The Southwest region of Nigeria, which comprises of 6 states; Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Oyo and Ekiti states has a clique of powerful and influential women who make things happen socially, economically and politically in the region. In this piece, we present a list of some of these women of substance.
Mrs Folorunsho Alakija is Africa’s richest woman (according to Forbes) and she is one of the most successful women in business in the world. She is into oil and gas business and she is philanthropist of note. Mrs Ibukun Awosika was recently announced the Chairman of one of Nigeria’s biggest banks, First Bank Nigeria Plc. She is a highly successful figure in business not only in Nigeria, but worldwide. Chief Mrs Oluremi Tinubu is the wife of former Lagos Governor and APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
The former Lagos First Lady is a second term Senator representing Lagos Central in the National Assembly. Chief Mrs Bolaji Osomo is a former Minister from Lagos and a key figure in the political set up in the state. Chief Mrs Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele is a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.Chief Mrs Oprah Benson is the widow of late Lagos politician and legal luminary, TOS Benson is a fashion icon and reputable society woman with enormous influence in Nigeria.
Sisi Abbah Folawiyo, widow of late baba Adinni of Nigeria and business mogul, Alhaji Wahab Folawiyo is one of the most influential society women in Nigeria. Mrs Abimbola Fashola, wife of immediate past Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola wields a big influence in the Southwest. The former Lagos First Lady is well loved and popular. Mrs Bolanle Ambode is the incumbent Lagos First Lady and her influence in the Southwest is massive. Mrs Kehinde Kamson is the ebullient woman behind popular fast food chain, Sweet Sensation. She is highly influential. Another strong and influential woman in Lagos is Mrs Stella Okoli, the chairman of Emzor Pharmaceuticals.
On this list is also Mrs Dupe Sasore, a former minister who is a powerful woman from Lagos. Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson is one of the most influential female politicians in Nigeria today. The former Lagos Commissioner is a Chieftain of the ruling APC. Mrs Onikepo Akande, a former Minister is also one of the influential women in Lagos. Mrs Toun Okewale is the sister to Dr. Femi Okewale who owns Lagos fertility clinic, St. Ives. She recently floated Women 97.1 FM in Lagos. Mrs Sade Balogun (widely known as Sade Alesh) is one of the most-influential society women in the Southwest. Erelu Abiola Dosunmu has rocked the social scene for close to 4 decades and she remains one of the most-popular women in the Southwest.
Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, wife of respected Lagos illustrious son and successful businessman, Otunba Kunle Ojora is on this list. So also is Dr Mrs Doyin Abiola, a doyen of the Nigerian media and wife of late MKO Abiola. Also on this list is Olori Aramide Oniru, the wife of Oba Oniru in Lagos. The honourable woman who recently clocked 70 is highly influential. She is the number woman (Yeye Abiye) of the Reformed Ogboni Fraternity in Nigeria. Mrs Yemisi Awe, wife of Lagos bizman, Akeem Awe is also on the list.
Alhaja Folashade Okoya is the wife of Lagos billionaire and Eleganza boss, Alhaji Razak Okoya.
One woman who is so influential on the Lagos social scene is Princess Toyin Kolade, the Iyalaje of Apapa. Though she is not a Yoruba woman, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa is a leading light among influential women in the Southwest.Mo Abudu, a highly successful icon in the broadcast media world and the brain behind Ebony Life TV is prominent on this list as well. Mrs Adejoke Orelope Adefulire is the immediate-past Deputy of Lagos State. Mrs Grace Egbagbe is also a highly placed woman in Lagos and across the country. Hon. Abike Dabiri, a broadcaster-turned politician was a three-term member of the House of Reps, representing Ikorodu federal Constituency in Lagos. Hon Funmi Tejuosho is a former Deputy Speaker and currently a third-term member of the Lagos House of Assembly.
On the social scene in Lagos, powerful and influential women include; Mrs Ngozi Nkolenyi,Mrs Jumoke Oyeneyin, Mrs Joko Oni, Islar Animashaun, Quincy Ayodele (Quincy Herbals), Mrs Idera Ojurongbe, Alhaja Sherifat Olugbode, Alhaja Monsurat Obanikoro, (wife of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro) and Mrs Ibironke Sokunbi (Ronix).
