Monday, 29th May, 2017 was an unforgettable day for the Ashafas as a popular Lagos politician, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, threw classy 60th birthday for his lovely wife, Shade.
The ceremony, which was a 2-day affairs, kicked off on Sunday, 28th May with Special Muslim prayer @ Grandview Hall, Magodo, while the grand reception and praise and worship session took place at Civic Centre on Monday. City People’s Assistance Society Editor, Abiola Orisile, was at the party to serve you hot gist.
THE CELEBRATOR, SHADE ASHAFA, ROCKS @ 60
Shade, the pretty woman who owns the heart of Senator Gbenga Ashafa, stood and walked tall at her 60th birthday party. She was the cynosure of all eyes in a white-and-red chattily fresh lace, which was embellished with Swasrosky and Pearls. It was uniquely sewed into a fitted blouse and iro, which sat well on her body frame.
Her jewellery was a pure gold mixed with diamond. Many of the guests couldn’t take their eyes off her as she walked in with grace accompanied by her husband a few minutes past 1pm. Kudos to her make-up artist, who tied her white embellished headgear. It was well wrapped to fit her ageless look.
Mrs. Shade Ashafa shocked many as she danced to the music of Gospel act, Tope Alabi. Guests were heard asking, is she really 60? This is because she looked half her age.
SENATOR GBENGA ASHAFA’S PIVOTAL ROLE
The handsome husband of the celebrator, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, played a huge role at his wife’s birthday party. Right from when the party kicked off few minute’s past 1pm, he was on his feet welcoming guests to the party. He spotted a dark grey wool-cotton agbada. He was seen moving from one table to the other to make sure guests were adequately, taken care of. Despite spending big to give his wife the classiest party in town, the ever smiling Senator, representing Lagos East in the Senate, played a perfect host of the party.
THEIR 3 SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN RALLY ROUND THEM
The 3 successful children of Senator Gbenga Ashafa and his wife gave full support to their parents. They were led by the first child, Alhaji Basheer Tosin Ashafa, while his 2 siblings, Mrs. Toyosi Banjoko (daughter) and Mr. Oluwatobi Ashafa were in tow. Though, they held a special party for their friends at the Banquet Hall of Civic Centre, they intermittently appeared at the Civic Hall where their parents played hosts to their guests. The pretty wife of Basheer, Lola and the Ashafa’s only daughter, Mrs. Toyonsi Banjoko, got twinned in a similar burnt brownish lace, while the Bariyu’s boys were in light grey fabric.
THE BEAUTIFUL RECEPTION @ CIVIC CENTRE
Earlier in the day driving down to Civic Centre on V.I, one needed not to be told that a big party would hold at Civic Centre. Many security personnel were seen on the road ensuring law and order. Entering the Civic Centre, a giant photograph of the celebrator stood, smiling to welcome guests to her birthday.
Funke Bucknor of Zaphare Event transformed the Lobby of Civic Centre with white rose flowers, which permeated the lobby with fresh fragrance. Special sofa was also provided at the lobby for guests to relax before joining the lift that would take them to the party venue. Entering the hall, Zaphare Events mesmerised the guests with a white-and-silver decoration. Unlike the regular tables and chairs that you see at other event centres, Zaphare decided to use a glass rectangular table, which could accommodate more than 15 guests. The seats were arranged in such a way that guests could see the beautiful white-and-gold podium where the cake was placed.
WHY SENATOR ASHAFA SHIED AWAY FROM KISSING WIFE
A few minutes past 4pm, the compere, Lepacious Bose, beckoned Senator Bareeyu Ashafa, to kiss his wife as they did when they got married 38 years ago.
Senator Gbenga Ashafa quickly told her politely with a smile that she is observing the Ramadan fast and won’t be able to feed his wife from the birthday cake. Senator Bareeyu Ashafa and his wife belong to different of religions but there was no doubt, that they don’t allow religion to be an obstacle to their love. They are one of the celebrity couples which are admired by many.
And Ashafa & Sade’S SiblingS Show ARE Love
Many members of the Ashafa family were present to show love to Senator Gbenga Ashafa’s wife, Shade. There was no doubt that they love her to the bone and that was why many of them were led by Mama Muyibat Ashafa.
So also were the siblings of Mrs. Shade Ashafa, who came with a large numbers of guests. Yeye Toyin Ninalowo, Yeye Wura Sholape Kuti, Alhaja Lashat Balogun (JP) and Hikmot Hakeem Habeeb who is the last born all stormed the 60th birthday.
