...NOT ...NOT IN IN THISDAY THISDAY STYLE? STYLE? THEN THEN YOU’RE YOU’RE NOT NOT IN IN STYLE STYLE
SUNDAY, 29, 2021 SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 AUGUST
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M E M A E I M G A O I G I O I I
I E I S I T E S A T W A U W T U A AT I R R A W F O OLU F WARRI O U L O
E E L L U R GR! U N I O T N DO A T T N S R L N O L I BSOT R
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CONTENT Society Fashion LATE CHIEF ARTHUR UZOMA OKOWA LAID TO REST PG 6-7
CELEBRITIES THEN AND NOW PG 10-11 SLIP IT ONS
DAG APPAREL LAUNCHES ITS FLAGSHIP STORE PG 8
PG 20-21
MIXING FUNCTION WITH FASHION PG 22-23
MO ABUDU HOSTED STELLA KALANNE FUBURA AT TURAKA The city of Warri has witnessed a glorious reign of great Kings, who have left indelible marks during their tenures, and the most recent to sit on the great stool is Ogiame Atuwatse III. His ascension to the throne has been met with a lot of buzz. This week, the STYLE team join the people of Warri Kingdom to celebrate his ascension to the throne and wish the King a long, peaceful and fruitful reign. KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR reports…
PG 9
PHOTO CREDIT: @BIGHSTUDIOS
THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME
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EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR
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SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENTS AZUKA OGUJIUBA ZINA ANUMUDU JOANNA MACGREGOR SEYI ALAWODE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196
The past weekend was really a momentous one as the OLU OF WARRI, OGIAME ATUWATSE III, formerly known as Okobi Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko was crowned King. What made this more poignant is his age. Just 37. An age where he is mature enough to communicate with elders and at the same time young enough to appreciate the need for growth and advancement for the next generation, his. It’s also a welcome change to witness such coronation in one’s lifetime as you witness the recipients of Kingship play their roles in ruling of their people. You watch their metamorphosis are you are able to share their history as they grow from strength to strength. Many a time, the deeds of many Kings live long after their exit and the legacy they leave behind will be well planted in the pages of history. Being able to experience that history and witness it, is in itself, a privilege. Something to educate the next generation on because you were there to see it happen. They are quite a few more Kings under 50 who are also making their own mark and paving their way in the dealings and roles they play in the empowerment of their people. They bring a breath of fresh air in a constricted space that embraces tradition and leaves little or no room for change. One thing these new Kings have embraced wholeheartedly though, is their unabashed love for Christ and Christianity. They have found a way to infuse their beliefs into the traditional dictates and modes of worship in their palaces without ruffling feathers. They are ruling on their own terms and at the same time respecting the dictates of their traditions. Not an easy feat but doable with utmost diplomacy. Ability to do this, also prepares them for the complexity of their Kingship and provides them the ability to maneuver round issues and seek profound solutions. These Kings have towed the thin line between tradition and Christianity and made it work for them. We wish the Olu Of Warri, a long and prosperous happy reign. Long live the King! Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Twitter: @thisdaystyleon | Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Website: www.thisdaystyle.ng
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GOV AMINU TAMBUWAL OF SOKOTO STATE
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Late Chief Arthur Uzoma Okowa Laid to Rest BY FUNKE BABS-KUFE JI
Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta state recently, joined by other eminent Nigerians, paid their last respects to his father late Chief Arthur Okowa, who died at the age of 88 in the state capital of Asaba. Until his death, the late Chief Arthur Uzoma Okowa, popularly called AOU, was the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero and was revered by all those who he came in contact with in his life time. The governor in his speech during the funeral service in the home of the late octogenarian, thanked Nigerians for their show of love, saying that as he had announced that the ceremony would be private for the family, “those who came are truly family members”. He said as a teacher, his late father fought for the ordinary man and suffered victimization for daring to stand for the truth. We commemorate with the governor for a life well lived and pray his soul rests in perfect peace. GOV IFEANYI OKOWA OF DELTA STATE
VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO OF FED REBUBLIC OF NIGERIA
GOV GODWIN OBASEKI OF EDO STATE
GOV KAYODE FAYEMI OF EKITI STATE
GOV DOUYE DIRI DIRI OF BAYELSA STATE
GOV IFEANYI UGWUANYI OF ENUGU STATE
GOVS PETER OBI & LIYEL IMOKE
AUSTIN ALEGEH
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TOLU DEMUREN, SOBA
NDIDI OBIOHA
LOE DA -SILVA, LANRE DASILVA AJAYI & FEMI DA-SILVA ALEX OKUBO OMONI OBOLI
CHIOMA CHUKWUKA AKPOTHA
A Night Out with Stella Kalanne Fubura at Turaka
TV SERIES ON ARISEPLAY
BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
Recently at Turaka roof top restaurant at the Ebony Live Place in Victoria Island, media mogul, Mo Abudu hosted Stella Kalanne-Fubara, the Director International Operations, Dubai Tourism to an evening of fun and dance. The party was well attended by the Nollywood stars alongside big wigs of the entertainment and fashion industry, and also friends and family. Invited guests were treated to the best of food and drinks in a relaxed, yet exciting, atmosphere specially created for the event. Turaka now has a cordoned off space for small intimate soirées like this. It’s a small hall in a big open space that can easily seat about 20-30 guests for dinner. The celebrant was delighted to see all who turned out to spend the evening with her as she joined her guests to dance till the early hours of the morning.
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 9593 Sunday, August 29, 15, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 9593 Sunday, August 29, 15, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
Changes are normal and even necessary for actors and singers who are always looking for something new. But sometimes the transformations famous people go through are so stunning that it’s really hard to recognize them in their old pics. BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
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THE
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TONTO DIKEH:
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BURNA BOY:
Grammy Award winner BurnaBoy has come from being cleanshaven to being the king of locks. His tattoo collection has also grown as he transformed into the artist we have all grown to love. His hit songs are getting a lot of international recognition and we love the man he has grown to be.
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DBANJ:
FUNKE AKINDELE:
We loved Funke Akindele when she was playing Bisi in the sitcom, I Need to Know and when she came into the major limelight playing the role of Sulia in Jenifa. Now she’s in comedies like Jenifa’s Diary and OmoGhetto and things have changed a lot for the actress but she’s just as awesome as she was then.
It’s hard to believe it was over a decade since Dbanj hit the music industry and ever since, he has remained one who is loved by many for his musical talent and entertaining skills. The Oliver Twist crooner over the years, has managed to stay ageless looking like he did when we first saw him on TV Screens and in concerts in 2009. He doesn’t look like he has aged a day since this picture he took in 2010 without his signature sunglasses look.
Tonto Dikeh is one celebrity that isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd. The controversial actress over the last decade has become bold and sassy. This is so evident in how she looked then and now.
RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO:
This now and then comparison shows that Richard Mofe Damijo, like wine, is one of those handsome men that just gets better with age. The actor recently turned 60 and he looks amazing.
TIWA SAVAGE:
THEN
We’re huge Tiwa Savage fans. We have followed her singing career from the age of Kele Kele love to the beauty she is today with her super successful Celia album. She looks just as good as she did when she first hit the music scene in 2013.
THEN
CELEBRITIES
then and
NOW
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INI EDO:
Actress Ini Edo is another celebrity who has gotten better with age. Dare we say the actress has cleaned up real good and we love her sultry new look.
TOKE MAKINWA:
Toke has evolved from a young and fresh OAP to a successful businesswoman and influencer who taking huge strides on social media platforms. We can’t help but notice how she has changed from the girl next door to the full-grown strong and voluptuous woman who is owning her own today.
