Ibadan, like every other social establishments across the country, is blessed with some outstanding women who have proved over the years that being well read, exposed, posh, intelligent or beautiful has nothing to do with being sociable. They have proved that one can actually be sociable irrespective of his or her age, class or level. To some of these women, it comes naturally for them to mingle and socialise while some ,in some cases, are forced by circumstances around them. However, these set of women are those who are rocking the Ibadan’s social scene. Some have been around for more than two decades and they still as relevant as ever and well respected in the society. These are not just ordinary women, they are women with class, brain and beauty. Women who have track record of success in their respective endeavours. In fact, some fall in the category of what could be called the “alakowes” probably due to their backgrounds, antecedents and exposure. In this report, City People’s Correspondent, DARE ADENIRAN presents to you Ibadan women of substance whose presence at any social function, be it within or outside Ibadan , must be recognised. Who always add glamour to any social gathering the found themselves. Read on.
ALHAJA AMINAT ABIODUN
You may be wondering why is her name on the list but it would interest you that Alhaja Aminat Abiodun, the Iyalode of Ibadan land, is still much around the social scene. At over 80, Iyalode still attends A-list parties in Ibadan and that is to tell you the level of love and respect people have for her. Like her predecessors, Aminat Abiodun is influential and powerful and that has not diminish in way.
CHIEF (MRS.) ONIKEPO AKANDE
The pretty wife of the Agbaakin Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman Splash F.M. Chief Adebayo Akande, Onikepo Akande is a career woman who has come of age. Even at over 70, one can still tell of her beauty as she looks much more younger that her age. Onikepo Akande OON CON is an economist, accountant and industrialist. She is the Nigeria’s first female Minister of Industry and the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and honorary life Vice-President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture. She is a Harvard Business School products but as well read and exposed she is, Onikepo Akande is still sociable and fashionable. She is a powerful dressed and knows how to comport herself in any occasion she finds herself whether corporate or social outing.
CHIEF (MRS.) FLORENCE AJIMOBI
Talk of beauty she is got it, talk of poise she has it and talk of brain, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Abiola Ajimobi, the beautiful wife of Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi has got them all. She is one of the few Nigerian first ladies who have really added so much glamour to the office of the First Lady. She is one woman who has not allowed paparazzi of office gets into her head. Her love for others is as strong as for her biological children, as a loving mother and wife of a public office holder. And that speaks volume about her personality and the more reason she is well loved in Ibadan. Though she attends most social functions alongside her husband but any party she goes whether with or without her husband, she commands a lot of respect. She has a good manner to back her beauty and people respect her fashion sense too. Her entourage alone will the tone of any party.
CHIEF OLANREWAJU OTITI-ADEDEJI
Olanrewaju Otiti is one of the rich and famous women with good money in Ibadan. She is a businesswoman cum politician and her business interest is mainly Oil & Gas. She is as rich and beautiful as they come. So much that if you don’t move closer to her you won’t know she has tribal marks. She is an Ibadan chief in Iyalode line. In her mid 60s, Lanre Otiti commands lots of respect on the social scene.
CHIEF (MRS.) YINKA LADOJA
Call her a fashion enthusiast and you won’t be wrong because that is what the Asaju Iyalode of Ibadan land and wife of the former governor of Oyo State Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief (Mrs.) Yinka Ladoja represents in Ibadan social circle. She has a unique way of tying her headgear which has become her trademark. She is dark and beautiful and of good height. She always wear this kind of smile that makes it difficult to even know when she angry. She is a successful businessman and a well known politician. Yinka Ladoja carries herself with so much respect. At any social function, people give the due honour and respect. She is one of those who have been dominating the social scene for a long time now.
AMBASSADOR RONKE ADEFOWOPE
Ambassador Ibironke Adefowope is a medical practitioner with an international background. She is the former Nigerian Ambassador to Malawi and Zambia between 1999-2003. She was also appointed to the board of First Registrars & Investor Services Limited as a Non Executive Director in 2013. Though she doesn’t attend parties any how but the few you see her, you must seen the sign of a well read and exposed woman in her.
CHIEF (MRS.) LIZZY AFONJA
She is a prominent Lady Golfer and a well known society woman within Ibadan social circle and beyond. Lizzy Afonja is beautiful and blessed with nice physic.
CHIEF (MRS.) KUDI KASSIM
She is the wife of a prominent Ijebu-born textile merchant, Chief Olanrewaju Kassim popularly known as ‘Shokas’. At over 70, Alhaja can still be well addressed as a fashion freak, she wears the best of the best. She is a top player in textile business like her husband and also deals in jewellery too. She is one of those who has been consistently rocking the social scene for many decades. She understands party trend and dresses accordingly, very few women can beat her to that. She is the Yeyeoba of Ilishan Remo in Ogun State.
CHIEF (MRS.) KEMI ALAO-AKALA
Give it to Kemi Akala, she is a beautiful woman. A beauty personified, that is how the wife of the former governor of Oyo State Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi could be best described. Apart from her beauty, she is also blessed with a good stature, tall and straight. Her entry into any party is always grand, coupled with the fact that she doesn’t attend social function alone as a leader, it must be with a powerful entourage. Her time as First Lady was felt by all and sundry and even up till now, noting has changed about her personality as a mentor and a cheerful giver.