OBA AKINOLU, BUKOLA SARAKI STORM SPECIAL PRAYER @ GRANDVIEW
The whole of Magodo stood still on Sunday 28th of May as Senator Gbenga Ashafa’s wife, Shade, held a special Muslim prayer at Grandview, Magodo. Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Senate President, (represented by Deputy Chief of Staff, Gbenga Makanjuola), Babatunde Fashola, Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun, Mr. Babatunde Durosimi Eti, were among many others who stormed the prayer session on Sunday.
RAMADAN COULDN’T STOP GUESTS
Sunday 28th and Monday 29th of May were 2nd and 3rd days of Ramadan, but despite this, there was a huge turnout of guests who came to share in the joy of the Ashafas. Many Muslim faithful, came in their numbers to Grandview at Magodo on Sunday, while some also joined the family on Monday in the praise God service with the Ashafas.
BETWEEN ASIWAJU AND SENATOR GBENGA ASHAFA
If you ask people in town how close is Senator Gbenga Ashafa to APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, they will tell you that the two enjoy a very robust relationship. Their relationship dates back to more than 20 years ago.
Ashafa was also one of those who worked towards the emergence of then Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Alliance for Democracy (AD) flag bearer in 1999 governorship election in Lagos. Though, Asiwaju couldn’t be at the event, but his presence was felt. His wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also sent a representative, Mrs. Patricia Etueyo.
THE BOURDILON BOYS SPOTTED
The Bourdilon boys were all present for Senator Bareeyu Ashafa’s wife, Shade’s 60th birthday party. The Bourdilon boys who got their names owing to their closeness to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose residence is at Bourdilon spent many hours at the event.
Among those sighted were Dele Alake, Mutiu Are, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and a host of others. Muiz Banire, who couldn’t be at the event made sure his wife, Funmi, stormed the event to represent him.
WHY APC’S CHIEFTAIN, PIUS AKINYELURE, WIFE Was PRESENT
Though, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu couldn’t make the event, but his best friend, Chief Pius Akinyelure, was all out at the events with his pretty wife. His wife Esther Aduke who didn’t look 70 was among celebrities who joined the couple with Ogun former Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba and wife, Beere Osoba, to cut the cake. Pius Akinyelure, who is very close to Asiwaju, is one of those who love Senator Gbenga Ashafa and that was why he spent many hours at the party.
JIMI AGBAJE AND SENATOR MUSILIU OBANIKORO RE-UNITE FOR GBENGA ASHAFA
Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, didn’t miss Senator Gbenga Ashafa’s wife, Shade’s 60th birthday party. Though, he came in a few minute past 6pm, he met a former contender in the 2011 gubernatorial election, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who has rekindled his relationship with all his old APC friends. Many of the guests couldn’t help but ask if Mr. Jimi Agbaje is also thinking of joining the APC.
CELEBRITIES WHO PARTIED WITHOUT THEIR BEST FRIENDS
Celebrity friends who are used to enjoying Lagos parties in each other’s company were not seen together at the Ashafa’s party.
Take for instance, Hajia Abbah Folawiyo partied alone last week without her best friend, Yewande Onileere and Oprah Benson. She attended the party alone. So, also is Bisi Abiola, she attended the party without her friend of over 40 years Mrs Afusat Osinusi. Unusual, you say? Did we tell you that a former Deputy Governor, Sarah Sosan, partied without Ogun Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salmot Badru? They’ve been friends from childhood too and have been recently attending Lagos parties together. Oba Saheed Elegushi also partied without Akinshiku of Lagos.
Senate SHIFTS To Lagos
The Senate literally shifted from Abuja to Lagos on Monday 29th of May for Mrs. Shade Ashafa as many Senators storm Lagos for her 60th birthday party. Many of them attended the Sunday Muslim prayer while others joined them at the grand finale on Monday. Among those sighted were: Senator Olusola Adeyeye (Chief Whip), Senator Gbenga Obadara, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Senator Domingo Obende, Senator Fatimo Raji-Rasaki, and Senator Olamilekan Yayi.
Senator Fatimo Raji Rasak the beautiful wife of a former Military Governor of Lagos State, General Raji Rasak’s look sent many tongues wagging at Shade Ashafa’s 60th birthday. Though, she settled for a simple iro and buba, but the uniqueness of the fabric could not be over looked. Her make-up and jewellery was on point and many couldn’t help but compliment her good look.
FIRS’ BOSS, TUNDE FOWLER, PARTIES WITH WIFE
Federal Internal Revenue Service, Chairman, Babatunde Fowler and his beautiful wife were spotted at Senator Gbenga Ashafa wife’s birthday party. The FIRS boss, who settled for a blue black native dress looked suave as he enjoyed his wife’s company, while the event lasted. Tunde Fowler, who is so choosy about parties to attend holds the Ashafas in high esteem.
