August 21, (THEWILL) – About two weeks ago when Erelu Abiola Dosunmu threw a 2-in-1 party, her 75th birthday party and her installation as the Yeye Odua (Queen Mother of the House of Oduduwa), a title vested on her by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, many society, business and corporate bigwigs as well as traditional rulers attended the party. Besides the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu who did not attend the event, perhaps due to that fact that he was allegedly nursing an age-old grudge with Erelu Dosunmu, one other prominent person who did not attend was Princess Toyin Kolade, the-first Iyalaje Oodua. Many were surprised that she did not turn up at the event as she and Erelu Dosunmu both play very vital roles in the House of Oduduwa. Besides, both titles were bestowed on them by one and the same person. The reason for her absence may not be far-fetched.
Back in August of 2021, a few weeks before her installation as Iyalaje Oodua, the wealthy businesswoman had sent out carefully curated invitation cards packaged in beautifully designed boxes to prominent individuals expected to grace her high profile event which took place at the Ooni’s palace. However, one thing that caught the eyes of those who received their invitation was the names of society matriarchs, Erelu Dosunmu and Senator Florence Ita-Giwa as RSVPs. This was surprising to many considering that the two women are prominent members of the elders club, being in their 70s and very much older than the celebrant. Thus listing their names as RSVPs was considered to be an anomaly. Besides, being elderly meant that they no longer have the energy of a younger woman say, in her 50s who would likely carry out such a task with vigour and fervor.
But even more surprising is the fact that the two women are not friends or even closely acquainted with Kolade in any way. The bubble soon burst when Erelu Dosunmu in a strongly worded press release berated the celebrant for adding her name as one of the RSVPs without her consent and requested that it be removed. Ironically, while Ita-Giwa neither acknowledged the RSVP, nor attended the installation ceremony, Erelu Dosunmu attended, much to the shock of many. So when it was the turn of Erelu Dosunmu’s party, many looked out for Kolade who was a no show. While some believe Erelu Dosunmu did not extend an invitation to her, others were of the opinion that Kolade was perhaps not readily available to attend the party.
About the Author