SENATOR FATIMA RAJI-RASAKI
The Senator representing Ekiti Central senatorial District in the Upper Chamber is a politician and the wife of a former military governor, General Raji Rasaki. She carries herself gracefully and hat has been her style even before assuming public office. She is beautiful and intelligent too.
CHIEF (MRS.) DUPE ADELEKE-SANNI
She is from the prominent Adeleke family of Ede and immediate younger sister of the business mogul, Deji Adeleke. The Yeyeoba of Edeland is also a successful woman and contractor, she manages restaurant aspect of her brother’s university, Adeleke University in Ede. She is married to an Ibadan man, Alhaji Sanni. The Adelekes general are sociable and cheerful as well as highly business-oriented. Right from their late brother and the first executive governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, to the popular music star Davido’s father, Deji Adeleke, DUPE and their kid brother, Demola Adeleke who is presently the senator representing Osun-West Senatorial District, they are all successful.
OLOYE JUMOKE AKINJIDE
Though former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide is not a party, party person but gets invites to A-list social functions due to her position as a political leader in Oyo State. The First Class product of Harvard University, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide is powerful and influential. She is the lovely daughter of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice in the Second Republic, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN)
CHIEF (MRS.) TINA OGUNDOYIN
She is the beautiful wife of the Eruwa-born late billionaire, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin. The Queen of Sheba as she is popularly called in the social circle due to her striking beauty is party rocker any day. She works hard and enjoys her life to the fullest. She plays big in Oil & Gas and property.
CHIEF (MRS.) BOSE ADEDIBU
Alhaja Modinate Bose Adedibu, the wife of late strongman of Ibadan politics Lamidi Adedibu, is prominent and influential in the social circle. This is coupled with the fact that she dresses well and knows how to carry herself.
CHIEF (MRS.) JADE QUDUS
Jadesola Qudus, the Iyalaje of Ede land, is a top textile merchant at Gbagi International Market in Ibadan. Her composure and style always stand her out in the crowd. She is one of female celebrities who dictate the pace in Ibadan social circle, with a powerful social network.
CHIEF (MRS.) ANGELA FOLARIN
Barr. Angela Folarin is one of the few beautiful woman with excellent shape and of average height. The pretty wife of the former Senate Leader and a prominent Ibadan chief, Oloye Teslim Folarin, Angela is a polished woman with class and has high taste for quality. She pays great attention to details and you can never caught her dress shabbily.
CHIEF (MRS.) SADE AKINLABI-AROWOLO
Folashade Akinlabi Arowolo, popularly known as Fashad, is a major stakeholder in textile business at Gbagi Market. Any social function Fashad finds herself, she must make a fashion statement. She wears strictly expensive jewellery.
CHIEF (MRS.) SUNMBO FAMUYIBO
She is the wife of the Ekiti-born politician and a front liner lawyer, Otunba Reuben Famuyibo. Erelu Sumbo Famuyibo has been on the social scene for more than 2 decades, she has seen it all. Though she slow down a little as far as social circle is concerned but still attend important functions. She is now more close to God, as a grandmother. Her best friend is Yinka Babatope, they are both prayer warriors.
CHIEF (MRS.) RONKE INAOLAJI.
The list definitely won’t be complimented without mentioning the wife of a popular billionaire Alhaji Oyedele Ibrahim widely known as Inaolaji, Ronke. She is beautiful with an intimidating stature. Ronke Inaolaji commands a lot of respect in Ibadan social circle.
CHIEF (MRS.) RONKE THOMAS
Ronke Thomas is a prominent Lady Golfer in Ibadan. Her business name, Ronkytom, has become a big brand. She is well connected and popular in Ibadan social circle and beyond.
MRS. YINKA BABATOPE-OYEDELE
Yinka Babatope is a powerful society woman with class and glamour. She is now a grandmother and that has kind of slow her down a little bit. She now focuses more on family building but that has not stopped her from attending important social functions. Not many people also know that she is a prayer warrior.
CHIEF (MRS.) HANNAH AFOLABI
Hannah Afolabi is one of the biggest society women in Ibadan. She is a big time business woman. She is very wealthy and has many investments. She is also a prominent Ibadan Golf Club member. Hannah Afolabi is the wife of late Osun-born politician Chief S.M Afolabi. She commands a lot of respect in Ibadan social circle.
ALHAJA DUPE MURAINO
She is the C.E.O Mauve 21 Event Centre and Hotel and wife of a retired General, Alhaji Muraino. She is a woman of good quality and great style.
MRS. BIMBO OSHIN IBIRONKE
Bimbo is a Nigerian popular actress and the wife of a businessman and music promoter, Ola Ibironke. Apart from movie industry, her connection also cuts across the social circle and that explain why is seen at many social functions in Ibadan and beyond.
ALHAJA RISWAT AMERIGUN
She is the Iyaloja of Ibadan land. Alhaja Riswat AMERIGUN is a successful businessman in Ibadan. Her presence at any party can’t be ignored; she is beautiful and lovable.
