The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • Gbenga Sokefun hugs limelight again

    After spending some time in his  cocoon, perhaps to learn his lessons from the series of events that have confronted him in recent times, the Executive Director of Fortune Engineering, Gbenga Sokefun, is poised to take the social scene by storm again.

    The ex-partner of Ogun State Commissioner Ronke Sokefun had hitherto hibernated in the social wilderness following their sensational breakup. And while the ex-lovers have more or less moved on with their lives, Gbenga became less visible at social gatherings, while Ronke remained very much in the thick of things, especially in the light of her high-profile job as a commissioner.

    However, going by recent happenings, Gbenga, who stepped out some time ago with his new babe, Mosun, has had enough of sitting in the shadows and is ready to make his presence felt once again. The elder brother of ace photographer TY Bello was recently spotted in Ikoyi, Lagos, at the launch of Dapo Abiodun’s new place, 12 Temple. Ronke, his former wife, was also at the event. They, however, did not talk to each other.

  • Tina Ogundoyin in change of fortune

    No matter how long an emperor holds sway, a time comes when his glory begins to wane. He may even find himself having to vacate the throne or forced out by a usurper. It would seem that Tina Ogundoyin, the empress of the Ibadan social scene, has opted for the former. She has gracefully stepped down from the pedestal she had occupied for decades as the unquestioned alpha female of the Ibadan social scene.

    Usually garbed in costly lace fabrics colourfully complemented with expensive jewellery, Tina Ogundoyin ruled the Ibadan social scene, leading the way to one high class gig or another, while her coterie of sidekicks obediently followed. She lapped up all the adulation that came her way in the decades she held sway while the rest were content with basking in the reflections of her glory.

    But unlike many other celebrities, Tina decided to quit the stage while the ovation was loudest. She has scaled down the frequency of her appearance on the social scene. These days, she seldom attends events, preferring to stand back and watch with amusement as younger ladies strive to claim the crown she left behind.

  • Buba Marwa, wife back on social radar

    Popular figures may be gone for long but they are never forgotten. So it was that society watchers, especially those in the Lagos social milieu, waited with bated breath for the ‘triumphal return’ of one of their most beloved couples, Buba Marwa and wife, Munira. The former first citizens of Lagos State had gone on a long, seemingly unending hiatus from the social radar, leaving their numerous fans to wonder what had become of Marwa who once held sway as the military governor of Lagos State.

    Buba Marwa is reputed as one of the most beloved military governors ever. His charisma and easy-going personality endeared him to the people while his populist policies cemented their affection for him. His beautiful wife, Munira, did her part supporting her husband as the first lady.

    For a while after the handover to democratic rule, the former Nigerian Ambassador to South Africa and his wife remained a hot item on the social scene, occupying a pride of place in the comity of distinguished celebrities. For some inexplicable reasons, however, they vanished into social wilderness. It was therefore refreshing to see the engaging pair once again on the social scene.

    They were recently spotted among other guests at the just concluded Lagos at 50 celebrations, with Munira looking as radiant as ever.

  • Sam Iwuajoku bounces back

    As the earth revolves around the sun, bringing day and night, so does fortune revolve around an individual, bringing happy days and sad ones. Sam Iwuajoku is one individual who has experienced the ups and downs of life, revolving from joy to despair and back to joy.

    Some years ago, Iwuajoku was the talk of the town as he strutted his stuff from one social function to another, flaunting deep pockets and strong connections. On the celebrity scene, he was first among equals; the gold and money-splashing standard against whom all others fell short. He travelled all over the world in private jet and luxury yatch. Even Forbes recognised him as one of the wealthiest Nigerians.

    It turned out, however, that honour from Forbes marked the height of his glory, as he began a rapid descent down the ladder of fame thereafter. While his connections had helped him to enjoy generous import duty waivers for many years, the table later turned. His contacts failed him as he was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged import duty fraud. He had to cough up a princely N2 billion to free himself from the stranglehold of the anti-graft agency.

    Thereafter, the chairman of Quits Aviation Services adopted a low profile lifestyle as things were no longer at ease. But while tough times seldom last, tough people always do. Iwuajoku has bounced back in a big way. Only recently, his aviation company signed a historic contract with hospitality giant, Hilton, to build a 350-room Hilton Lagos Airport Hotel to serve the MMA and its environs. When completed, the ultra-modern edifice will host diplomats, global celebs, politicians and other frequent airport users, who desire a top-end relaxation spot. Iwuajoku’s glory days are no doubt returning.

  • Fifi Ejindu in quiet birthday celebration

    Fifi Ejindu in quiet birthday celebration

    Even as she advances in age, Fifi Ejindu remains one woman whose lovely dispositions shine with the radiance of a thousand stars. For her, growing old is growing young. She continues to look more beautiful year after year. Hers is a glowing complexion fuelled by inner peace and spirit of camaraderie.

    The empress of Nigeria’s celebrity scene has just turned 55. Going by antecedents, only the most extravagant birthday bash in an exotic venue would be considered good enough. This year was, however, a surprise as the goddess of high society opted for a low-key affair. It is a sharp contrast with the legendary 50th birthday soiree she had in Dubai five years ago.

