Nigerian Celebrity Adebisi Edionseri Dies 3 Months Before Her 90th Birthday… How Her Nickname Was Changed From ‘Cash Woman’ To ‘Cash Madam’

Princess Khadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri (née Elegbede), a popular socialite and celebrity, is dead.

She died on Sunday night at the age of 89.

The octogenarian and socialite ruled the nation’s social scene for decades and she lived her life in total dedication to her first love- fashion, style and beauty. 

Her choice of clothes and diamond jewellery easily gained attention at parties.

Princess Khadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri, an indigene of Abeokuta, who had been a millionaire since the 70s, had many musicians singing her praises in their songs.

The most popular among them was the one sang by the Juju legend; Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey in the 80s in which he popularized her nickname ‘cash madam’.

The late socialite was the definition of colourful and flamboyance, and no party would be regarded as classy once she was not one of the attendees.

She died yesterday, January 5, 2025, just three months before her 90th birthday.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that she died at her residence in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ibara, Abeokuta after a short illness.

Her death was announced in a statement issued on behalf of the family by one of her sons, Dr Adebayo Adebowale.

‘With deep gratitude to Allah for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Princess Kadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri (née Elegbede), who returned to her Creator on 5th January 2025 at the age of 89, following a short illness.

The funeral will take place according to Islamic rites on Monday, January 6, 2025, at her residence located at Government Reservation Area (GRA), Ibara, Abeokuta at 6pm.

Her life was a shining example of grace, dignity, and unwavering faith. Princess Edionseri touched the lives of many through her wisdom, kindness, and dedication to both her family and her community. She taught us the importance of love, resilience, and faith in Allah, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

As we grieve this monumental loss, we also celebrate the remarkable life she lived. Her laughter, warmth, and the values she instilled will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us as we navigate life without her physical presence’ the statement said.

Princess Kadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri was born on April 8, 1935, to Pa Sanusi and Madam Sabitu Elegbede.

The popular socialite, who disclosed in an interview a few years ago that it was her father, late Pa Sanusi Ajoade Elegbede, who gave her £25 Pounds to start business, also talked about how Chief Ebenezer Obbey changed her nickname to ‘Cash Madam’.

‘My husband and I were working with John Holt and two other companies in Ijebu-Ode before we were transferred to Ibadan that was in 1959. Not long after then, I became a distributor with other three companies; so, I got a shop and I started getting goods from them. So, whenever I want to take my money to the bank, ‘Alaru’ (Laborers) will help me take it there, and when we get there, the bank will give me six cashiers and a room to count the money.

John Ojomo, a lawyer from Owoh, Adetunji Oladoyinbo, Funke Fagbemo are staff I used to meet at the bank most times. So, whenever I come around I will tell them that I want to go and count my money. Since then, they named me ‘Cash Woman’ not Cash Madam that everybody calls me now. Late Apala Musician Yusuf Olatunji, ‘Baba L’egba’ in his first record said ‘Cash Woman’; it was Evangelist Ebenezer Obey who changed it to ‘Cash Madam’, because he didn’t know details about me then. So, the real name is ‘Cash Woman’ because I was the leader of the customers in those companies’ she said.

For those who may be wondering why Princess Khadijat Abike Adebisi Edionseri was somewhat ageless? She had this to say in an interview;

‘Yes, I look after my parents. My Mom died at the age of 104 and my Dad died at the age of 133 and till they were both dead, they never lost their sight or a piece of their teeth’.

Governor Dapo Abiodun  of Ogun State, has expressed deep sorrow over Chief (Mrs) Adebisi Edionseri’s passing  describing  her as a trailblazing entrepreneur whose remarkable legacy has left an indelible mark on society, inspiring generations since the 1970s.

The governor in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy,  Mr Kayode Akinmade lauded Edionseri’s immense contributions to Ogun State, calling her a beacon of resilience, ambition, and success.

‘On behalf of myself and the people of Ogun State, I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Alhaja (Chief) Adebisi Edionseri. Her passing is a tremendous loss, but her influence as a business pioneer and social figure will continue to resonate for years to come’ he said.

Governor Abiodun praised Edionseri’s pioneering spirit recognizing her exceptional achievements at a young age and the inspiration she has provided to aspiring entrepreneurs and social leaders across the region.

‘Alhaja Adebisi’s legacy transcends her lifetime. Her contribution to the business landscape and her vibrant social engagements will serve as enduring reference points. She touched countless lives and left an imprint that will guide future generations’ Governor Abiodun added-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you