- 4 Months To Her Death
- Daughter Reveals Her Last Moment
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Popular Ijebu-Ode Socialite and business woman of great repute, Saratu Ajuwon, needs little introdution, she is one of the pioneer “aso-oke” sellers in Nigeria. Her trademark “Iya Sumoya Alaso-oke” is one of the most patronised Alaso-Oke back in the days. She was the one who made clothes for Late Bisoye Tejuoso, the Iyalode of Egbaland,Cash Madam,MKO Abiola,Oba Sikiru Adetona and others. She is known among the rich and famous in Nigeria, especially in the South-West. Her children have also been able to take the Aso-Oke business to the next level. Mrs Bisi Balogun and her elder sister,Mrs Toyin Ayanbadejo co-run De-root Aso-Oke on Allen Avenue in Ikeja.
This Ijebu business woman died few months ago but what amazes many is that Mama Sumoya planned her burial 4 months to her death. This was disclosed by Mama’s daughter, Bisi Balogun. Speaking to City People Magazine, Mrs Balogun revealed that even at 98 years, Mama Sumoya had a very retentive memory. “Mama was not sick at all. Even on that day she gave up the ghost, she was hale and hearty. My elder sister(refering to Mrs Ayanbadejo) was in Ijebu for a party, when she was leaving the house, Mama described the venue to her and told her how to get there. It was when she got there that Mama’s Nanny called that she doesn’t know what was wrong with Mama. Mama died even before my siser got back home. The Nanny later revealed to us that Mama was sweating profusely and she asked what was wrong but she asked her to use her white handkerchief to wipe her face which she did. The sweat was very much, then while the Nanny wanted to use the same handkerchief, she told her that she should take another one. My mum loves white a lot and all her face towels which we usually buy in packs are white. She loves white a lot. It was while she was cleaning the face the third time that she gave up the ghost” she explained
When City People asked if the rumour making the rounds that Mama planned her burial 4 months to her death is true, she replied in the affirmative. Hear her: “Mama called us and said that if she dies, she wants everybody to be happy. She want guests to wear Soyon Aso-oke and we should not take Aso-ebi. We should also give out free Caps and Headgear to people. She said she doesn’t want us to tie Cow at the front of the house. That we should make sure people enjoy themselves. Funny enough, Mama was not sick or had any health challenges except the normal Arthritis that comes with age. So all of us who are Mama’s children decided to give her a befitting burial”
The burial of Mama Sumoya Alaso-oke was a 2-day event which kicked off on Friday 18th of September with Jumat Service at Ijebu-ode Central Mosque. Mama was eulogized for her role in Islam and how she is an epitome of beauty worth emulation. After the jumat service, many dignitaries who came from all walks of life besieged the open field at St Augustine Primary School,Taibot street in Ijebu-ode. Many of the guests were clad in baby pink lace while Toyin Ayanbadejo, Labisi Balogun and Bolaji Balogun who are Mama’s children dazzled in champagne gold Soyon Aso-oke which was stoned in Red. The Aso-oke was specially made for the event in Dubai. Though many of the guests didn’t expect anything less than a high standard seeing what their brand Deroot Aso-oke stood for. Mama, who always attend Shehu Robiu Baba Loworo” mosque every 3 weeks and this was why “Baba Loworo”sent top Alfas from the mosque.They prayed for the repose of Mama’s soul and her family.
On Saturday 19th of September, top politicians and socialites stormed the Ijebu-Ode Stadium where the grand reception held in Mama’s honour. A giant Marquee housed the over 7000 guests of Mama’s 4 children. Though Alhaja Sumoya who is Mama’s first daughter couldn’t make the event, however all her children and guests were cynosure of eyes at the event.
The giant Marquee decoration was exquisite as Otunba Atewologun of Ace Decoration transformed the venue with gold. The sitting arrangement of the gold chair was done in a way to make sure all the guests could view the bandstand.
At few minutes past 2pm, the event was declared open by popular “Faith Band” as they dished out different lyrics to the admiration of the large guests.
All the guests also honoured Mama’s children in their champagne gold dress which was estimated to be sold for N15,000. Among the guests sighted were Olori Iyabode Adetona(Oba Sikiru Adetona’s wife),Mrs Bisi Abiola,Mrs Ashafa, Mrs Kuburat Lai Muhammed, Mrs Sherifat Olugbode, Olori Risikat Adams, Ronke Alubankudi, Mrs Shola Folawiyo, Mrs Alake Sobo, Mrs Adewunmi Labisi, Mojisola Nelson, Mrs Ibiyemi Hussain, Hajia Bola Muse, Alhaja Ramota Onikijipa, Chief Mrs Risi Odumosu, Chief Mrs Rose Osipitan, Mrs Aduke Maina, Alhaja Ronke Adelana, Mrs Adewunmi Labisi,Alhaja Bolanle Baruwa, Alhaja Baseerah Sobajo, Funmi Adekunbi, Mrs Sola Ademosun, Mrs Karounwi Ayo, Alake Osun, Mrs Bakare, Alhaja Falilat Oki, Mrs Yinka Oni, Ademola Gamu,Yinka Oropo, Femi Amusan, Yemi Onadipe and many others. Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Giwa Bobakeye of Ijebuland and husband of Deputy Governor of Ogun State also made it.
The post how Ijebu socialite, Saratu Ajuwon planned her burial appeared first on citypeople.com.ng.
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