By Omotayo Oyediji
It was loud in Lagos penultimate weekend when all roads that led to the busy Lagos commercial hub, Lagos Island became extremely busy, as Lagos former Deputy Governor, Otunba Femi Pedro, hosted the crème-de-la-crème at the 60th birthday of his charming wife, Hon. Justice Jumoke Pedro, on Saturday, Dec 1st 2018.
The superlative birthday service took place at Guiding Light Assembly Church, Park View Estate, Ikoyi, while the evening of songs and reception followed at City Hall, Lagos Island. City People Society Editor, TAYO FAJORIN OYEDIJI (08111811219) and Photo Journalist, SUNDAY OYEMADE were at the event.
PASTOR WALE ADEFARASIN WAS IN CHARGE OF SERVICE
The senior pastor of Guiding Light Assembly, Pastor Wale Adefarasin was in-charge of the birthday thanksgiving service. He delivered a short and precise sermon on the day. He spoke highly of the celebrant and took guests down memory lane on how she has been one of their important members, her role as one of the deacons in the church and how she has been helpful in any matter that has to do with a court case. He led the service with other 12 pastors who in-turn took some other parts of the programme. The birthday service had praise worship, bible reading, Holy communion, special dedication, thanksgiving and the celebrant and her family were jointly prayed for.
THE DIAMOND “BIRTHDAY GIRL” LOOKED BEAUTIFUL FOR HER DAY
If you have never come across the “birthday girl”, you will not know how pleasant she is. And so does she look when you see her. Hon Justice Jumoke is a charmer and this showed in all of her dressing for the day. She looked extremely beautiful for her day, and was very happy as she soaked herself in praise and worship at the service.
She never dresses loud but wears quality and expensive apparels. She stole the show on her day when she stormed the church in a customized all stoned burgundy colour tulle lace sewn into a dress and she matched it up with a burgundy Aso Oke. She also opted for an 18k carat gold earring which complemented the outfit. She changed her angelic look at the reception when she stunned in another customised nude colour lace sewn into a dress as well. Justice Jumoke was the cynosure of all eyes on her day as every attention was on her.
MEET THE INCORRUPTIBLE JUDGE
Hon. Justice Jumoke Pedro attended the University of Lagos Nigeria, where she passed out with a 2nd class upper degree in Law in 1980.
She was called to the Nigerian Bar in July 1981 to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court. After her NYSC service with the Military Police in 1982, she practised briefly with the law firm of Akin Olugbade & Co. for two years. In 1984, she joined the Lagos State Judiciary as a Magistrate and rose through the bench to become a Chief Magistrate. She was later appointed as Registrar of Titles at the Land Registry Lagos. In 1999 she was appointed the Chief Registrar of the High Court Lagos. She was appointed a Judge of the High Court Lagos in the year 2001.
Her ‘Lordship’ is a Christian and is married to Olufemi Pedro, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos state and they are blessed with four children. She is a Deaconess and, a Chancellor. She is a member of the CIARB England and a certified Mediator. She is also a member of Olave Baden Powell Society and National Association of Women Judges in Nigeria and she was born to Chief James Oduwole (the Kakanfo Okun Owa) and Madam Layode Oduwole.
WHY THE RECEPTION WAS AT CITY HALL, LAGOS
The classy reception for the diamond birthday ceremony took place at City Hall, Lagos. This was the best option for the Pedros because it was at this same city hall they had their wedding reception when they got married in February 1983 after dating for 8 years. So it was a good time for the Pedros as they repeated what they did 36 years ago.
OTUNBA FEMI PEDRO PULLED A BIG ONE
The amazing husband of Justice Jumoke Pedro, Otunba Femi Pedro did more than enough for his wife. He truly showed that he adores her and always wants to make her happy. He was all over his wife on the day and many couldn’t take their eyes off them. Her husband dragged political top shots and celebrities who all stormed the party to honor his wife on her birthday.
He openly displayed his love and affection for his wife publicly when he kissed and danced with her. It was a joyous moment for the Pedros as they celebrated their joy of inestimable value.
Their love story started 43 years ago, and their marriage is 35 years, 10 months now. They both met at Ebute Meta area of Lagos, dated for 8 years and got married after.
LAGOS FIRST LADY STUNNED IN SWIFT GELE
Sighting the first lady of Lagos State, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, you will almost not know she is the one because of her style of headgear. She tied it completely different from what we knew her with. She has always loved to tie her Gele round but she gave us a new twist.