CHIEF (MRS.) ABIKE ALAJOGUN
Chief (Mrs.) Jibola Abike Alajogun is known to be a virtuous woman. She runs the popular Mataan Hotel & Suites among other businesses in Ibadan. She is the wife of a retired top Customs officer, Joseph Alajogun. She is warm and kind and enjoys being around people.
MRS. BOSE ONI
She is the wife of a popular businessman, Boye Oni. Bose and Boye One are 5 and 6, they attend parties together of the time. But whether with or without her husband, Bose Oni always stands out at parties, she dresses well and carries herself well too.
MRS. FUNMI ROBERT.
Barr. Funmi Robert is one the glamorous women in Ibadan. She married to a popular medical practitioner, Dr. Debola Robert.
CHIEF (MRS.) DEBOLA OSIBOGUN
Debola Osibogun is Ana accomplished banker, a loving mother and the wife of a prominent socialite and Chairman, Space F.M Otunba Deji Osibogun. She is got the beauty and the brain.
MRS. RONKE OLUNLOYO
Ronke Olunloyo is the second wife of the former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo. She is a popular businesswoman in Ibadan with connections across board. She has great personality and that explains why she is loved by many within and outside the social circle. Ronke Olunloyo derives great pleasure in other people’s happiness. She loves to socialise. Her hobby is dancing and cooking. Baba Obey is her favourite musician of all time.
ALHAJA BOLA OLOBURO
Alhaja Bola Ologburo is the beautiful wife of an Ibadan top property expert and Chairman, Quickborn Nigeria Limited, Tunde Ologburo. She runs one of the biggest textile stores at New Gbagi and she is highly successful in the business. Her Lace & Fabrics Store at Gbagi is very popular. She also has a replica of Lace & Fabric Store inside Jericho Mall in Ibadan.
HON. FOLAKE OLUNLOYO-OSINOWO
She is a former Federal House of Reps member from Oyo State and the wife of a prominent socialite, Tunde Osinowo (Teddy Shine). Folake is one of the colourful female politicians in Oyo State and she always makes a big statement at any social function she finds herself.
MRS. OTOLOLA ADESIYAN
OTOLOLA Adesiyan is a prominent Golf Club member and wife of the former Minister of Police Affairs, Hon. Jelilli Adesiyan. She is rocking the social scene too.
PRINCESS RONKE ADISA-ODEYEMI
She is a businesswoman with her stores scattered all over Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan. She has been consistently rocking the social scene. She is also a fashion freak.
ALHAJA FUNKE AKINOLA
Barrister Funke Akinola is the wife of Ibadan prominent businessman and the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Dawud Akinola D-Damak. She is an elegant woman with beautiful face and stature.
CHIEF (MRS.) TOPE AYEFELE
Tope Ayefele is the wife of the Juju/Gospel maestro Yinka Ayefele. She runs a big store at Aleshiloye and has her own party style.
ALHAJA MUTI OYO
She is been around for a while and has proved her worth in textile business, especially in Bola Ige International market, New Gbagi, where her store is located. She is one of those top textile merchant dealing in all kinds of fabrics. Muti Oyo is hot in the social circle, she is rich ans famous.
RANTI KOIKI
Ranti Koiki is an outstanding woman any day, any time. She runs an hotel in Ibadan. Her social connection is strong. She is tall and beautiful and wears strictly expensive shoes and bags.
MRS. YETUNDE ALIMI
The wife of a prominent Quary expert, Demola Alimi popularly known as ‘Demola Olokuta’, Yetunde needs no introduction in business and on the social scene. If you think her Y-Stone store around Ring Road is big then you have to visit ‘Mr. B Store’ at the New Gbagi market. Apart from textiles, Yetunde also deals in shoes, bags and other accessories big time. She is one of the young businesswomen rocking the social scene.
ALHAJA TAOFEEKAT BABAYEMI
She is a prominent textile merchant and a hotelier in Ibadan. Taofeekat has high taste for quality things and that shows in her lifestyle; she drives the best cars and live in a highbrow area of Ibadan.
MRS. BISI KUTI
She is the lovely wife of a top fashion consultant and Chairman, B.K.K Ultimo, Alhaji Bashir Kuti. Bisi runs Quality Textiles Store at New Gbagi market. Bisi Kuti dresses well. She always attends social functions with Jade Qudus.
MRS. TOYIN ORIOLA
The tall, beautiful wife of a prominent businessman, Segun Oriola, Toyin is a businesswoman who shuttles between Nigeria and Canada. Her entrance into any party will always turn heads.
NIKE DAIRO
Give to her, Nike Dairo has made a strong statement in the textile business at Gbagi market. ‘Congratulation’ as she is fondly called also has a powerful social connection.
MRS. AKERELE
She is married to an Oil & Gas big boy, Femi Akerele and they are on of the most celebrated couples in Ibadan. Though she mostly attends parties with her husband but her beauty and style sense always caught people’s attention at party. She is bold, tall and beautiful with a warm smile to complement it.
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