Celebation
A standing Ovation For Yeye Oodua, HRH, Erelu Dr. Abiola Dosunmu
Many years ago, juju maestro, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade thrilled Nigerians with a particular track that is more relevant today than it was when aired – Bibiire Kose Fowora. The song was to honour Erelu Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos. The track, “Biibire Kose Fowora” loosely translates as “A noble birth is not something to be bought”.
There is no doubt that Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos, Her Royal Highness, Dr Abiola Dosunmu, a highly distinguished woman, has used the privilege of her birth to impact her community, the yoruba race and the world at large.
It is thus not surprising that the revered monarch, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II recently crowned her Yeye Oodua of the source; Queen Mother of the House of Oduduwa. This is a testament to her contributions promoting commerce, art, science, sport, culture, education, research, charity, poverty alleviation and other societal causes too numerous to mention.
In an elaborate ceremony that took place on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the palace of the Ooni in Ile Ife, Osun State in the presence of dignitaries from all walks of life, Erelu Dosunmu was formally decorated with her new title. This was followed by traditional prayers and a cultural festival at the Erelu Abiola Foundation on Lagos Island. Subsequently a thanksgiving mass was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Victoria Island, Lagos followed by the grand reception at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The events were attended by top figures in Yorubaland including Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Otunba Gbenga Daniel former governor of Ogun State, HRM Oba Alayeluwa Saheed Ademola Elegushi amongst others.
In his remarks, Ooni noted that Erelu is a woman who has done a lot to propagate the Yoruba culture and unify the tribe. It should be noted that by her title, Erelu Dosunmu, is the mother of kings (Oba of Lagos), both past and present. Born a princess, she went on to become the queen mother and queen regent of Lagos. Beyond being a mere title, her position is recognised by the government in the same first-class category of monarchs according to the laws of Lagos State.
According to the history books, the first Erelu Kuti started the dynasty the men are currently enjoying. She was a queen but gave her crown to her son, and the direct descendants have been reigning for 400 years. A goal-getter from an early age, Erelu Dosunmu is also an advocate for gender parity, women’s development, women empowerment, and leadership.
Considering her endowments, many would have expected her to be involved in partisan politics, but she stated that her title bars her from doing that. She said, “I am the Erelu Kuti of Lagos and the title is recognised by the chieftaincy laws of Lagos State. It bars me from active politics. At the time I took up the title, there weren’t many Nigerians, outside the traditional rulers, who were involved in traditional institutions.
“I saw it as an important platform to make a difference, especially because I had lived a greater part of my life abroad and I had come to appreciate my identity, in terms of my culture and tradition.
When I became the Erelu, I worked hand-in-hand with the king and we were visible, making interventions in government affairs. If the king could not be somewhere, I would represent him. It was a beautiful collaboration between the government and traditional institutions.”
Speaking on the significance of the Erelu title, she said, “Being Erelu is not just about being beautiful, for the last 20 years of the late King of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II, I was one of his closest confidantes. It is a three-in-one title― Erelu Kuti, Erelu of Lagos, and Erelu Oba. The Erelu’s duties include advising the king on social matters, advising him on people deserving of titles, making sure things run well at the palace, and all those are in the gazette of the chieftaincy laws of the state.”
It should be recalled that Erelu Kuti was a member of the first Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 3 to 14, 1992. She was also a part of the negotiations for foreign debt cancellation for Nigeria during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and Chairman of the Lagos State Tree Planting and Beautification Committee. Other worthy of note affiliations include the Institute of International affairs as well as representing Nigeria at environmental summits.
It is also to her credit that she revolutionised the traditional Aso Oke sector to become the multi-million dollar industry it is today. Many years ago, she established a shop on Bond Street, London, United Kingdom to promote aso oke. The renowned fashion designer, Adebayo Jones, worked with her as an intern then. So good was she in showcasing aso oke that even people from the Middle East were excited about the traditional fabrics.
A woman of many parts, she also has a title from the Royal Kingdom of Belgium.
Speaking on how the title came about, she once said, “When Lagos State was the capital of the country, the diplomatic community was usually welcomed by the palace of the Oba of Lagos. It was my portfolio to receive ambassadors, entertain them, show them around, and provide whatever they needed in terms of enlightenment. Those activities got me involved with the diplomatic community.”
Over the years, Erelu Dosunmu has interacted with presidents and high-ranking officials from different countries. For those who haven’t followed her life religiously, little is said about her humanitarian strides. One of the many high points of ERAF was the rehabilitation of street children and school dropouts. An avowed philanthropist, she has often spoken about her passion for helping the underprivileged. It was to further this objective that she established the Erelu Abiola Foundation, which has contributed positively to the lives of many members of society.
When Erelu Dosunmu smiles, the world smiles along with her, not because everything is perfect but because in her, they see a woman who has over the years rebirthed herself into what she is today.