Her make-up also stood out. She stormed the church service and was seen with dignitaries exchanging pleasantries with her. She was sitting beside Otunba Femi Pedro at the front role in the church. She wore a lovely gold lace matched with a gold jewellery. She did some photo sessions with the Pedros, the VIPs including Babajide Sanwo Olu and his wife, Ibijoke.
CHIEF MRS SENA ANTHONY AND HON JUMOKE OKOYA THOMAS TOO
At the party were 2 society women whose style got us drooling. We are talking about the duo of Chief Mrs. Sena Anthony and Hon. Jumoke Okoya Thomas. They were both at the party and looked beautiful in their gold outfits. They are both stylish and know what compliments their bodies. They both rocked the swift gele like the first lady too and it all stood out from everyone at the party.
Chief Mrs. Sena Anthony is an Oil and Gas bigshot while Hon. Jumoke Okoya Thomas is a staunch politician. They sat beside each other and enjoyed themselves at the party.
A LOUD OVATION AS JIDE SANWO OLU AND WIFE STORMED THE CHURCH
The APC guber candidate in Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke stormed the party in grand style. There was a loud ovation when they stormed the church and were recognized as one of the important personalities present. This is because they had not really stepped out to any Owambe party together since they have been under the spotlight and this event would probably be the first major social party they have. They both sat beside the celebrant herself. Babajide Sanwo Olu was seen wearing a white Swiss lace and his wife opted for a champagne gold lace matched with an ivory gold Aso Oke.
CHIEF JUDGE OF LAGOS UNVEILED THE CELEBRANTS NEW BOOK
The celebrant of the day, Justice Jumoke made her birthday an iconic one as she unveiled and launched her new book, The Living Law to the admiration of all.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State who is her older colleague, Justice Opeyemi Oke did the book launching. She explained how diligent the celebrant is to her career. She previewed some of the writings in the book and what it is all about. The Living Law is a compilation of notable and salient pronouncements drawn from the decisions of the Hon. Justices of the Nigerian Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. The title of the book is borne out of the spirit of keeping the law alive.
2-TERM LAWMAKER, SEN ASHAFA
SHOWED UP
One of the finest senators at the 8th Assembly from Lagos, Senator Bariyu Gbenga Ashafa showed up for his friend and ally of many years, Otunba Femi Pedro. He was at the church service with his wife and also was seen at the reception party.
LAGOS CELEBRITY COUPLE, ADESUYI AND VICKY HASTRUP WERE THERE
Celebrity husband and wife, Prince Adesuyi and his wife, Vicky showed up for the Pedros. They enjoyed a close family friendship with the Pedros as they stormed the party to honour the celebrant. They both looked good together.
ABOUT ADVERTISING TOPSHOT, BIODUN SHOBANJO’S CALMNESS
The chairman of Troyka holdings which controls over 10 companies, Biodun Shobanjo was at the party. When Chief Shobanjo attends any event then it is either they are close families or allies or it an A-list party. Hardly will you notice that he is at an event except you know him or he is introduced because he sits quietly and never the Owambe type.
BETWEEN KEMI NELSON AND JIBIKE BABATUNDE
APC National Women Leader, South West Chief Mrs. Kemi Nelson is always the soul of any party. She adds colour to many events. She was sighted in her usual stylish outfit, gold lace with her neatly done make up. She was at the party with her younger sister and friend, Mrs Jibike Babatunde who is a topshot in DHL. They can be dubbed twins because wherever you see Mrs. Kemi Nelson, Jibike Babatunde is right behind her.
LAGOS DEP. GOV, ADEBULE STEPS OUT WITH HUSBAND
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule was also at the party. She stormed the event with her husband, an IT Expert, Alhaji Saheed Adebule which she rarely does. She was at the event to also represent her boss, His Excellency, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.
ALIKO DANGOTE AND FRIEND OTEDOLA PARTIED TOGETHER
Many would have been used to seeing them together at parties. This was also on repeat as both sat together at the party. They attend selected parties only. They were there to honor Otunba Femi Pedro. Their friendship is over 30 years and still counting.
