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Popular Nigerian socialite ‘Cash Madam’ dies at 89

By Musa Adekunle

05 January 2025   |   9:57 pm

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Popular Nigerian socialite Adebisi Edionseri, aka Cash Madam, has passed away at the age of 89. Her family, through her son Adebayo Adebowale, announced her demise on Sunday after a brief illness. The family revealed this in a heartfelt statement, paying tribute to the woman who was larger than life. For decades, "Cash Madam" was…

Popular Nigerian socialite Adebisi Edionseri, aka Cash Madam, has passed away at the age of 89.

Her family, through her son Adebayo Adebowale, announced her demise on Sunday after a brief illness.

The family revealed this in a heartfelt statement, paying tribute to the woman who was larger than life.

For decades, “Cash Madam” was a household name, celebrated for her flamboyance, sense of fashion, and deep love for music.

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The nickname “Cash Madam” was given to her by Juju music legend Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey back in the 1980s.

This wasn’t just a name; it symbolized her status as a millionaire since the late 1970s and as a generous patron of Nigerian musicians.

One of the most notable tributes to her legacy came from the late Fuji maestro Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, who dedicated a 47-minute track titled Cash Madam to her in his 2004 album, Reality.

Her influence in the entertainment and social scene was unmatched, as she brought life and color to Nigeria’s social circles.

A legacy of generosity and business acumen

Edionseri was more than a socialite; she was a trailblazer in business. Her entrepreneurial spirit saw her wheeling huge proceeds from her ventures—literally cartloads of coins and notes—to Barclays Bank (now Union Bank) in the 1970s. Her son recalled how the bank allocated her a special room and a team of cashiers to manage her transactions, a rare privilege that cemented her reputation as a financial powerhouse.

Final farewell

Edionseri was laid to rest on Monday, January 6, 2025, at her residence in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) in Ibara, Abeokuta.

Speaking on her life, her son described her as a beacon of “grace, dignity, and unwavering faith,” adding, “She touched the lives of many through her wisdom, kindness, and dedication to her family and community. Her love, resilience, and faith in Allah are a legacy that will inspire generations.”

The family also expressed gratitude for the laughter, warmth, and values she instilled, promising to uphold the lessons she left behind as they navigate life without her.