FOLORUNSHO ALAKIJA MAKES WAOH! FASHION STATEMENT
African’s richest woman, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, made a waoh! Fashion statement when she stepped in a few minutes past 4pm. Though, you might say it was expected of Africa’s richest woman, but her combination of red and black was uniquely outstanding for the Ashafas. Her chattily red-and-black lace was sewed into a skirt and blouse. It was fully embellished with crystal stones which kept shinning when exposed to light. She also had a red frame, white glasses, while her gold neck chain was embellished with diamond. Many of the guests couldn’t take their eyes off her when she coordinated the cutting of the cake at few minute’s to 5pm.
OBA SAHEED ELEGUSHI DRIVES TO VENUE IN 500 MILLION BULLET PROOF ROLLS ROYCE
King Guchi, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Ikunsell 3, was one of the celebrities who came to show love to Senator Gbenga Ashafa. Though, he didn’t come with his wife, Oloori Sekinat Elegushi, but he drove to the venue in his new white bullet proof, Rolls Royce worth over 500 million naira. Guess who rode with him? His friend, Prince Hakeem Muri Okunola, of course. They spent more than 2 hours at the event before they left a few minutes past 6pm.
OGD PARTIES WITHOUT YEYE FUNKE DANIEL
Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, hardly attends party alone, but he came in without his beautiful wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel, for the Ashafas. That, perhaps was why he spent only one hour at the event before he left.
DAME EMMANUELA FASHOLA PARTIES WITH FASHOLA’S MUM
Lagos former First Lady, Mrs. Dame Emmanuela Fashola, was also a guest at Mrs. Sade Ashafa’s 60th birthday party. She was there to represent her husband, Babatunde Fashola. She enjoyed the party with her mother-in-law. Mrs Omolara Fashola. They were among the early callers and she left at a few minutes past 6pm.
OLOORI LADUN PARTIES WITH HER BEST FRIEND, FUNMI ODUNSI
Oloori Ladun Sijuade, the beautiful and highly educated wife of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade’s wife stood out in Lemon flowery dinner gown. She enjoyed the night with her friend of many years Funmi Odunsi.
TOPE ALABI, K1, BJ SAX SERENADE GUESTS
Gospel act, Tope Alabi, was on bandstand dishing out soul lifting music to the large guests. She got many of the guests to swing, dancing for hours before a popular Nigerian Saxophonist, BJ Sax, also added his thrilling vibes. Though K1 was a guest at the event as he is very close to the Ashafas, but he was a guest artiste. The King of Fuji showed his stage craftsmanship by getting guests to dance for hours despite performing alone.
CELEBS WHO STOOD OUT
There is no party as Lagos party as many celebrities spotted in unique attires for Lady Shady @ 60. Mrs Sade Adesoye came in late but her presence was felt. Mrs. Yemisi Awe looked gorgeous she partied with her in-law, Jibike. Senator Demola Seriki also partied with his 2 wives Mrs. Remi Seriki and Wosilat Okoya. Remi enjoyed the night with her younger sister, Funmi, who is a top fabric merchant on Island. So also was Oloori Risikat Adams. Her embellished skirt and blouse were superb.
ROLL CALL
Chief Ayo Adebanjo and wife, Senator Rilwan Akanbi, AIG Tunji Alapini and wife, Mrs. Joko Oni, Aremo Segun Oniru, Yakubu Abiodun, Sir Demola Ladun, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru (MD Sky Bank), Asiwaju & Yeye Bisi Adegbuyi, Mr Muyiwa Fagbemi, Mr and Mrs Biodun Aina, Hon. Taiye Adenekan, Mr. Kola Adeniyi, Engineer Kehinde Saka, Mrs Olukemi Adebowale, Mr. Bode Agoro, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunyo, Mrs. Niniola Are, Mrs. Muinat Ninalowo, Mrs Lukman Olusanya, Toto Abuga’s wife, Abiola, Bisbod Aso-Oke’s boss, Hon. Abike Dabiri, Kemi Adebowale, Mrs Titilola Ademiju, Mr. Bayo Longe, Mr and Mrs Abiodun Osiefa, Mrs Lola Young, Ms Vicky Adande, Mrs Taiwo Duroyaiye, Mrs. Vicky Adande, Adre and wife, Mr Taiye Jagun, Eng Femi Oshoniyi, Engineer Peter Omotosho, Alhaji Bashy Are, Lions Club members. Seyi Akinade, Sade Akintomide, Funke Adebayo, Mr. Bola Sarumi, among many others.