In Ogun State; Mrs Olufunsho Amosun, the First Lady and wife of the State Governor is prominent on the list.
Chief Mrs Alaba Lawson, the Iyalode of Yorubanland and foremost educationist, who is as well a strong woman mobilizer in Ogun State is also a prominent name on the list. Another influential woman from Abeokuta, Ogun State is Mrs Anu Bankole; an educationist who owns the prestigious Mercyland Schools in Abeokuta.Yeye Funke Daniel is a former Ogun First Lady and one of the highly powerful and influential women in the state. Chief Mrs Derinsola Osoba, wife of Aremo Olusegun Osoba is also a former Ogun First Lady and she is influential and powerful. Mrs Yetunde Onanuga is the incumbent Deputy Governor of Ogun state. There is also Mrs Gloria Shoda, another educationist and politician from Shagamu in Ogun State. She wields enormous influence in Ogun State. Ms Kemi Adeosun, who has just been appointed by President Buhari as a Minister is also on this list. Chief Mrs Tosin Khadijat Taylor (Nee Adegbenro) who owns the popular Khadtay Stop Centre in Abeokuta is also one of the highly influential women in Ogun State.
Mrs Victoria Oginni owns the popular Blessed Water Company based in Shagamu, Ogun State and she is influential. Chief Mrs Bisi Edionseri (Cash Madam) who is over 80 years old is one of the oldest women who have rocked the Ogun social scene for over 5 decades. The successful businesswoman is well connected and highly influential in the state. Mrs Iyabo Apampa is a former Chairman of Odua Group of Companies and a prominent female politician from the Yewa region of Ogun state is also on the list. Chief Mrs Iyabo Anisulowo, another Yewa-born female political Amazon is a onetime Senator representing Ogun West. Mrs Folake Marcus Bello; an Ijebu-born female politician and a former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia also fall into this list. Hon. Mrs Titi Oseni, the former Speaker of Ogun state House of Assembly is also prominent on this list.
Chief Mrs Titi Ajanaku, another astute Ogun female political Amazon was a Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Mrs Ronke Ogunremi, a PDP front liner in Ogun state is a former GM of Gateway Hotels in the state. Alhaja Mujidat Ogunaike is an influential female politician and women leader in Shagamu Ogun State is a member of the PDP. Mrs Ronke Sokefun is a big shot who wields enormous influence in Governor Amosun’s government in Ogun State. She served as a commissioner between in the Governor’s last term and has just been re-appointed. Mrs Yewande Amusan is another highly influential woman in Governor Amosun’s cabinet.
Mrs Elizabeth Sonubi, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Ogun State remains one of the highly influential women in the state. Alhaja Faidat Sarumi-Akintunde is an influential woman politician in Abeokuta North Local Government. Bimbo Sodimu, the younger sister of ace broadcaster Yemi Sodimu is also an influential woman in the politics of Abeokuta North. Chief Mrs Kuforiji Olubi, a former minister during the Sonekan and Abacha regimes is also on this list. She
Mrs Joko Odebunmi is a former commissioner during OGD regime and Deputy Governorship candidate to GNI in the 2011 election on the platform of PPN. Mrs Ejiro Foyibo is a foremost Pharmacist in Ogun State. She owns TEMEF Pharmacy in Abeokuta.Mrs Funmi Efuwape is a former Executive Chairman of Sagamu Local Government and a frontline politician in Ogun East. Mrs Remi Odubote-Odukoya is an influential female politician in Ogun state. She is a 2-term Executive Chairman of Ijebu North East Local Government. Alhaja Salmot Badru is a former Deputy Governor of Ogun State between 2003-2011. Chief Mrs Mary Ogunjobi is a former commissioner in OGD’s government and an influential woman politician from Yewa in Ogun State.