Oluwatosin Ojebisi, contributed this piece from Lagos
As the global Christian community gathers to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader and Spiritual Head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, extends warm Easter greetings and heartfelt prayers to believers around the world.
“Easter is more than a celebration—it is the foundation of our Christian faith,” Primate Ayodele declared. “It marks the triumph of life over death, light over darkness, and hope over despair. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a reminder that no matter how dark the night, joy comes in the morning.”
He emphasized that Easter is a symbol of divine love, sacrifice, and the ultimate price paid for humanity’s salvation. “God, in His infinite mercy, gave His only begotten Son to die for the sins of mankind. Jesus endured rejection, suffering, and crucifixion—bearing what He did not deserve—all for our redemption. Such love is unmatched, and it demands from us a response of gratitude, obedience, and reflection.”
Primate Ayodele urged Christians to go beyond the festivities and reflect deeply on their lives. “While we rejoice in the power of His resurrection, we must also look inward. Are we living lives that glorify God? Are we walking in love, truth, and righteousness? Or are we, through our actions and choices, crucifying Christ all over again?”
He continued, “This season calls for genuine repentance. It calls for a personal revival—a renewal of our commitment to God and His word. We must allow the spirit of God to lead our conduct in every aspect of our lives—our homes, our communities, our nation, and the Church.”
The Prophet also used the occasion to speak to national and global issues. “In a world plagued by war, division, poverty, and injustice, the message of Easter is more relevant than ever. Jesus rose to give us peace, and as His followers, we must be instruments of that peace. Let us extend love to our neighbours, forgive those who have wronged us, and stand together in unity.”
He encouraged political leaders, community heads, and citizens alike to embody Christ-like values. “Our leaders must lead with integrity, humility, and compassion. Our people must rise above hate, greed, and corruption. Only then can we truly reflect the glory of the risen Christ in our nation and among the nations.”
Primate Elijah Ayodele offered prayers for peace, healing, and restoration. “I pray that this Easter season brings healing to the brokenhearted, comfort to the grieving, and strength to the weary. May the power that raised Jesus from the grave revive our families, restore our dreams, and rekindle our hope.
On my way to his Ilaro-Yewa office to wish him well on his imminent 56th birthday celebration—about ten feet away from the doorstep of his Mosque where he had gone to say his Fajr Salah prayer—I was about to prostrate before him.
He wouldn’t carry his esteemed charisma; he makes people feel at home with him anywhere, anytime; not only while bowing before Allah (Ruku), facing the Kaaba in Mecca!
The Chairman, IBD Impex Ltd, Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun, the Olu-Omo of Yewaland, is known for his live and let live lifestyle; his humility is enviable to all persons of genuine godliness.
Before I could complete the prostration process, “how are you Simon?”, he drew me up. Good morning sir, May Allah accept your prayers sir, “amen”, he said. “Let’s go into the office”, he directed.
It was some minutes to seven o’clock. Sat on a cream coloured leather sofa, he offered me the seat to his right while seated his cousin, Prince Babatunde Elegbede, on the left sofa.
The four walls of his office, in addition to a well spacious space dedicated to seating of Honours, were filled with Awards of Competitive Importance. Those received within Nigeria were competing favourably with lots of captivating Laurels offered from overseas.
I couldn’t remove my gaze in time from one of the photographic frames which portrays the renowned Customs Comptroller General, Col Hameed Ali Ibrahim (Rtd) dressed in the Same sparkling White Kaftan attire with Chief Ibrahim Egumgbohun, the famous IBD Dende.
Individuals who had accepted the arrest rumour at that time may have to fact-check their sources. After reading this, they may have to consider contacting the former CGC to confirm whether Chief Egungbohun was his arrested suspect or invited stakeholder? The Portrait in his office remains a sight to behold.
Perhaps, Chief Egungbohun understood my admiration for the photograph. He allowed some minutes so that my eyes may feed to satisfaction on the portrait. Then, he asked, “anything about the picture”? I said, some people must see this. He said, “if you think so”.
I greeted him again, and said, I am here wishing you happy birthday in advance sir, your 55th birthday coming up in the next eleven days, he nodded in affirmation.
My visit mainly was to x-tray his mindset over the unprintable names that “a cabal of dissidents” called him, starting some days to his last birthday.
I wanted to know to what extent the “defamation” has disturbed, destabilized or discouraged him from continuing his nature as a provider of succour to the needy.
He was ready to respond. He said, “Aburo, my belief is that Allah is the Ultimate Sustainer; He guides, protects, delivers and blesses”.
“On the issue of helping people, don’t go there. Except Allah, no other persons or things of discouragement can stop me from giving my widow’s mite to the underprivileged.
“I always tell you. I am not wealthy. It is just the way Allah wired me, simple!
