The woman, HRH Erelu (Dr.) Chevalier Abiola Dosunmu, needs very little introduction especially in Nigeria’s social circles. She is known for her stylish, brilliant white attires, which always draws attention to her. And then the famous title, Erelu Kuti 1V of Lagos, speaks volumes of her pedigree and status as a top-notch crème de la crème of the Lagos ruling class, and social circles. Doubtless, Erelu Dosunmu is a woman of high breed and integrity, and this has earned her enormous awards in various edifying categories.
Erelu Abiola Dosunmu was born in Kano on July 29, 1947, into the royal family of Prince Adewunmi and Adejoke Dosunmu of Lagos Island, and she is the fourth Erelu Kuti of Lagos. Her duties include serving as the ceremonial queen mother, and reigning as regent of Lagos, upon the death of an incumbent monarch until a substantive successor is chosen by the college of kingmakers. She has reigned for over 45 years, and holds a position that only princesses from the ruling houses can attain.
Abiola Dosunmu, is also a very successful business woman with interests in oil and gas, real estate, and agricultural industries among others, she studied business administration in London. She is one of the few Nigerians that achieved success in the oil industry early enough.
She also invested in the traditional aso-oke business, and spined it to become a multi-billion-dollar industry, in Nigeria. She introduced the weaving of the Aso-Oke in brilliant colours, and this trend sold as far as the Middle East and Bond Street in London, in the 60s and 70s. She promoted the Yoruba race and culture of Nigeria, through the Aso-Oke designs. She eventually won the contract to decorate the Nigerian Embassy in London, and even had a fashion style credited to her name, Erelu.
Erelu Abiola, has always been a strong advocate for the recognition, restoration and reward for the indigenous people of Lagos. She was able to facilitate and achieve the upward review of salaries of white cap chiefs in Lagos, and helped raise their bar from N6, 000 to N20, 000. To further her contribution to the society, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu set up a foundation, Erelu Abiola Foundation, ERAF, which is specially designed for promoting commerce, art, science, sport, culture, education, research, charity, poverty alleviation and other similar goals.
Through ERAF, Erelu Dosunmu is actively involved in the rehabilitation of street children and school dropouts, a disturbing phenomenon in urban development of Lagos. She also offers free skills training and vocational education projects, as well as rehabilitation of drug addicts. Her emerging project, The Valley of the Kings, is a monumental museum to warehouse the history of Lagos and the kings who have ruled her to date. Erelu believes that this project will further help to preserve the rich culture and history of Lagos, and also be a guide to future generations.
Erelu Abiola Dosunmu authored and proposed to the Federal Government the project ‘National Pride Cohesion Commission’, which metamorphosed into project ‘HEART OF AFRICA’ later, ‘REBRANDING’, which is currently domiciled under National Orientation under the Ministry of Information and Culture.
She belongs to several organizations such as, African Business Roundtable, ABR, where she serves as the Cultural Ambassador for the African Continent. She is also a founding member of NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, NBGN. Erelu was in fact, selected at its inauguration in 2004 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Having served in various committees at state and national levels, Erelu is also a member and coordinating chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers and Eminent Persons for Good Governance in Nigeria.
All these achievements in the diplomatic arena for over 30 years, earned her the national honor of the Royal Kingdom of Belgium. She also was a recipient of the Apostolic Blessing on her 70th birthday in 2017, from The Holy Father, Pope Francis. And also, the Vanguard Newspaper recipient of the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Even Nigerian musician King Sunny Adé, wrote a song honouring Dosunmu titled “Biibire Kose Fowora”. She also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree, D.Cul-Doctor of Culture, at the 4th convocation ceremony of Igbinedion University, Okada. Others include, Pan African Exemplary Leadership 2016 Honor /Icon of True Silent Mega Philanthropist in Africa. The Commonwealth Journalists Association Award. Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Award. West African Students Union Parliament Award for Exemplary Leadership.