Mrs Toun Filani is a popular woman politician from Remo North Local Government area of Ogun State. Chief Mrs Bisola Edwin Clark is an Egba-born political Amazon. She contested the last Ogun Central Senatorial election on the platform of PDP. Hafsat Abiola Costello is the daughter of late MKO Abiola and a former special adviser to Governor Amosun. Kate Jolaosho is a foremost caterer and owns Fajol Castle Hotel in Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta. Mrs Tinuke Akin Taylor owns the popular Twinkle Boutique in Abeokuta. She is one of the women doing well in business in Ogun State. Mrs Toro Fashanu of Folabi Fashanu (SAN) is the owner of Attraction Stores in Oke Ilewo Abeokuta.
Mrs Eniola Iwalaiye is the wife of the Southwest Manager of Globacom, Mr Iwalaiye. She owns Dresswyse Fashion House in Abeokuta. Mrs Nike Adimula is also a big name in Ogun Fashion industry. She owns Wear House Fashion House in Abeokuta. Mrs Biola Somorin is one of the biggest Fabrics merchants in Ogun State. She owns Judams Fabrics Store in Abeokuta.
Hon. Adijat Oladapo Olaleye is a 2 term former member of Ogun state House of Assembly representing Ifo II Constituency. Hon. Elizabeth Anifowose is former of Ogun State House of Assembly representing Obafemi Owode Constituency. Hon. Juliana Akintayo is a serving member of the Ogun State House of Assembly representing Yewa South. Hon. Yetunde Adekambi-Sogbein representing Odeda Constituency in the house is another prominent female politician in Ogun State.
From Osun State, the list include; Alhaja (Mrs.) Sherifat Aregbesola, the wife of Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the brain behind Sheri Care Foundation (SCARF), which has been providing succumb to the aged, the needy, people with physical challenges, widows and the young ones in Osun. Chief (Mrs.) Grace Laoye-Tomori is he Deputy Governor of the State of Osun and the Commissioner for Education. Erelu (Dr.) Erelu Olusola Obada is a former Deputy Governor and former Minister of State for Defence. Hon. Funmi Mustapha is a known politician within the state and beyond. She was a member of the Osun State House of Assembly and one of the powerful women in Osun PDP.
Mrs. Otolorin Adesiyan is the wife of the immediate past Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan (Jalo). She is a lady Golfer. Alhaja Ganiyat Olanrewaju Badmus is the wife of Osun billionaire, Asiwaju Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Khamis Olatund Badmus. She is a businesswoman of note. She is reffered to as the Dangote of Osun. Chief (Mrs.) Omolola Oyinlola is the wife of former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola,and the initiator of the popular Women and Children Development Initiative Foundation (WOCDIF) in Osogbo. Chief (Mrs.) Dupe Adeleke Sanni, the Yeyeoge of Ede land, is a sister to the Adeleke brothers of Ede.
The list of prominent women In Oyo includes; Chief Folake Solanke (SAN), the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, the wife of the executive governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi and Chief Mrs Aminat Abiodun is the Iyalode of Ibadanland.
Ambassador Ibironke Adefowope, the former Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the nations of Zambia and Malawi is also on the list.
Chief (Mrs.) Olanrewaju Adedeji-Otiti is one of the powerful female politicians in Oyo State. She contested the Oyo South Senatorial election in the last general election on the platform of PDP. Chief (Mrs.) Yinka Ladoja, former Oyo First Lady and wife of the former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. She is the founder of Idera de Foundation and one those few women in Iyalode line in Ibadan. Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, is the former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly and now the Senator representing Oyo Central. Mrs. Ogunesan is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. Though she is a civil servant, Oguensan is very powerful in the Ajimobi’s administration. She is from Saki East area of Oyo State.
Chief Mrs Jumoke Akinjide is the daughter of Ibadan legal luminary, Chief Richard Akinjide and former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Mrs. Folake Akanbi is the pretty wife of the Senator representing Oyo South district, Soji Akanbi. Mrs. Tokunbo Alabi is the wife of the former pioneer General Manger, Corporate Affairs of the O’odua Investment, Chief Lekan Alabi. Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Alao-Akala is the wife of the former governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala. She has risen to become a leader amongst women, even after her husband had left office. Mrs. Oyindamola Ige is the daughter-in-law of the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, late Chief Bola Ige. She is married to Architect Muyiwa Ige.