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COVER
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
The city of Warri has witnessed a glorious reign of great Kings, who have left indelible marks during their tenures, and the most recent to sit on the great stool is Ogiame Atuwatse III. Amidst controversies over specific customary laws, the new King has had to wait six years before succeeding his father Ogiame Atuwatse II, but that has in no way diminished his zest to do right by the throne and the people he rules. His ascension to the throne has been met with a lot of buzz, especially on the part of the youths who are excited to see a young, forward-thinking monarch who is highly knowledgeable about the issues the everyday person in his kingdom faces taking steps to correct them. This week, the STYLE team join the people of Warri Kingdom to celebrate his ascension to the throne and wish the King a long, peaceful and fruitful reign. Words by KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR
E M A I G O I R R A W OLU OF
I I I E S T A W U T A LE U R O T BORN
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COVER
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
EXCERPTS FROM THE KING’S SPEECH n the name of the Most High God, we warmly welcome you all to this distinctly notable day in the annals of our rich heritage and noble ancestry as proud inheritors of the unique essence that has come to define our Iwere Kingdom. We would like to specially welcome His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, who is here represented by the Deputy Senate President. We recognize the distinguished presence of the Governor of Kebbi State, the representative, my apologies, the representative of the Governor of Delta State, and other traditional rulers present. Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, before proceeding any further, we would like to thank Almighty God for the life and glorious reign of our predecessor, and most illustrious uncle, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli. In the course of his relatively brief reign, he was whole-heartedly committed to the cause of the sustained peace, growth, and development of Iwere Kingdom. His place of pride is definitely assured in the pantheon of Itsekiri monarchs and in the hearts and minds of all Itsekiri sons and daughters. May he continue to rest with the Lord. Fellow Itsekiri, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we are confident that our ancestors are at this moment, smiling down on us filled with pride and joy as they see us ready and braced for the journey towards repositioning our dear Iwere Kingdom within the prevailing reality of today’s Nigeria and the world at large. It is our prayer that, in the end, we will be true worthy inheritors of their great sacrifice and faith in a strong, progressive united Iwere Kingdom. We must express our profound gratitude to the proud Itsekiri sons and daughters who stood up to be counted when it appeared that the foundation of our collective patrimony was under threat. While it is not expedient to mention them all on this occasion, Chief Johnson, Chief Gabriel Awala, Chief Brown Mene, Chief Roland Oritsejafor, Chief CD Ikomi, Chief Edwin Olley, Chief Robinson Ariyo, and Chief Eugene Ikomi, Modokpe gidigbo needs to be specially recognized. Interestingly, just before this very precious moment in time which has brought us to where we are today, that age-long tendency that has always sought to distort and abort our greatness, wanted to rear its ugly head in an attempt to truncate our glory and restoration to our original God-given identity. Our kingdom has experienced an unfortunate interregnum in our history that lasted for 88 years. But because the Almighty God had reserved the importance that Itsekiri would be, to the formation and greatness of what would be a successful Nigeria, a force beyond all human reckoning and comprehension, did the impossible, and brought back this exalted throne and with it, a King, Olu Ginuwa II, to be witness to the beginning of the process of what would be an independent Nigeria. This time, however, God did not just intervene to truncate any disruptive plots, He ensured that the Itsekiri nation stands united, and all of Nigeria rallied behind Itsekiri to ensure that there was no division. We say before you all today, that we are not and were never offended at any point in time during the process that culminated in this day that has seen me ascend the throne of my fathers. This is, in every ramification, a very special day; one that has been predestined and divinely ordained by the Most High God. He and He alone could have determined that three months after our Idaniken began in May, our coronation will take place today, the only Saturday in this year 2021 that occurs as the 21st day of the month! Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, this unique August day is truly a day of Almighty God’s divine visitation to Iwere Kingdom! It is not just a divine visitation, it heralds a divine habitation! No part of this has been of my own doing, it was and remains, God’s divine project. And as a result, the mischief that some had intended, God has used it for good. Our Yoruba brothers have an expression: when the palace of the King burns down, it is because a more beautiful one wants to be erected in its place. The taboo that was done by the desecration of our most prized Crown Jewels, made a way for a more beautiful one, fashioned by our own royal person while staying true to the inspiration of the one that came from Portugal way back in the 17th Century. Before then, however, Olu Ginuwa I brought a coral beaded crown from the source in Benin, and that crown adorned the heads of the first six Olus. Olu Atuwatse I brought a pair of silver crowns that would adorn the heads of the next 14 Olus. By the special grace of God, we have the privilege to introduce a new pair of gold and silver crowns, to the already rich and beautiful history of the attire of the Olu of Warri. And as the progression of our crowns is symbolic for all to see, from coral to silver, and now to gold, so shall there be a spiritual, physical, social, and economic manifestation of the progress of our kingdom and people. While not seeking to reopen old wounds, it is pertinent to recall the fact that, following the grave injustice meted out to Olu Erediawa II, he visited His Royal Majesty Oba Akenzua II of Benin and recounted his ordeal. In reaction, a curse was placed on the land by Oba Akenzua II. It is not recorded that Olu Erediawa II reversed the curse over the land. Neither is it recorded that Oba Akenzua II did the same. Most probably, the issue was never revisited. As a firm believer in the intricate interconnectedness between the spiritual and the manifestation in the physical, it is our firm belief that the matter needs to be addressed. Today, in our capacity as Olu, we hereby avow: as the spiritual, cultural, political, and traditional leader of this land, I, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the 21st Olu of Warri, the first son of Olu Atuwatse II, grandson and direct descendant of Olu Erediawa II, who was offended on this throne, I recant of the curse placed over this land. In its place, I release forgiveness and healing to the Federal Government of Nigeria, whose might was used to propagate that offense, and I decree unprecedented and uncommon peace, prosperity, progress, and development upon this land. I bring down the government of heaven unto this land and direct it to flow as a force that can neither be sabotaged, slowed or stopped. It goes out as a strong ripple effect, emanating from this kingdom to the rest of the Niger Delta, to the rest of the Nigerian Nation, and even the African continent. Africa has always been shaped like a gun, with Nigeria as its trigger. Today, that gun has been fired, and full restoration comes out of the barrel. This land begins to yield its riches to us, all that had been hidden hitherto come to the surface, and the world shall marvel as to how we have defied projected economic trends. And this time around, we shall be the ones to chart the course of our destiny. And now, as Itsekiri is restored to its original identity as one of blessing, we decree: because Itsekiri is blessed, Nigeria is blessed. Because Itsekiri is blessed, Africa is blessed. Now that the foundation has been addressed, it is time to put out a clarion call. We, therefore, call upon and welcome back, all sons and daughters of Iwere Kingdom that are dispersed in
the diaspora; in Nigeria, rest of Africa, and all over the world. All sons and daughters of Iwere Kingdom who identify as Itsekiri, by your father, your mother, grandmother, or grandfather, we welcome you and all. Come with your capacity, expertise, networks, ideas, and resources, to join us in repositioning this Kingdom. We also invite our well-wishers and admirers, who count it all joy, to be identified and associated with us, either by marriage, business ties, or residence. We extend specially, towards our neighbours, Ijaws, Urhobos, and Ilajes, a hand of invitation to peace and development. As it is not our desire to prosper in isolation, we desire that our neighbours prosper also. We recognize that the peace and prosperity are a shared one, built on righteousness and justice, which is the motto of this our reign, and the foundation upon which God’s throne is built. At this point, we make bold to say that our emergence is not simply the filling of a role. We will be redefining the essence of the throne of Olu of Warri. While we have every intention to lead as led by The Lord Himself, we implore all of us to work together and renew our minds and our way of thinking, so that nothing, especially internally, hinders us from getting to our glorious destination. We should be ready to let go of the old ways that have not encouraged us to advance, and not allow sentiment to keep us bound. To launch this new renaissance, today, you would have noticed the crests that have been released. We have taken time, based on the information available, to rebrand our forebears in such a way that they define their own unique identity, reign, and destiny. As a people, so proud of their royal heritage, it is our expectation that these 20 crests will further add to the pride and richness of our historical and cultural identity. At this juncture, I want to speak directly to the youths of not just Iwere Nation, but the entire Niger Delta. We have heard the narrative several times, as to how blessed the Niger Delta is in terms of resources. The truth, however, we must look beyond oil and gas, and channel our energy in the right direction towards endeavours that will result in added value across board. What we have is our culture and our identity, and we must use this as an instrument to influence the mind of our youth for their development, in ways that are completely devoid of partisan politics. We will look to honour our women. We will encourage