The Nation Newspaper

Category: Happenstances

  • Lanre Ogunlesi lays father-in-law to rest

    Lanre Ogunlesi lays father-in-law to rest

    Even the wealth of the wealthy offers no shield against death. Death claims the affluent just like it visits the common man. That much was evident in the recent death of Prof. Cornelius Taiwo, the father-in-law of prominent Lagos socialite, Lanre Ogunlesi. He was aged 103.

    The lawyer, author and educationist passed away quietly in his GRA, Ikeja, Lagos home, and Modupe, the dark and lovely wife of Lanre Ogunlesi, and her siblings gave their father a befitting burial. Of course, Lanre played a major role during the burial ceremony and dignitaries from all walks of life stormed Oru-Ijebu to pay their last respects to the deceased.

    The funeral ceremony boasted a kaleidoscope of guests, sumptuous local and international delicacies, choice wines and impressive eulogies to the departed soul. With the huge number of eminent Nigerians and Africans who graced the occasion, one needs not be told that Lanre, the deceased’s son-in-law, is not just a famous dude but also a respected crowd puller.

    The late Prof. Taiwo was a fellow of the Commonwealth Council for Educational Administration and the Nigerian Academy of Education, among others. He bagged degrees in Literature, Mathematics and Law and was once the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ilorin. He was also a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    He is survived by prominent Lagos lawyer, Chief Ladi Taiwo; consultant radiologist, Dr. Bayo Taiwo, and Modupe Ogunlesi, among other children, grandchildren and great grandchildren

  • New marital life for Grace Enenmoh

    New marital life for Grace Enenmoh

    A maiden, they say, marries to please her parents, while a widow marries to please herself. Many months ago, the Group Managing Director of Ascon Oil, Grace Enenmoh, decided to shed the toga of widowhood for the garb of marital bliss. That was after she lost her beloved husband, Engr. George Enenmoh, in a plane crash, leaving her with the task of catering for their children all alone.

    All entreaties made to her to remarry initially fell on deaf ears as she stuck to her guns, insisting that the vacuum her late husband had left in her life could never be filled by another man. But several years later, the story changed and the well-built woman eventually found someone she felt could help her out of the abyss the death of her first love had plunged her into.

    Some months ago, she got married to an accountant, Bankole Olowofoyeku, in London. No longer for Grace the lonely nights as she is now enjoying a new lease of life.

  • Kojo Williams hits golden age and five

    Kojo Williams hits golden age and five

    Clocking 55 may not be something to fret about after all; it probably feels like an ecstacy, which can only be experienced when you turn 55. Kojo Williams, the scion of the Williams dynasty and former Chairman of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA), is 55, and has acquired the bragging rights to whatever ecstasy reposes in that proverbial golden age and five. Turning 55 has its perks after all. Even as the ides of youth take a last bow, life unfolds more colourfully with blossoms of closure and hope undiminished for the celebrant.

    That was why Kojo Williams observed this crucial turn in his life with total modesty and gratitude for a life full of achievements. He attained 55 a few days ago and quite a number of his friends, family and business associates were disappointed as he spoke of his desire to shun lavish celebration. He scorned any lyrical tribute in his honour, saying he would rather prefer more modest means of appreciating his attainment of 55. However, those who claim to know the man informed Celeb Watch that he’s now closer to God than ever, devoting more of his time to church activities.

  • Senator Ifeanyi Ararume over the moon

    Senator Ifeanyi Ararume over the moon

    Senator Ifeanyi Ararume is presently over the moon. Yes, he is now a grandfather, as her daughter, Amaka Benson, who is married to Yomi Benson, the son of late Chief T. O. S Benson, recently gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. And the new baby has been named Demilade. The child’s dedication has been fixed for tomorrow Sunday, April 27, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja. The Ararume and the Benson families will dig into their depth of vast socio-political contacts to make the day as remarkable and grand as possible.

    The invitation letters sent out to invitees are so beautiful that a few invitees have enthused that its quality could make anybody go green with envy. Expectedly, many people are eager to be part of the memorable celebration. Everything points to the fact that the child dedication would be classy. Celeb Watch gathered that Yomi Benson would be sparring nothing in his boundless reservoir of goodwill and resources to celebrate his woman and new baby.

  • Rasaq Okoya stages high- octane Nikkai for daughter

    Rasaq Okoya stages high- octane Nikkai for daughter

    Alhaji Rasaq Akanni Okoya, the billionaire mogul, brought together the creme de la creme of Lagos and Oyo high society at his Oluwanisola esttate, Ajah, Lagos, last week Sunday when he staged a superlative Nikkai for his daughter, Hadiza and Olamiju Alao-Akala, the son of former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Alao-Akala. The event drew a perfect blend of choice guests, ranging from technocrats, industrialists to young professionals who see the bride’s father as a role model and society heavyweight. Among the guests in attendance were Oba Adedapo Tejuosho; Otunba Subomi Balogun; Chief Rasheed Ladoja; Musiliu Smith; Justice Oguntade; Prince Samuel Adedoyin; Dame Abimbola Fashola; Mrs Opral Benson; Hajia Abbah Folawiyo; Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas; Demola Seriki and many others. The couple met about one year ago and their love blossomed into marriage. If what we hear is to be believed, they are already enjoying their honey moon somewhere quiet and exquisite.

