In recent years, billionaire businessman Hakeem Belo-Osagie has given the social scene a breather. For the boardroom guru, it was deliberate. In spite of his wealth, Hakeem, once listed by Forbes in 2014 as one of Africa’s richest men, does not flaunt his riches and his modest way of life is such that he rarely socializes or throw parties. However, recently he had cause to host some cream of the Nigerian social establishment who trooped out in droves to honour his invitation as he paid his last respect to his late mother, Mrs Maria Iyakekhue Belo-Osagie née Bazuaye. The deceased, widow of late Prof. Tiamiyu Belo-Osagie, renowned medical practitioner and long-running gynaecologist to several first families, died on Monday, January 14, 2019, at the ripe age of 89. His corporate titan son then celebrated the obsequies with a final outing party in Lagos which kicked off on January 31, with a Christian wake. On Friday, February 1, the funeral service took place at Ebony Vaults and Garden, Ikoyi, in accordance with Catholic injunction. This was then followed by interment at the same venue.

The event climaxed with a grand reception at the Habour Point, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. With smashing successes and slew of failures, Hakeem’s life could be described as dotted by controversies and some less glamorous experiences. These, however, did not affect the tempo of the event as the reception party was sumptuous and graced by the high and mighty including Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Tony Elumelu, Wale Babalakin SAN, Bola Shagaya, Daisy Danjuma, Atedo Peterside, Chief Sonny Asemota, Chief Johnson Fasawe, Olu Okeowo, Sisi Abah Folawiyo, Bashorun J.K. Randle, Yemi Cardoso, Odein Ajumogobia, Maiden Ibru and Kayode Williams.

Related News

The deceased is survived by four children – Hakeem, Sheri Williams, Rilwan Belo-Osagie and Lateef Belo-Osagie.