Mrs. Alonge is the wife of Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Tope Alonge. She is a lady Golfer and a good example to both young and old women alike.Ms. Ronke Thomas; Roktom as she is popularly known in is one of the prominent female Golfers in Oyo State. At 60, she still looks as beautiful as ever. Chief (Mrs.) Folasade Akinlabi Arowolo is widely known as Fatshad is a top fabric merchant in Ibadan and a respected businesswoman. Chief (Mrs.) Bose Adedibu, the Yeyelua of Ibadanland is the wife of late strong man of Ibadan politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu. She has become a politician by virtue of her late husband’s role in Oyo politics. Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Afolabi. She is the wife of late former Internal Affairs Minister, Chief S.M Afolabi. Chief (Mrs.) Tina Ogundoyin; Queen of Sheiba as she is popularly referred to because of her astonishing beauty, is the wife of late Eruwa-born business mogul, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin. She is one of the most talked about female celebrities in Ibadan.
Another prominent name on the list is Mrs. Peju Muraino. Before now, she has been playing at the background until it got to public domain that she is actually the brain behind the prestigious Mauve 21 Event Centre in Ibadan. She is the wife of retired Major General Muraino. Chief (Mrs.) Toyin Adegbola is one of the top veteran female actresses rocking the Nigeria film industry. She has several awards to her credit. Mrs. Ronke Olunloyo is the wife of former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo and one of the hot celebrity women in Ibadan.
From Ondo State comes the likes of RT Hon Akindele Jumoke Yetunde. This Ikale Princess, lawyer cum politician won the 2011 election to represent her people at Okitipupa constituency 2 in the Ondo House of Assembly. She has also served as a Special Adviser to the Ondo Governor. She recently clocked 50 and has emerged the first female speaker of the state house of assembly following the death of the former speaker. She was re-elected on the platform of PDP and re-merged the speaker again. Revd (Mrs.) Damilola Oshin is the brain behind Mummy’s Place International Nursery and Primary School situated along Oba-Ile Road, Akure. Big Mummy as she is fondly called is a woman of pedigree and her antecedents in the education sector had easily distinguished her as a seasoned Educator. She is the elder sister to popular Yoruba actress, Bimbo oshin. Mrs Janet Akerele is one of the successful businesswomen in Ondo. She owns the popular Feotamy Water. She is also into other businesses in and outside the state.
Mrs Bolanle Biyi Olawuyi is the CEO of Home Place, an interior shop at hospital road, Akure. She is another successful celebrity woman in state. Bolanle is married to late Mr Biyi Olawuyi. Pastor (Mrs.) Funke Felix Adejumo is the PILLAR of Agape Christian Ministry in Nigeria. She is close to the southwest First Ladies. Mrs Laide Adewakun is another respected socialite in the Ondo social circle. Having served in the ministry of culture and tourism for 35 years, she recently retired as the Permanent Secretary of the ministrymonths ago. Mrs Bola Ogidan is one of the leading successful celebrity women in Ondo state. She is a big time caterer and event planner. She owns the popular B.T.O Hall in Akure and she is also into water business.
Mrs Ajoke Afolabi is a trained lawyer who is into events business. She is the MD of Ruby’s Court Events Center Akure. Mrs Funmilayo Ade-Ojo, a graduate of business administration from university of Ado-Ekiti had a very successful working career with the First Bank of big PLC where she retired as a branch services manager. She is a fashion icon with flare for simplicity. Chief Mrs. Oluremi Bamisile is another successful business woman in Ondo State. She owns Top Quality Hotel, and Top Quality Plaza in Akure. Mrs Adenike Toyosi Adesanya is the Face of maternal pulse programme run by Mrs Olukemi Mimiko, the Ondo First Lady. Princess Banke Sutton is one of the powerful Ilaje female politicians in ondo state. She is married to UK socialite, Wale Sutton who hails from Badagry, in Lagos State. This UK trained Public Service cum politician was appointed as chairman, Ondo State Micro-Credit Agency in 2013. Hon. Princess Kemisola Adesanya, a product of Edinburgh School of Business Scotland, United Kingdom was a member of leadership Forum Independent Campaign, Lagos. She won the 2011 election to represent Akure South Constituency under the platform of Labour Party in the Ondo House of Assembly at the age of 41. She later crossed to the PDP where she won her reelection I the last election. She is the Whip of the State House of Assembly. Hon Princess Fola Olaseinde is the former lawmaker representing Ose constituency at the Ondo State house of assembly.
