Who Will Settle Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, Kemi Nelson’s Tiff?
Birthday celebrations are such practical and useful things. Not only does the celebrant get to enjoy the company, admiration and good-natured envy of guests, but there’s always the likelihood of having one or two chairs left vacant by an incensed relative, friend or associate; all of which account for many an entertaining, energetic evening.
One of the recent events which had the up-and-ups of Nigerian gentry in attendance was the birthday celebration of Kemi Nelson, the former Commissioner for Women Affairs. Such folks of worthy note as Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Lola Akande, were present, amongst other notable dignitaries.
However, as with those present, those absent were just as notable. The high-society personality that leaps to mind – who was conspicuously absent – is none other than APC Lagos Women Leader, Jumoke Okoya-Thomas. There’s the question to consider about whether she was invited in the first place, but that speculation must be left to insiders.
While Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and Kemi Nelson have been itemized in recent time as topping the list of friends who just don’t see eye to eye anymore, this latest stint merely scratches an old injury, one that the political duchesses allegedly have no intention of tending, or even concealing.
Those who are more interested in the reported feud than the average onlooker have labelled this absence of Jumoke Okoya-Thomas as retaliation for Kemi Nelson’s shunning of the 5th year remembrance of Chief Molade OkoyaThomas, Jumoke’s father, which was held just a few days back in Lagos. An eye for an eye, and absence for absence, it seems.
Recall that the alleged source of the feud is the seat of leadership of the women of Lagos State APC, which Kemi Nelson is currently occupying. According to sources, Jumoke OkoyaThomas was passed over, and the Women Leader position was instead given to Kemi Nelson. Before this time, it has been hinted, the women were close companions – friends even.
To make matters sourer, Kemi Nelson allegedly refused to give up the position during the last election – an action which was reportedly unanticipated by Jumoke Okoya-Thomas. As a result, jabs and barbs have been allegedly thrown from one party to the other, to the point that supporters have been reportedly injured in subsequent episodes of the quarrel, and properties have been destroyed.
Talk about the rot of dead friendship in the swamp of political power.