS AND FAMILY
The groom’s parents may have passed on but it was as if they were present at the wedding because all the family members honoured them with their presence at their son’s wedding. The groom’s mother, late Osayomwanbo is from the popular influential Giwa Osagie family from Benin in Edo State. Give it to the Osagies, they stormed the party in full force. The groom’s late dad’s friends were also present. The groom’s father was represented by Mr Taiwo Kayode at the wedding. Sighted were Prof Osato Giwa Osagie, Mr. Keem Bello Osagie, Mr. and Mrs. Ladi Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Seun Ajayi, Otunba Olumide Osunsina, Mr. and Mrs. Yinka Oladuntan, Mr. John White, Dr. Patrick Omolayole, Mr and Mrs. Kunle Osibodu, Smart Ajayi, Mr. and Mrs. Leke Akinsanya, Gbenga Ogunsanya, Dolapo Balogun, Segun Adeyemi, Gbenga Onifade, Dola Bamgboye, Deji Ibeh, Dr Tele Kolawole, and many others.
HAJIA ABBA’S ROLE WAS HUGE
The Doyen of high society, Hajia Abba Folawiyo popularly called Sisi Abba was more than happy at the wedding. It was an occasion where many celebrity women all came together to celebrate with her.
Sisi Abba has always been the darling of parties, and more so this is about her party, so she performed the grand mothers role at the event. She led all the Folawiyos to the venue. She was sitting at the VVIP table where the wife of Vice President, Dolapo and First Lady of Ghana were sitting. She looked so pretty and young at heart in her pink colored lace for the engagement and the purple velvet aso-ebi for the reception party with her headgear matched with an expensive gold jewelry. The Iya Adinni of the Surulere Central Mosque and life Matron of Honour of Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, FADAN hosted thousands of celebrity women who stormed the engagement venue. The very homely, free minded and humility personified woman of class who has friends from all age range, both young and old were all represented at the party. Hajia Abba has definitely come in contact with some people in her life who are more than friends and her sojourn in the social world has also brought forth many friends who have become like a family to her hence the massive turn out of celeb women at the party which shook the whole of Lagos.
SEN FLORENCE ITA GIWA STOOD BY HER SISTER
It was highly expected that Senator Florence Giwa will grace the party. Not only was she part of the celebrity guests but she played the role of a sister to Hajia Abba Folawiyo. She was part of the organisers of the wedding and she stood solidly behind Sisi Abba. Her friendship with Sisi Abba is over 30 years and she does not joke with her. In fact, Senator Ita Giwa sometimes refers to Sisi Abba as a mother to her. She was seen exchanging pleasantries with many important personalities and she never left Sisi Abba’s side for once.
BETWEEN THE FIRST LADY OF GHANA AND SISI ABBA
The party had a full representation from the gold coast country, Ghana. The First Lady of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo Addo stormed the party and many people began to ask what is the tie between the Ghana First Lady and the couple’s parents but we can tell you that she came purposely to honour Sisi Abba. Lets quickly tell you that Sisi Abba was born a Ghanaian, lived in Ghana before she relocated back to Nigeria. Her late mum shares a great deal with the Ghanaians. The First Lady coordinated the cake cutting.
OVER 8 GOVERNORS FROM SAME CAUCUS ATTENDED
The wedding paraded 10 governors. They all came all the way not only to honour Hajia Abba Folawiyo but also the bride’s father, Segun Awolowo who is their friend. This was a powerful delegation from many states as their number one with their wives stormed the party. It has been evident in some A-list celeb parties that you will notice the presence of some APC Governors at any function the ruling party throws. Sighted at the event were Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, Governor of Ogun State, Sen Ibikunle Amosun, former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke, former Ogun Governor Olorogun Segun Osoba, former Ogun Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel was also at the party, Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State, Niyi Adebayo, Former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, Lagos, Ogun and Kwara State Governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo Olu, Dapo Abiodun and Abdulrahman Abdulrasak.
THE FIRST LADIES NOT LEFT OUT
Beautiful looking and gorgeous first ladies were also at the party. They came with their husbands to the wedding. Sighted were H.Es, first lady of Ogun State, Olufunsho Amosun, ex-First Lady of Ogun State, Dame Derin Osoba, Former First Lady of Ekiti State, Bisi Fayemi, incoming First Lady of Lagos, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo Olu, incoming Ogun First Lady, Bamidele Abiodun, former First Lady of Cross Rivers State, Onari Duke, First Lady of Oyo State, Florence Ajimobi, former First Lady of Ekiti State, Angele Adebayo, former Lagos First Lady, Alhaja Jakande. Also at the party were former Deputy Governors, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu and Sarah Sosan.