  • Omosede Igbinedion steps out with son, Prince Akenzua

    Omosede Igbinedion steps out with son, Prince Akenzua

    Omosede Igbinedion is enjoying a new lease of life at the moment. Though she is still single, but eligible suitors continue to swarm around her like butterflies over pollen nectar. Lest you think that Omosede is just another victim of over-exaggerated spinsterhood gone awry, she isn’t. In fact, the mother of one had once been married. Probably disillusioned by her unpleasant experience in wedlock, she never misses an opportunity to impress it on her friends that marriage isn’t anywhere near the top of the list of her priorities, at least for now.

    It will be recalled that Omosede was once married to Prince Aven Akenzua, the son of the Enogie of Obayanto, HRH Uyiekpen Akenza. Omosede has put the emotional trauma and all the baggage of marital heartbreak behind her in order to focus on more important endeavours like raising her son and growing her business. Omosede, who is rumoured to be having a relationship with Ayiri Emami, was recently sighted with her son, Prince Akenzua, in Milan, Italy. And from all indications, things are going on smoothly for her.

  • The other side of Waheed Sonibare

    The other side of Waheed Sonibare

    Making men look trendy is his profession. But Waheed Sonibare, the brains behind the much-talked about Twice As Nice in Nigeria has proved that he is truly an embodiment of what he does for a living. Twice As Nice stocks very expensive fashion apparels and accessories and caters exclusively for high net worth individuals, the rich and the famous. Few days ago, the fashion forward dude showed his other side by staging a workshop against rape. The workshop was organised in conjunction with Project Alert on violence against women. The road show, which paraded all the staff of Twice As Nice, was tagged “Rape is evil”.

    Rape is a very serious offence in Nigeria, and is classified as felonious. Convicted offenders risk jail terms of between seven and 14 years depending on the discretion of the judge and the nature of the offence. Recently, the Niger State House of Assembly passed into law a bill seeking to review the 14-year jail term for rape convicts to 21 years without option of fine. Some other states of the federation are also reviewing laws on rape to curb the upsurge of the heinous crime.

    According to the Nigerian penal code, “A man can be held guilty of rape if he has sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent, if consent was unlawfully obtained. And section 37 of the criminal code act, CAP 17, Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1990 opines that any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl, without her consent, if the consent is obtained by force or by means of false threats or intimation of any kind or by fear of harm or by means of false or fraudulent representation as to the nature of the act or in a case of a married woman, by impersonating her husband, is guilty of an offence called rape “.

  • Gabriel Igbinedion serenades wife at 62

    Gabriel Igbinedion serenades wife at 62

    The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, is said to have shelled out multi-million naira for a new Bently Continental GT convertible 2013 series for his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, as her birthday gift. Lady Cherry clocked 62 penultimate Sunday, and as a surprise, the Esama took his lovely wife on a journey to their London home and presented the wonderful ride to her as gift. The luxury car is parked inside the igbinedons’ London home where the family held a private party for their matriarch. The man of means presides over chains of businesses which cut across all sectors of the economy. He is the chairman of Okada Group of Companies.

  • The redefinition of Gbemi Saraki

    The redefinition of Gbemi Saraki

    Senator Gbemi Saraki, the beautiful daughter of the late godfather of Kwara politics, Senator Olushola Saraki, is presently enjoying a new status in Kwara politics. At the recent state PDP congress, held last week, Gbemi shocked other political heavy weights in the PDP when she made it clear to all that others needed rare political skill to stand shoulder to shoulder with her when political matters are on the cards. This is understandable, because she was born into politics and also spent 12 years at the National Assembly under the tutelage of the late Wazinrin of Ilorin. After the congress that lasted for two days, Senator Gbemi Saraki emerged as the state PDP leader, registering herself as a master and authority in the game. The senator made others face a crushing defeat and had their pride and political egos deeply wounded and deflated. The ever-smiling senator has revealed an innate resilience and passion that has kept her going against all odds.

  • Lanre Nzeribe, Monalisa Chinda part ways

    Lanre Nzeribe, Monalisa Chinda part ways

    It has never been in doubt that there is a thin line between love and hate. And the line between fame and infamy is even thinner. Actress Monalisa Chinda and Lanre have not only ended their romantic relationship, they have also ended their business relationship. Last week, Monalisa confirmed the story when her publicist issued an official statement.

    The statement read: “We regret to officially announce the resignation of Nollywood actress, Monalisa Chinda from Monalisa Magazine, which also marks the end of her partnership with Mr. Lanre Nzeribe, due to ‘irreconcilable differences’. Over the past few months, both parties have made concerted efforts to retain their partnership, to no avail, which led to their mutual agreement that a separation would be the best course of action.

    “Though she has, so far, committed so much time, energy and resources into the project, it is high time she moved on as she pursues renewed ethos to raise her standards of professionalism and focus on projects closer to her heart. Monalisa Chinda extends her sincere appreciation to the entire staff of the company for the great working experience. She wishes Mr. Nzeribe and the staff all the best in their future endeavours. She also wishes to express her profound gratitude to her wonderful fans for their unreserved support through the years. ”

    But despite the reason being put forward for the collapse of the love affair by Monalisa’s publicist, insiders say that it was Lanre who pushed out the divorcee mother of one. He was said to have locked Monalisa out of his business offices where Monalisa shared as Editor-in Chief of the Monalisa Magazine.

    It will be recalled that Lanre, the beefy businessman and proprietor of the now near-comatose Abuja-based Lantana Transport Services, had in the past dated former screen goddess, Liz Benson. Dhitto former NTA big girl, Grace Egbagbe.