SOME BIG BOYS ALSO MADE IT
Also present at the party were political stalwarts, APC Chieftains, monarchs and some celebrity Big Boys. Sighted were Oba Akiolu of Lagos, the former Commissioner for Information, Lagos State, Dele Alake, Real Estate guru, Biodun Okeowo, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief Biodun Shobanjo, Alhaji Saheed Adebule, white capped Chiefs and others.
MANY STYLISH JUDGES AND CELEB WOMEN STEPPED OUT AT THE PARTY
Women add many colours and fun to parties, so as the birthday celebration. Many female guests wore the colour code for the day which is simply gold. No aso-ebi was picked so women were allowed to wear their different expensive garbs to the party.
It was an event which had many justices in the house due to the profession of the celebrant. They all gathered together to celebrate their own and also most of the celebrity women attended to honour the Pedros. Some of the stylish women present who are numerous along with those who wrote glowing tributes about the celebrant includes the likes of Lagos State First Lady, H.E Bolanle Ambode, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, APC National Women Leader, South West, Kemi Nelson, APC Women Leader, Lagos State, Hon. Jumoke Okoya Thomas, Oil and Gas topshot, Chief Mrs Sena Anthony, ENL Corsotium Director and seaport topshot, Vicky Hasstrup, former Lagos Perm Secretary, Nike Animashaun who dazzled in all gold attire, the pretty, society woman, Joke Shogunro, wife of popular Lawmaker, Mrs. Ashafa, celebrants sister, Mrs. Aderonke Adeseye, Keji Okunowo, Kunbi Olubiyi, Justice Kudirat Kekere Ekun, Hon Justice Oke, former Lagos Cief Judge and LASEIC Chairman, Justice Ayo Phillips, Adesuwa Oke Lawal, Hon Justice Dayo Akintoye, Titilayo Akinlawon, SAN, Pastor Paul Adefarasin wife, Ifeanyi Adefarasin, Mrs. Ogunbanwo, wife of APC National Leader, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Oyo State First Lady, Florence Ajimobi, former Lagos Deputy Governor, Princess Mrs. Sarah Sosan, wife of Lagos SSG, Prof Mrs. Ibiyemi Olatunji Bello, former Lagos Deputy Governor, Princess Adejoke Adefulire, wife of former Lagos Governor, H.E, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Bella Naija boss mother, who is also an in-law to the pedros, Mrs Eze, HOD, GID Dept, guiding Light Assembly, Mrs Enitan Ighomereho, Executive Director, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Tejumola Abisoye, Bisola Ogamba, Tope oyedija, Toun Balogun Pedro, Funke Shogbesan Okueso, Joko Adeusi, Olaolu Adefarasin and many others.
CELEBRANT’S CHILDREN AND INLAWS STOOD BY THEIR MUM
The celebrants’ children, 4-boys, Bode and his wife, Uche, Bella Naija boss, Biola Pedro and his wife, Mayowa, Bimbo Pedro and Tokunbo Pedro were all supportive of their mum. They rallied round her and made sure everyone was well taken care of. Her sons wore a white swiss Atiku, while their wives settled for a green shimmering lacy outfit.
HOW JUMOKE AND I BECAME CLOSE 32 YEARS AGO --- LAGOS CHIEF JUDGE, OPEYEMI OKE
The colourful event had the Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Opeyemi in attendance which many expected because the celebrant too is a judge and they have been together for many years in the course of their careers. The Chief Judge was the one who launched Justice Jumoke’s new book, “The Living Law” where she gave excerpts of what to expect in the book. She also spoke about how her path with Justice Jumoke crossed and they now relate as family friends, she also wrote in her tribute, “I have known Jumoke when we were both in the magistracy sitting at Igbosere Magistrate Court around 1986.
We became very close as I regard her as a younger sister. I have also interacted with her husband and her children for years as we are both members of the same church, Guiding Light Assembly, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi.
Jumoke rose from the magistracy to become the Chief Registrar before her appointment as a High Court Judge.
As a colleague in the Lagos State Judiciary, she is hardworking, focused, trustworthy, reliable and an incorruptible judge. Jumoke is a Deaconess in our church and she is a very committed Christian with an exemplary faith. Her faith was unshaken despite her trials and tribulations. Indeed, she is a living testimony of the mercy and grace of God in her life. As you celebrate your 60th birthday, my prayer for you my dear sister is that the favour, blessings and mercy of God Almighty continues to flow in your life. I pray that God will satisfy you with good health, long life and prosperity. May the glory of God shine upon your life and family. Hearty congratulations”.
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