The Nation Newspaper

Category: Happenstances

  • Ogunlesi brothers regain their bond

    Ogunlesi brothers regain their bond

    In spite of media reports a few weeks ago that the quarrel between Lanre Ogunlesi and his brother, Fola, had become a thing of the past, many believed the almost one-decade-old quarrel was still lingering. But their newly restored brotherhood was depicted penultimate Friday when they appeared at the 50th birthday celebration of the Style Editor of Thisday Newspaper, Ruth Osime.

    Not only did the highly successful brothers appear at the high octane party, they strolled into the expansive hall in each other’s company. Their entry engendered whispers among some of the guests who knew about their stormy relationship.

    Many will recall the period when Lanre Ogunlesi, the owner of Sofisticat, and his elder brother and owner of Fantasyland, Fola Ogunlesi, were sworn enemies. Many reasons were thrown up as reasons for their malice. Their mutual friends and family members intervened in the quarrel to no avail. Even their kids went the extra mile to settle the rift but their efforts met a brick wall.

    The feud was said to be so serious that the blood brothers hardly exchanged greetings even at social functions hosted by their mutual friends or family members. It was against this background that many were surprised to see them walk into the hall in each other’s company at Osime’s birthday.

  • Uju Murphy: Single but not searching

    Uju Murphy: Single but not searching

    It is said that there is no excellent beauty without some strangeness to it. That assertion would seem to have profited from the decision of leggy beauty and top socialite, Uju Murphy, to remain single in spite of the scores of eligible men that swarm around her.

    The mother of two was once married, but on account of her unsavoury experience in wedlock, she never misses an opportunity to tell whoever cares to listen that marriage is not anywhere near on her list of priorities.

    She is being rumoured at the moment to be having a relationship with a popular top banker.

  • The others side of Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes

    The others side of Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes

    Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes have one thing in common, they are all damn good actors. Unfortunately, many do not know that most of these good artistes are also good singers. Cynda Williams who has worked with these artistes say they are also good at singing. In 1990, Spike Lee directed a hit movie called “Mo’ Better Blues” that starred Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes in the leads. In an amazing screen debut, a beautiful and talented actress named “Cynda Williams,” appeared in the role of Clarke Bentancourt. She chewed up the scenery and, at the end of the movie, she sang an amazing track called “Harlem Blues” which hit number 9 on the R & B Charts. Her vocal, 23 plus years, stands the test of time.

  • Femi Akinruntan explores banking

    Femi Akinruntan explores banking

    Train a child the way he should go and he will not depart from it when he becomes an adult, so counsels the Bible. This assertion must be holding true for Prince Femi Akinruntan. Weaned in the tradition of a family that encourages free choice of career, he decided to toe the line of his business-minded father.

    Many had thought that with the ascension of his father, Oba Frederick Akinruntan, to the throne of the Olugbo Of Ugbo Kingdom, Femi might have difficulties stepping into the big shoes of his father. But he has recorded many giant sides as the head of Obat Group of Companies. He has lifted the conglomerate beyond the point his industrious father left it.

    Right now, there are plans by the conglomerate to acquire one of the comatose commercial banks in the next few months.

  • Where is Ahmed Uwhubetine?

    Where is Ahmed Uwhubetine?

    Uwhubetine? That is the question on the lips of many in the Lagos social circle. In the days when he was the toast of party crowds, Uwhubetine rocked Lagos to its foundation. With the establishment of his 11.45 Nightclub on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, his place was assured in the high society. His nightclub became the favourite spot for many celebrities and socialites. But just when he was expected to be consolidating oh his initial success, his magic wand appeared to thin out.

    It seemed he lost his golden touch and patronage dwindled at his popular nightclub. Ahmed subsequently teamed up with another heavyweight in the entertainment industry, Akeem Shodeinde, and together they established Reloaded Nightclub. But it was rumoured that Ahmed suffered serious financial losses while running the new nightclub and eventually had to abandon the project like he did 11:45 Nightclub.

    Another version has it, however, that his absence from the Lagos social scene is a strategy to reposition and rebrand. His friends and associates say he may be down but certainly not out and so will bounce back with time.