AISHA BUHARI HONOURS THE AWOLOWOS
The First Lady of Nigeria, President Mohammadu Buhari’s wife, Aishat Buhari also honoured the couple and their parents. She couldn’t make it due to some national assignment but sent her representative in the person of the DG/CEO of the National Centre for Women Development, Barr Mary Ipeyeta.
VP OSINBAJO AND WIFE SHOWED LOVE
When the arrival of the vice president was announced at the engagement, everybody wanted to catch a glimpse of the no 2 man in Nigeria with his beautiful wife. The powerful couple is well loved by everyone. He was at the engagement in the morning but was not at the reception. His wife waited for the reception and stayed all through. H.E, Dolapo Osinbajo is also from the Awolowo clan, she is also a grandchild of the late sage, Obafemi Awolowo. She is the closest sibling to Segun and they are both grandchildren who grew up together. Hardly will you see any function organized by Segun that she will not be there. They share a very close bond and this was evident at the engagement proper when they both held hands and danced together.
NAIJA NO 1 DESIGNER, DEOLA SAGOE MADE THE BRIDE’S KOMOLE DRESS
Give it to Deola Sagoe, she has carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry not only in Nigeria but internationally. Her outfit House of Deola made all the beautiful luxury and unique dresses the bride wore for her wedding and we can tell you they don’t come cheap.
GOV AMOSUN’S INLAW, ABIKE DABIRI WAS THERE
The special adviser to the president on diaspora, Hon Abike Dabiri was at the party. She wore the Purple Velvet aso-ebi with purple and teal headgear and headed straight to greet her In-law, the governor of Ogun State, Sen Ibikunle Amosun before taking her seat with other dignitaries at the event.
WEDDING COLOUR COMBO, TEAL AND PURPLE WAS ON POINT
The colours of the day were teal and purple. Both colour mix did justice to guests outfit as it came out nice on everyone. Many of the guests wore the purple colour velvet aso-ebi while the headgear which was the gele-ebi was a mix of teal and purple. Brides friends also dazzled in another set of colourful Pewter and Lilac aso-ebi supplied by Morayo Asoasiko with a silver aso oke and cap.
FMR PRESIDENT, OBASANJO SENT HIS WIFE, BOLA
Former Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun could not make the party but sent his wife, Mrs Bola Obasanjo. She was at the party on time and sat with the Awolowo families. She was seen sitting on the high table as well.
PRINCE KUNLE OJORA AND WIFE, ERELU OJUOLAPE MISSED THE PARTY
Where is Lagos society couple, Erelu Ojuolape and her husband, Adekunle Ojora? Both were conspicuously absent at the party. It was surprising that the couple missed the wedding because they are 2 good fellows who attend A class functions almost on all weekends and moreover this is Hajia Folawiyo Party. Anytime you sight them at any party, you will hardly see them separately, though they are both ageing gracefully. They arrive at parties together and leave together.
WHERE IS OUR QUEEN OF DIAMONDS AND AFRICA’S RICHEST WOMAN?
We did not see the queen of Diamond, Senator Daisy Danjuma and Africa’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija at the party. where could they have been? They are both society matriarchs who has been rocking the scene for decades. They also share a close friendship with Hajia Abba Folawiyo and many wondered what other event took them away.
ZAPPHAIRE EVENTS DELIVERED BACK TO BACK
Hardly will any weekend pass that Zapphaire Events led by Funke Bucknor will not have one wedding or event to plan or decorate. She is unarguably the most sought after wedding planner in Nigeria. She is very good at what she does and she put her best foot forward again at the Awolowos/Bayodes wedding. The event was well coordinated.
LOVE AND WEALTH DISPLAYED
The wedding in all ramifications was not devoid of a show of wealth as many multi-millions of naira went into it. There was the availability of money and the family also know how to spend it wisely on classy things. The traditional customs whereby the groom’s family buys all sorts of gifts ranging from jewellery to clothes, wrappers, cosmetics boxes etc for the bride was a display of class and wealth when the bride received some customized travel boxes from her in-laws with other expensive items. All that went down at the event gulped a lot of money, vendors numbered up to 15, 3 big music stars, wave making band, 2 venues, 3-course meals for 24 hours, expensive cognac and champagne drinks, foods, gifts and all.
WHERE WAS ALIKO DANGOTE?