them, build them up and support them in realizing their inestimable potentials. And as we do this, we will also see the multiplier effect in the collective development of our people. We will ensure that our women, both old and young, are honoured and respected, not only by word but in actual cultural practice. We will look to actively seek the opinion and counsel of our women, and opportunities that avail themselves to the Itsekiri nation will be used to empower our women to enable them to contribute their substance to the growth and development of the Itsekiri nation. You will no longer be invisible. I want to begin by formally honouring the two most important women in my life today. Interestingly enough, as God has ordained, one is a beautiful young lady of Edo heritage, and the other is a gracious woman of Yoruba heritage. One addresses the past, while the other addresses the present as well as the future. But as we have come to understand, time is a river, things are intertwined. Just like the complicated fabric that is the Itsekiri nation. By the special grace of God, I am the first Olu of Warri, in well over two centuries, whose mother is alive and well to witness him sit on the throne. In the same time span, even longer, I am the first eldest son of an Olu to ascend the throne. None of these are taken for granted, it is the perfect will and purpose of the Almighty God to make it so. Where we have unofficially addressed the mother of the Olu as Iy’olu, simply because she happened to be his mother, I hereby officially and formally, bestow the honour on my mother. You shall no longer be referred to as Olori Atuwatse II, but Iyiolu Atuwatse III. And blessed are you among mothers in the earth. Inevitably, in addressing the present and the future, we cannot but consider where we are coming from. Since the arrival of Prince Ginuwa from Benin, it is not on record that any Olu has married a Bini woman, nor has any Olu been on record to have been born of a Bini woman. I distinguish between Bini and Edo. Yet again, I stand before you, as the first Olu in five centuries, to be married to a Bini woman. In many ways, it is as though today, this monarchy has come full circle. And on this note, let me share a personal story: our recently departed father-in-law, Captain Idahosa Okunbo. He was witness to a prophetic word, and he, unbeknownst to him, played the role of a prophet. Raised by his grandmother in his much younger years, she would say out loud after a long tedious day, “The suffering is too much; in my next life, I will come back and be inside the Palace”. On the day we paid the bride price in Benin City, our father-in-law said to me as he finally placed his daughter into my hands, “I named her Aiyivieruewinoya (roughly translated as ‘you don’t abuse precious beads’). Ivie belongs to the Palace, and I am entrusting her into your palace”. The words of his grandmother and indeed his own words were inspired and honoured by heaven, and today, the full manifestation has come to pass. To my beautiful, loving, and supportive wife, I, hereby officially and formally bestow the honour upon you. You shall no longer be referred to as Princess Ivie Emiko but as Olori Atuwatse III. Long may we both reign. As glorious as today is, our future is even more glorious because we have the blessing and backing of the Almighty God. And with this backing comes boundaries. Whatever knowledge, in the form of our century’s old heritage, or whatever resource, in the form of our abundant natural and mineral wealth, that God has given us, we will neither boast in nor depend on them. Rather, we will depend on God Himself, who has given us these things. And it is in doing what God says to us, how we follow His instructions, that we will move mightily in dominion, power, and authority. And upon this revelation, shall be the bedrock and cornerstone of our reign. The earth belongs to God. This throne belongs to God. This King belongs to God. And so, we boldly declare that the Kingdom of Warri has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. And He shall reign forever and ever. I thank you all for coming to celebrate with us this day. And wish you Godspeed as you return to your various destinations. God bless Iwere land, God bless all our neighbours, God bless Delta State, God bless Nigeria, God bless Africa.
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
COVER
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
A new King is crowned; Ogiame Atuwatse III B Y K O N Y E C H E L S E A N WA B O G O R
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ecently Omoba Tsola Emiko was crowned the Olu of Warri in a very lavish and well-attended ceremony. He will be recognized as the Ogiame Atuwatse III. The coronation, which took place at Ode-Itsekiri Island in Delta State, had various activities such as dance performances by different cultural groups and musical performances by Warri Royal Choir and Laz Ekwueme orchestra, etc. There was also a performance by Omawumi Megbele, who happens to hail from the Itsekiri tribe. In his ceremonial speech, the Olu of Warri noted that he is the first Olu in over two centuries blessed to have his mother witness his ascension to the throne. He then officially bestowed the title of Iya Olu Atuwatse III on her and Olori Atuwatse III on his wife, Ivie Uhunoma Emiko. Born Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko, the 37-year-old King, is the 21st Olu of Warri to ascend the throne and one of the youngest to do so.
