Amidst the coterie of high society personalities that attended the 80th birthday celebration of a socialite and prominent fashion designer, Abah Folawiyo, there were some individuals who stood out.
One of them was billionaire banker and businessman, Tony Elumelu, who came into the venue with a bright smile plastered on his face. However, what caught the attention of many was who he was with— a former Delta State Governor, James Ibori.
Both men walked into the party together engrossed in an animated conversation that was punctuated by smiles, especially on the part of Elumelu. With the way they were both engrossed in the discussion, it was apparent that the duo had some interesting things to talk about.
The founder of the Tony Elumelu foundation was stylishly dressed in a black suit and a red tie, while Ibori was adorned in a white agbada (flowing robe), which he paired with a blue cap.
However, that was not the first time the two would be seen in such mood as they have attended some events together. Last Christmas, they were both seen beaming with smiles at Elumelu’s Heirs Holdings Christmas party. In a picture taken at the event, the men, who are both from Delta State, were captured hugging each other.
Meanwhile, both men are not just friends offline, they also keep tabs on each other online. In a Twitter post in 2020, Ibori congratulated Elumelu on being conferred with the honorary distinction of Officer in the Order of Leopold, which is regarded as Belgium’s highest and oldest military and civil honour. Ibori had tweeted, “Congratulations, Tony. You are indeed our worthy ambassador.”
Elumelu is the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa, and Heirs Holdings. He is also the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has empowered several youths across Africa over the years. In 2020, he was included in the Time Magazine’ List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Though born in Jos, Plateau State, Elumelu is from Onicha-Ukwu in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
On the other hand, Ibori was the governor of Delta State between 1999 and 2007. He studied Economics at the University of Benin, and went on to live in the United Kingdom for some years. Between 1994 and 1997, he served as a consultant to military dictator, Sani Abacha, in the areas of public policy formulation and implementation.
Shortly after the completion of his tenure, the former governor was arrested in December 2007 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on charges of theft of public funds, abuse of office and money laundering. Months later, he was arrested in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and extradited to the UK. He eventually pleaded guilty to 10 counts of money laundering and conspiracy to defraud at Southwark Crown Court, London. He was subsequently sentenced to a 13-year jail term. He was later released in December 2016, after spending four years in prison.