OLOROGUN MICHAEL IBRU LOSES WIFE

- HER LINK WITH BAMANGAR TUKUR

The Lagos society was recently thrown into mourning over death of famous society lady, Princess (Dr.) Adebowale Adebola Ibru. Her death occurred on December 18 in Singapore. The deceased was the wife of Olorogun Michael Ibru, prominent businessman and patriarch of the the Ibru Organisation, one of the largest conglomerates in Nigeria. She was aged 72. It was gathered that the Princess Debo had visited Singapore last December, to undergo treatment for an undisclosed ailment. Unfortuately, she died even before the treatment commenced. The news of her death was said to have thrown members of her family and the Lagos social circuit into mourning. The ELITES learnt that Princess Debo was the second wife of Olorogun Ibru, and their marriage produced children and grandchildren. Unlike Cecelia, the third wife of the Ibru patriarch, she was very close to the children of Sisi Elsie, first wife of Olorogun Ibru, who died many years ago.

The scion of the Ibru family, Olorogun Oscar Ibru was said to have doted on her during her lifetime. Prior to her marriage to Olorogun Michael Ibru, Princess Debo was married to Alhaji Bamangar Tukur, notable businessman and politicician. The union produced a daughter, Farida. Ironically, Princess Debo was buried on Thursday, January 16, the same day Tukur was sacked as chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP. The Ijebu-Ode born blue-blood, who was fondly called Sisi Debo by her admirers, was described as one woman who radiated joy and spread the sunshine that was her life. She had a rich network of friendship which cut across every strata of the society. Born into the Jadiara Royal Family of Ijebuland to Prince Victor Adeoye and Mrs. Abigail Abiola Odedina in Lagos, Princess Debo had her education at Princess Girls’ School in Lagos, Methodist Girl’s High School and St. Anne’s School, Ibadan. Later, she enrolled at Norwich City College in England for her ‘A’ Levels before she proceeded to the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland where she qualified as a medical doctor. On her return to Nigeria, Debo worked as a doctor at the Creek Hospital, Lagos, where she was known as the ‘psychedelic doctor’. She also worked at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba and the Ibru Medical Clinic. The funeral service for Princess Debo was held at St. Paul’s Church, Breadfruit, Lagos. Her remains were later interred at the Ikoyi Vaults and Garden Cementary. This was followed by colourful reception, held at City Hall, Lagos Island. The Ibru family, led by Olorogun Oscar Ibru ensured that was visibly involved during the burial event. Most members of the Lagos elite class, notably Sisi Abah Folawiyo (the deceased cousin), Modupe Sagoe, Nta Lijadu, Mercy Adeyinka, Turrie Akerele Ismail and many others played prominent roles during the burial ceremony.