One of the richest men in the world, the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote was conspicuously missing in action at the wedding. But we sighted his pretty daughter, Mariya wearing a beautiful green sequenced lace matched with a green turban. She came in with Aliko’s best friend, Femi Otedola and they sat together and many concluded she came to represent their dad. Aliko’s presence was noticeable because he shares a strong friendship with Segun Awolowo and his mum, Sisi Abba. No wonder his close best friend, Femi Otedola appeared at the party alone. We surely missed the money bag at the party.
SEN. OLUREMI TINUBU’S ABSENCE WAS NOTICED
One of the closest associates of Hajia Abba Folawiyo is the wife of APC National Leader, Remi Tinubu. There is hardly any event they are both having that they will attend. She has been a recurring decimal in Hajia Abba Folawiyo’s life since her husband became the Governor, so this made many wonder why she was absent at this great occasion of her dear sister, but we can tell you that she is presently in London and there is an assurance that she will be at the last leg of the wedding which is the grand finale come May 20th.
ALHAJI RASAK OKOYA AND SADE WERE THERE
Eleganza Chairman, Chief Rasak Okoya was at the party. He was at the party with his beautiful wife, Sade Okoya. They were one of the early callers at the wedding. They also sat on the high table. Dr Sade Okoya looked regal in her purple aso ebi matched with beautiful jewellery.
ABOUT SEGUN AWOLOWO’S NEW STYLE OF DRESSING
The bride’s father, Segun Awolowo who is always known to be a dapper dresser did not disappoint at his daughter’s wedding. He wowed many people with his unique look. He was seen wearing a complete brown Dansiki and Agbada aso oke outfit, he paired it with a pair of black sneakers and it made him look trendy with his bold fashion statement. All his friends and well-wishers were all over him because he is such a good man.
HIS WIFE, BOLA STOLE THE SHOW
The bride’s mother, Bola Awolowo might not be your regular Owambe party goer but she calls the shots within social and also within the corporate sector. The dazzling mother of the bride who came from an illustrious Fowora family dazzled everyone with her look and finesse. She looked very beautiful in her outfit, a metallic brown aso-oke which has a peacock embroidery and matched it up with a gold purse. She settled for another look at the reception. She stunned in a powdered/navy blue velvet lace and matched with an Italian sandal. She matched it up with diamond jewellery and everyone could not take the shine off her as she danced into the reception venue with a retinue of friends and families.
AWO’S 2 DAUGHTERS GAVE OUT THE BRIDE
The 2 surviving daughters of Late sage, Obafemi Awolowo, Tokunbo Dosunmu and her elder sister, Tola Oyediran were at the wedding. They stood as the matriarch of the Awolowo family and wore the same outfit Hajia Abba Folawiyo was wearing. They also sat in front row seat and performed the grandmother’s duty of giving out their grandniece in marriage to her hubby, Toye Kayode.
WHO ARE THE RICH MEN ON THE VVIP TABLE?
The party paraded important personalities that are too numerous to mention but we sighted some rich men on the VIP table. Sighted were the Igbinedion brothers, Mike and Fred Igbinedion, Prince Segun Oniru, Chief Sunny Asemota, Segun Shobanjo, Jide Coker, Femi Otedola, Tunde Fowler, former Minister, Adesina Akinwunmi, Chief YK Babalola, Demola Seriki, Folusho Adeagbo, Prof Osato Giwa Osagie, Olumide Oyediran, Ayo Subair, Demola Seriki, Skymit motors boss, Tayo Ayeni, Rabiu Samad, Otunba Runsewe, Dele Momodu, Hon. Aliu Wadada, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Dr. Wale Babalakin, Pius Akinyelure, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, Alhaji Isiaka Rabiu (BUA Group boss), Tunde Ayeni, Prof. Dapo Ashiru, Kunle Osibodu, Chief Bukunola Okunowo, Phillip Oduoza, Ayo Lawal, Chief Alex Onabanjo, Chike Ogeah, Bimbo Ashiru, Prince Jide Osinubi, Dr. Omolayole, Soni Irabor and many others.
SISI ABBA’S FRIEND OF OVER 40 YEARS, YEWANDE ONILEERE SHOWED UP
When Lagos society woman, HRH Yewande Onileere stormed the reception venue, many were surprised because it was rumoured that Hajia Abba Folawiyo and her friend of over 40 years were no more in good terms. In fact, some reported that they don’t see to eye but we can tell you authoritatively that there is no rift between them anymore and this will be one of the very important events in Hajia Abba’s Folawiyo’s life where Onileere’s absence would have caused an uproar. She was one of the early callers at the wedding and stayed by her friend all through.