“You know, in addition to my Freight business, I think you know the farms. Me, I can’t stop giving”.
Speaking further about what I can describe as his 2024 ordeal, he said, “Once you know the ulterior motives behind any challenges facing you, then such challenge is almost gone. The propagandists knew about my good relationship with the Presidency. Those sponsored propaganda published against me was apparently a fight-back by the oppositions of the government, especially those against the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Service Chiefs. They alleged that the NPF, NCS, NA, and even the DSS aided the smuggling of contrabands laden trucks tagged, ‘Headquarters Movement’ for the use of bandits and terrorists.
“All those lies they told against me, using me as a lead, to discredit—in their own silly imaginations—the whole security architecture of this Sovereign Nation, all in their bids to cause anarchy in the land, Haba! Unfortunately, this Nigeria is our only Country.
“What else can I say? In the same year that all those things happened was the year I was honoured with several recognitions for patriotism and exemplary leadership across developmental strides in the society, among which were an Award of Excellence on “Community Leadership and Border Sanity” by NUJ Osun State Council, held at the Council’s Secretariat, Osogbo and the most recent Fellowship of the ICT Polytechnic, Igbesa, Ado-Odo/Ota LGA, Ogun State, under the leadership of Dr Abiodun Oluseye, relying on my Community Development services.
“Yes, I am a business man of about four decades in this country. They can’t erase the fact that God has been for me, as I have been ensuring that I operate within the arms of the law.
“Just as I told you last year, ‘ẹni tó bá sá bọ̀tì ló máa bẹ̀rù òjò’. I so believe in the fact that ‘Òtítọ́ ló máa lékè, àti pé ẹni tó bá jẹ gbì ì ló máa kú gbì ì’.
“Today, a year later, though the case is in Court, but upon all their sponsored machinations and falsehood, Nigeria is growing; both in economy and security wise. Infact, President Tinubu is proud of the Nigeria Customs Service led by CGC Adewale Bashir Adeniyi MFR.
“The icing on the cake is that the Service surpassed the target given to it by the Presidency by over ₦1trn, remitted a huge sum of ₦6.1trn.
Recently, they were looking for ways to hang the tragic assassination of Yomi Adetula on me, saying he was their key witness in the Libel Lawsuit I filed against them. Imagine their level of extreme cruelty!
“For the sole reason that I have never been a gun runner, nor have I had anything to do with assassins but a patriotic, God fearing and kind hearted Nigerian businessman, Allah will continue to shame whoever chooses to join their cabal of dissidents, no two ways about it”.
“All I can say as I am clocking 56 is Alhamudulilahi!
“On my birthday, the 3/3/25, God willing, as usual, my families, colleagues and a few of you, my media friends will join me to say thank you Allah for continuing to be my Sustainer”.
Pinned to a reporter’s Diary, SIMON FAKEYE’s visit to Chief Ibrahim Egungbohun, the IBD Dende, yielded more wisdom, reemphasizing life’s positivity in the face of challenges, giving flight to my dream as a media professional to continue to diffuse smear campaigns by sticking to the truth, regardless of the circumstances.
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has penned congratulatory messages to his mother, Deaconess Margaret Ayodele and his personal secretary, Professor Rosemary Osubo as they celebrate their birthdays today Saturday, 28th of September, 2024.
Primate Ayodele, in a statement, described his mother as one of his strongest pillars and a special gift from God to help him navigate through life. He appreciated God for keeping her alive to be able to witness the mighty things that have happened through his ministry.
Primate Ayodele noted that his mother is the true definition of a virtuous woman who would do everything possible to ensure that her children are comfortable. The prophet also narrated the role his mother played in becoming an individual who is now globally recognized.
‘’My Mother is someone I will always adore because she is God’s special gift to me and one of my strongest pillars on earth. She is not just a woman but a virtuous one who would do everything to make her children comfortable. I have no idea of how I would navigate through life without my mother, she’s my personal guardian angel.’’
‘’My success story cannot be narrated without my mother, she was there in good and bad times, she is an ever-present mother and I am grateful to God for keeping her in good health and in good shape.’’
‘’Many now see me as a prophet who is globally recognized, God has been using my ministry powerfully but my mother is the foundation of it all. She ensured that I follow the path of Christ and today, I am who I am because of God and my Mother.’’
In the same vein, Primate Ayodele eulogized his personal secretary, Professor Rosemary Osubo for upholding the trust he has for her over the years.
Professor Osubo who lectures at the University of Lagos is one of the quality personalities around Primate Ayodele. Several reports have described her as someone who is hardworking, dedicated, trustworthy, and upright in discharging her duties.
Primate Ayodele noted that Osubo has demonstrated humility while exerting professionalism in working as his personal secretary. He hailed her dedication to work while praying that God grants her more years in good health and prosperity.
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