April 1, (THEWILL)- Although she clocked 60 last year, November 17 to be precise, Yeye Olufunke Daniel however chose to celebrate hitting the milestone in a grand way four months after. Save for a few public shoutouts to her on the auspicious day, not many were aware she was a year older on her actual birthday.
At first she had settled for a quiet celebration as a few incidents may have been responsible for why she chose not to roll out the drums. First, her only daughter, Kehinde, who got married to media entrepreneur, Debola Williams, a little over two years ago welcomed a baby girl in the United States. She obviously felt compelled to be there for her daughter to put her through the necessities required of a new mother. And then inadvertently getting into the crossfire between her husband and the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun. The result of which got her five-storey multi-billion-naira plaza building demolished. Having taken a breather from these two incidents, she made up her mind to throw a lavish party to herald her entrance into the diamond club.
The elegant former first lady of Ogun State ensured she pulled all the stops to make the celebration grand. Earlier in the day, she held a thanksgiving service which was presided over by a few clergy men, including Pastor Tunde Bakare.
Some of those in attendance at the thanksgiving were Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu; Mrs Bola Obasanjo and several others. Later in the day, she feted the elite at the Balmoral Events Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Lagos last weekend.
Resplendent in an all-white traditional attire that perfectly complemented her husband, Senator Gbenga Daniel’s ensemble, Yeye Olufunke exuded elegance and poise throughout the soirée. The couple, inseparable throughout the event, radiated happiness as they revelled in the company of their esteemed guests. There were two comperes at the party, one of who was Yemi Shodimu, a former aide to Senator Gbenga Daniel. The festivities reached a crescendo with the soul-stirring melodies of renowned saxophonist Abolaji Banjoko aka Beejaysax, captivating the audience and prompting the birthday girl to showcase her dance prowess, much to the delight of everyone present.
Legendary Juju music maestro, Sunny Ade, added his signature flair to the occasion, mesmerizing the crowd with his electrifying dance moves and infectious tunes. Some of the high-profile guests in attendance were, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio; Wale Edun, finance minister; Jide Balogun; Olu Okeowo and his wife, Adejoke; Rotimi Amaechi; presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi; Reuben Abati and wife, Kike; Lagos State deputy governor, Femi Hamzat; Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate of Lagos State, Gbadebo Vivour Rhodes; Chris Ngige; Chief Razaq Okoya and wife, Shade; Sijibomi Ogundele; Olumide Osoba; Musiliu Obanikoro; Muazu Aliyu; Oba Otudeko; Ibikunle Amosun; Ladi Adebutu, Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State; Iyiola Omisore; Chief Gani Adams, Wale Babalakin, Kayode Fayemi, two time governor of Ekiti State; Alex Onabanjo, Bola Shagaya, Abba Folawiyo, Sunny Kuku, Tunji Alapini, Bode George etc. There was a large contingent of senators who were on ground to felicitate with their own and his wife. There were Opeyemi Bamidele, Adams Oshiomhole, Ennyinaya Abaribe, Aminu Tambuwal etc.
The traditional rulers in attendance at the party included the Olowu of Owu, Saka Matemilola; Osile Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuosho; Ake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; Oniru of Iru kingdom, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal and his wife, Olori Maryam. Yeye Olufunke’s 60th birthday celebration was not just an event, it was a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy of grace, elegance, and influence that resonates far beyond the shores of Nigeria.
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