  • Seriake Dickson in low 48th birthday celebration

    Seriake Dickson in low 48th birthday celebration

    Renown English playwright, William Shakespeare, might not have had the modesty of the Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, in mind when he wrote that “for mine own part, I could be well content to entertain the lag-end of my life with quiet hours.” But those lines are nonetheless an apt description of the mindset of the man nicknamed Countryman on account of his humble lifestyle.

    He clocked 48 on Tuesday but chose to celebrate the occasion in a modest way. He made it clear to whoever cared to listen that he would only subscribe to a modest appreciation of his personal attainments fruitful stewardship in Bayelsa State. His 48th birthday came up 17 days ahead of his government’s second anniversary on February 14.

    For the gangling politician, life can hardly be more beautiful than it is at the moment. The Tarakiri high chief and Edi 1 (pillar) of Ogbia Kingdom visited Gloryland Orphanage on his birthday, where he donated handsomely to the inmates.

  • Queenette Allagoa slows down

    There was a time when a soiree in Lagos was considered incomplete without the presence of popular socialite, Queenette Allagoa. Her love for the good things of life was as legendary as her beauty. Then came her unusual silence and complete departure from the social scene.

    The whereabouts of one of Nigeria’s high society big babes has been the question on the lips of many society watchers for some time now. Speculations are rife that she decided to opt for a quiet life in order to face her business and focus on the more important things in her life. As a result, she has given the Lagos social scene and even some of her friends a wide berth.

    Those who know Queenette well now describe her as a friendly and hard working lady who no longer has time for frivolities.

  • Spike Lee grooms another Halle Berry

    Spike Lee grooms another Halle Berry

    Legendary film producer and actor, Spike Lee has a knack for bringing out talents. After spotting Zaraah Abrahams in a short film, the legendary director cast her as the lead in his new movie Da Sweet Blood Of Jesu’s – the role came at the perfect moment. Since the age of 15, Abrahams star has been quietly flickering, with TV roles in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road, followed by a place in Dancing On Ice’, Abrahams, graph has continued to rise as many have said she is likely to become another Halle Berry.

  • Mike Adenuga awaits second grandchild

    Mike Adenuga awaits second grandchild

    In the African culture, ‘the fruit of the womb’ is regarded as the biggest gain from marriage. That explains the joy that permeates the lives of Mr. Jameel Disu and Bella, his wife and daughter of billionaire businessman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, whose marriage is about to produce the second baby.

    Bella, an Executive Director at her father’s telecoms company, Globacom, is said to be heavy with another pregnancy and could put to bed any time soon. Indeed, Bella, on account of her present condition, has been absent from the social radar for some time now, including the recent GLO/CAF Award sponsored by Globacom, which held recently at The Expo Hall, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Usually, it was Bella who would present the award for the African Footballer of the Year to the winner.

    Those who should know told Celeb Watch that the expectant mother would soon relocate to the United States where she had her first baby, ahead of her delivery date.

  • Funmilola Osunsade clocks 50

    Going by her penchant for classy social functions, the social scene in Lagos will host a birthday bash in respect of Funmilola Osunsade and it may take ages to forget. Funmi, as she is fondly called by close allies and family members, will soon join the league of 50-year-olds.

    Information scooped by Celeb Watch indicated that her 50th birthday bash will not be a low-key celebration. Already, she is said to have reached out to a certain event organiser who has been the toast of the rich, especially those that are resident on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Funmilola has endured some low moments in recent times, hence celebrating her golden age wildly would not be out of place. Her mother, Esther Osunsade, died in 2009, an incident that nearly shattered her world. The pain of Mama’s death was even more for Funmilola because it happened around the time her marriage to businessman turned politician, Tola Animashaun, was tottering on the brink of collapse. The marriage eventually hit the rock but Funmilola’s life did not. She picked the pieces of her broken heart and faced life’s vagaries head on.

    Today, she runs a thriving business concern and is into real estate too. Family members and friends are planning to welcome her into the club of golden age in grand style.