From Ekiti State, we have Mrs Feyisetan Fayose, elegant wife of Ekiti state governor, Dr Ayodele Fayose. She is the number one woman in Ekiti at the moment.
Erelu Bisi Fayemi is the immediate past Ekiti First Lady and remains a powerful woman in the state. Mrs Janet Olusola is the beauty wife of the state deputy governor, Dr Olushola Eleka. Dr (Mrs) Modupe Alade is also a prominent female politician in the state. She is Secretary to the State Government.
Hon Titlayo Owolabi-Akerele is the lawmaker representing Ikole Constituency 2 in the Ekiti Assembly. Hon. Cecilia Bosede Dada is the lawmaker representing Ilejemeje constituency in the state house of assembly. Princess Adetomilola Adeyeye is the former Ekiti SUBEB Chairman.Prof Modupe Adeola Adelabu the former Deputy Governor in the state is also on this list.Mrs Kehinde Daramola was a special adviser to former Governor Kayode Fayemi. She is the pretty wife of late Ayo Daramola. Senator Abiodun Olujimi was once a Deputy Governor of Ekiti State and now represents Ekiti South Senatorial district at the National Assembly. Tosin Aluko was the former Ado Local Government chairperson under the administration of Gov Segun Oni.
Princess Omotunde Adelabu was a former Regent of Ado-Ekiti and she is now a full time politician. Princess was appointed Commissioner 2 at the Local Government Service Commission under the Fayemi Administration. Bola Oloyede was once a Commissioner at the Teaching Service Commission during Ex-Gov Oni-led administration in Ekiti. She is one of the few women in Ekiti who contested for the 2014 governorship election. She is currently on the Board of Cross River Basin Development Authority.
Busola Oyebode is a former State Women Leader of Labour Party (LP) in Ekiti State. She contested the Efon Constituency House of Assembly seat in 2011. She is also the former PDP Woman leader in Ekiti State. Mrs Funke Owoseni is an Ikole Ekiti born politician. She was the former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Gender Empowerment and a two term Ikole Ekiti Caretaker Chairperson during Gov. Fayemi led administration in Ekiti state. Ronke Okunsanya is the former commissioner for culture, art and tourism in Ekiti state. She was once Ekiti State ACN Women Leader, Board member of Ekiti Development Foundation and Executive Chairman of the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State. She once served as a Commissioner for Information in Old Ondo State and Commissioner for Women’s Affairs in Ekiti State.
Chief Mrs Jolade Onipede is the Regeant of Ilasa-Ekiti was the former Ambassador of Nigeria to Congo. Chief Mrs Modupe Ogundipe is from Ilawe Ekiti in Ekiti West Local Government where she was the Former chairperson of the local government.
Mrs Motunde Fajuyi is an influential and well-connected Ekiti woman. She is the widow ofBarrister Dayo Fajuyi, second son of Late Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, former military governor of the defunct Western Region. Mrs Kemi Adewunmi is another big and influential Ekiti female politician from the popular Adewunmi family in Efon Ekiti. She operates more at the federal level and she is well connected at the corridors of power. Senator Fatima Rasakis a legal luminary and notable Ekiti State-born Lawmaker. She is the current Ekiti Central Senator. She is the wife of the then Lagos Military Administrator, Brigadier General Raji Rasak. She is a onetime member of the House of Representatives.
Hon Mrs Yinka Ogundayomi is the only female commissioner in Governor Fayose’s cabinet and she is an influential Ekiti female politician. Former Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo remains one of the highly influential and powerful women in the state.