    Perhaps deciding that one luxury bash is enough for a lifetime, her 55th birthday celebration was more of a thanksgiving as she and her friends stormed select orphanages and less-privileged homes around the country to dole out expensive gifts to gleeful beneficiaries who showered her with praises and prayers.

  • Senami Sosu renews romance with fame

    The story of Senami Sosu is a validation of the saying that jumping off a sinking ship has its attractions just as loyalty also has its rewards. While many so-called friends and even lovers created as much space as possible between themselves and James Ibori after his arrest and subsequent incarceration in the United Kingdom, Senami Sosu stood by him through thick and thin. Throughout the Delta strongman’s miserable sojourn in jail, she stood by him like the rock of Gibraltar, helping to cheer up his ailing spirits.

    Having been picked from obscurity by the Delta ex-governor, Senami became a fixture on the social scene. But the trend was halted with Ibori’s arrest as she went underground to avoid suspicion, though she kept visiting Ibori in jail and remained true to the man she sees as her salvation from a life of misery. And now that he has returned to the country with fanfare, Senami is back on the social scene with a big bang.

    The former University of Lagos student and Ibori are an inseparable pair these days. They go everywhere together, and it is even rumoured that the duo have legalised their relationship. They were recently spotted together at the birthday bash of Benin big boy, Mike Igbinedion, acting all lovey-dovey.

  • Ibidun Ighodalo in joyous mood

    For some women, being the wife of a rich and famous pastor is a ticket to a life of lavish pleasures and luxurious indolence. Ibidun Ighodalo is the wife of a rich and famous pastor but she is not one of such women. The beautiful wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House Church is a mixture of beauty and brains, a role model and entrepreneur.

    Being the wife of a pastor has not stopped her from making her own mark. Rather, it has spurred her on to greater feats. She manages Elizabeth R, an upscale events management outfit that has handled many high-profile events for the high and mighty.

    The real gist, however, is that beautiful things are beginning to happen in the life of the wonderful woman whose foundation has been putting smiles on the faces of women suffering from infertility. The ex-beauty queen’s profile has been further boosted in recent times with the stellar work of her Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation which has been getting rave reviews in the media. This is not to mention many decoration jobs her company, Elizabeth R, did in the yuletide season.

    To cap it all, Ibidun Ighodalo has finally had her most earnest prayer answered, albeit in an unconventional manner. Since her marriage to Ituah in 2007 she has been praying for a child. At some point, was as if heaven had turned deaf ears to her pleas. But all that is in the past now as she and her stylish husband now have a beautiful daughter named Keke.

  • Bigwigs gather for Buruji Kashamu

    It was a gathering of titans in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, last Saturday. It was, however, not for the purpose of the legendary clash of titans. Rather, the gathering was meant to be a convivial atmosphere as political heavyweights and other associates from the social scene converged for the 59th birthday of Senator Buruji Kashamu.

    The jam-packed venue was filled with family members, friends and associates who came in droves to celebrate the big day with the controversial senator. On his part, Buruji, who represents Ogun East at the National Assembly, was all smiles as he weaved in and out of the crowd, sharing jokes and small talks with all and sundry.

    As the head of Kabsal Group, a conglomerate with interests in automobile, property, oil and gas, hospitality and investment services, Buruji’s fame spreads as far as neighbouring Benin Republic. Hence the calibre of guests who flocked to Ijebu Igbo in honour of the titan politician.

  • Chika Mbonu in steady rebound

    When tough times appear like violent waves lashing against the ship and tearing it apart, some people sink in the ocean, some try to go along with the waves hope they carry them to the shore, while others swim against the tide until it abates and they retrace their steps. The last scenario is the case with ex-socialite and former MD of the defunct Assurance Bank, Chika Mbonu, as he takes tentative steps back to relevance after a series of misfortunes.

    Chika once wielded the reputation of a hardworking businessman besides being a top pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God for many years. But as it is sometimes the case with reputation, everything fell apart after a saga that shook the social space in Lagos to its foundation. It was a development that came with serious consequences for the Anambra-born financial expert’s family as well as his pastoral duties and caused him to lie low for years.

    Recently, however, the former deputy MD at Chisco Transport staged a comeback. Although his return was not with any fanfare, Mbonu is steadily appearing at select shindigs towards a return to his glorious days as an icon of high society.

  • Otunba Lekan Osifeso’s birthday surprise

    A new and interesting trend is emerging among highbrow socialites. As they grow older, they tend to leave behind their extravagant ways, settling for low-key lifestyle. The trend seems to be more pronounced among socialites who are advancing in years.

    And the trend is visible not just in their general lifestyle but also when they have one thing or the other to celebrate. Rather than throw mouth-watering shindigs, they prefer to hold simple ceremonies that fly under the radar.

    The latest to be bitten by this bug is Otunba Lekan Osifeso, the Executive Chairman of EBLA Construction Limited and Lekai Group of Companies. The popular socialite turned a year older on Wednesday. Incidentally his birthday fell on the day the Akwa-Ibom Ibom State governor, Deacon Emmanuel Udom, flagged off the construction of 55.1-kilometre Ibom super highway, a project handled by Osifeso’s EBLA Construction Limited.

    It was double celebrations for the Ijebu-born businessman. After the flag off ceremony , instead of throwing a big party, he settled for showing his philanthropic side by spending the day with the less-privileged. He visited several orphanages and showered the excited inmates with gifts.