ALEX IDEH
OLUMIDE AKPATA & JULIUS RONE
HRM OGIAME ATUWATSE III
OSAGIE OKUNBOR
DEPUTY GOV, BARR KINGSLEY OTUARO & GOVERNOR IFEANYI OKOWA OF DELTA STATE
FORMER GOV EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN
FORMER PRESIDENT, OLUSEGUN OBASANJO
OBA ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI PATRICK DOYLE
DEP GOV PHILLIP SHAIBU OF EDO STATE & GOV ABUBAKAR ATIKU BAGUDU OF KEBBI STATE
YAHAYAH PESSU, OJOMO OF WARRI KINGDOM
DEP SENATE PRESIDENT OVIE OMO AGEGE
CHARLES IKOMI, ERO OF WARRI KINGDOM PASTOR TOMI ARAYOMI
JULIE & AMAJU PINNICK
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HON IRENE IMILAR AND IYA ATUWASW III (MOTHER OF THE KING
PASTOR AYO ORITSEJAFOR
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
I R O OL I I I E S T A W U T A MEET
M
BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR
any people are curious about the beautiful Queen beside the Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri. Her name is Ivie Uhunoma Emiko (nee Okunbo). Following her husband’s ascension to the throne, she will now bear the title Olori Atuwatse III. A graduate of Law from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science, Olori Atuwatse III is the daughter of the late billionaire businessman Captain Hosa Idahosa Okunbo, who recently passed on. She got married to the King in 2014 in a fascinating marriage ceremony in the United Kingdom. This union that is now blessed with three kids. Like her husband, Olori Atuwatse III is a devout Christian who is very passionate and expressive about her relationship with God.
And on this note, let me share a personal story: our recently departed father-in-law, Captain Idahosa Okunbo. He was witness to a prophetic word, and he, unbeknownst to him, played the role of a prophet. Raised by his grandmother in his much younger years, she would say out loud after a long tedious day, “The suffering is too much; in my next life, I will come back and be inside the Palace”. On the day we paid the bride price in Benin City, our father-in-law said to me as he finally placed his daughter into my hands, “I named her Aiyivieruewinoya (roughly translated as ‘you don’t abuse precious beads’). Ivie belongs to the Palace, and I am entrusting her into your palace”. The words of his grandmother and indeed his own words were inspired and honoured by heaven, and today, the full manifestation has come to pass.
To my beautiful, loving, and supportive wife, I, hereby officially and formally bestow the honour upon you. You shall no longer be referred to as Princess Ivie Emiko but as Olori Atuwatse III. Long may we both reign.
- OLU OF WARRI OGIAME ATUWATSE III 18
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STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
DAY
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
SKIMS ONX-SLIP ON DRESS
Night to
FLEUR DU MAL SILK DRESS
DENISE OSEI
AMA GODSON
Speaking of fabulous colours, tone-on-tone dressing is a fresh way to start the party. A blazer and high waist mini skirt suit are one of the hottest trends likely due to its style and versatility. Whether you’re heading for a weekend get together or a cocktail party, this is a stylish upgrade to your trusted pants suit. And it’s actually quite simple to switch looks wearing the same outfit from day time activities to an evening out drinks with friends. You could pull this off by changing few details from your day outfit to your night out. Stylist ENKYA EDE NKECHINYERE has effortlessly put this look together basically by changing her accessories. BY USIADE ISIOMA
ABISOLA KOLA-DAISI
ay D ffice sual o
INIDIMA OKOJIE
me ct ca perfe ou have so For a s i This when y s to do. , attire cial errand l activities offi kirt rma mi-fo igh waist s nd e s e r mo le this h blazer a sty red with a tailo sneakers r an h t i w rful h fo colou g to matc gether a ba ly put-to ook. l less effort
AURUM AMARE
NATALIE BEGG SILK SLIP DRESS
BY FUNKE BABS-K UFEJI
LILLY AFEGBAI
When need that one day-to-night wardrobe staple that will totally transform your look with ease, consider a slip dress. Beloved in the ‘90s and early 80’s, this boudoir-inspired look is hitting the streets again, paired with everything from sneakers by day to strappy-heeled sandals by night.
WAYS TO WEAR YOUR SLIP DRESS
There are hundreds of ways to wear a slip dress but these celebrity inspired tips will have you rocking this iconic 90s look with a splash of 21st century pizazz.
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Team up your slinky number with a pair of jeans. It may sound a little laid back but if you don’t feel comfortable wearing a slip dress all by itself, adding a pair of skinny jeans will give you a sophisticated two piece outfit. Don’t be afraid to show that waist, grab a belt, wrap it round the slip dress and
show off your features. •
Combine a short slip dress with an oversized shirt or blazer and top it off with a hat to really standout from the crowd.
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Wear it long for an evening out on the town. Nothing speaks glamour more than a floor length dress with a glitzy clutch.
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STYLE & DESIGN
CARRY A SPORTY BAG
Less-structured bags can really amp up your casual, athleisure look. Go for an oversized tote or a bowler bag to achieve this. If you’re really into the trend, take note that backpacks are becoming popular in mature fabrics like leather. NANCY ISIME
LACE-UP SNEAKERS
THISDAY Style , August 29, 2021
Lace-up sneakers are without a doubt the easiest shoes to pair with leggings or biker shorts. Thanks to the sporty aesthetic of both leggings and sneakers, the combination works perfectly together. Although you can wear the look in a variety of ways, it appears particularly chic when styled with an athletic edge. To nail the style, start with a pair of leggings and a fitted crop top then add a baseball cap and bag, finish the look with a white lace up kicks. FLORA
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9607 Sunday, August 29, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
BALANCE IT WITH FASHION
The best way to wear athleisure wear for an everyday look is not dressing up from head to toe in your gym wear. Mix it with other fashion pieces that you have in your wardrobe. You can never go wrong with blending it with other pieces. You will effortlessly create a balanced look, that is both chic and comfortable. BOITY THULO
ACCESSORIZE
Complete athleisure looks by accessorising appropriately. Stick to a sleek, sports vibe but add a touch of your personal style. A pair of aviator sunglasses, sleek fur jacket, and a stylish mini crossbody bag will all work perfectly. Also, don’t forget to add a thin chain necklace as it will add the perfect street style touch to your athleisure look. MARII PAZZ
LAYER YOUR ATHLEISURE WEAR
Dressing in layers is one of the ways to effortlessly look good. You can layer your sportswear too. Do not shy away from mixing your lengths. You can wear your t-shirt longer than your jacket. You can also wear a sports bra beneath your leather jacket. Mix up sportswear and other chic items in your wardrobe to achieve a statement look. Do not be afraid to get creative with layering. ESTARE
SHOW OFF YOUR BRA
A comfortable bra is a musthave in your closet, and the athleisure trend encourages a sneak peek of it. A bonus is that wearing an extra-comfy sports bra is a simple way to look trendy without a lot of effort. LORETTA HOVE
T I C ON N U F W G ITH N I X I M
EMBRACE COMFY FABRICS
With the athleisure trend in full swing, many designers are making bottoms from comfortable fabrics. Ponte, stretch denim, and cotton blends can still look put-together, and they feel like a dream on your skin. Tip: These fabrics tend to stretch, so go down a size to make sure you’re happy with the fit after wearing them a few times. LILO ADEROGBA
Nail the athleisure look by mixing function with fashion, both in terms of the athleisure pieces you buy and how you integrate them into your regular wardrobe. The true beauty of athleisure is that it’s both practical and completely fashionable. The relaxed and cool style blends sportswear with ready-to-wear to create styles that are chic and comfortable. More than a simple trend, athleisure reflects a change in lifestyle, it goes hand-in-hand with an increased health consciousness, busy schedules, and relaxed standards of dress. Whether you’re off to the dance studio or hitting the streets, your outfit can now do it all with no need to lug around a change of clothes or struggle in heels during a long day. As such, this effortlessly stylish apparel movement is here to stay, so it’s time to invest. 22
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