Princess Abah Adesanya, popularly known as Abba Folawiyo or Sisi Abah, is a Nigerian fashion icon, cultural tastemaker, and businesswoman whose influence has shaped modern African fashion for decades. Born into royalty and refined through years of discipline, travel, and creativity, she became one of the first Nigerian women to successfully blend tradition with international style.
Abba Folawiyo Biography
| Profile Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Princess Abah Adesanya (Abba Folawiyo) |
| Year of Birth | 1942 |
| Age | 83 years old |
| State of Origin | Ogun State, Nigeria |
| Hometown | Ijebu-Ode |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Religion | Islam |
| Husband | Late Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo |
| Children | Two (1 son, 1 daughter) |
| Son | Segun Awolowo Jr. |
| Profession | Fashion Designer, Entrepreneur |
| Brand | Labanella Creations |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Background
Abba Folawiyo was born in 1942 into the royal household of Oba Adesanya of Ijebu-Ode in present-day Ogun State, Nigeria. Coming from a royal Yoruba family, she was raised with strong values around dignity, culture, and leadership.
Her mother was of Ghanaian origin, which influenced her name “Abah,” traditionally given to girls born on a Thursday in Akan culture. She spent parts of her childhood between Ghana and Nigeria, where she received her early education under the Catholic OLA (Our Lady of Apostles) Sisters. Though educated in a Catholic environment, she later practiced Islam, following her marriage into the Folawiyo family.
Education and Career Journey
Her early exposure to art, discipline, and culture shaped her love for fashion. In 1963, at the age of 25, Abba won the VC10 Best Designer Award in Ghana. This achievement earned her a trip to London, where she trained and refined her skills in professional fashion design.
By 1978, she returned to Nigeria and founded Labanella Creations, a fashion house that later became one of the most respected African fashion brands. By the 1980s, Labanella Creations had gained international recognition, showcasing African-inspired designs in London, Paris, and New York.
She became famous for modernizing traditional fabrics like Ankara and Aso-Oke, turning them into premium fashion pieces that maintained cultural authenticity while attracting global admiration.
Personal Life: Husband and Children
Husband
Abba Folawiyo’s life had different chapters in love:
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She was first married to Segun Awolowo, the eldest son of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Unfortunately, he passed away in a tragic car accident.
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She later married Laguna Adesanya, but the marriage ended in separation.
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Her most enduring marriage was to Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, one of Nigeria’s most respected businessmen and the Baba Adinni of Yorubaland. Through this marriage, she became widely known as Abba Folawiyo.
Children and Son
From her first marriage to Segun Awolowo, she had two children:
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One daughter
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One son, Segun Awolowo Jr.
It is important to note that Segun Awolowo Jr. is the biological son of Segun Awolowo, not Chief Folawiyo.
Tribe, Religion, and State of Origin
Abba Folawiyo is:
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From Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Of Yoruba tribe
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By religion, she practices Islam
Age and Personal Achievements
As of now, Abba Folawiyo is 83 years old. She marked her 80th birthday in 2022 with a grand celebration attended by respected figures in business, politics, and entertainment.
Beyond fashion, she also served as:
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A former National President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN)
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A life patron and mentor to younger designers across Nigeria and West Africa.
Her influence goes beyond clothing — she helped position fashion as a serious cultural and economic industry in Nigeria.
Net Worth
Abba Folawiyo’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. However, considering her decades in business, ownership of Labanella Creations, and family connections, she is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential and financially comfortable fashion pioneers.
FAQS
1. Who is Abba Folawiyo?
Abba Folawiyo, also known as Princess Abah Adesanya or Sisi Abah, is a Nigerian fashion icon, royal princess, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Labanella Creations, one of Nigeria’s most respected fashion brands, and a major figure in the growth of African fashion.
2. How old is Abba Folawiyo?
Abba Folawiyo was born in 1942 and is currently 83 years old.
3. Who is Abba Folawiyo’s husband?
Her most well-known husband was Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, a respected Nigerian businessman and Islamic leader, who later passed away.
4. How many children does Abba Folawiyo have?
She has two children from her first marriage to Segun Awolowo — one daughter and one son, Segun Awolowo Jr.
5. What tribe and state is Abba Folawiyo from?
Abba Folawiyo is from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria, and she belongs to the Yoruba tribe.
Conclusion
Abba Folawiyo’s life story reflects the journey of a woman who gracefully blended royalty, creativity, and resilience. From being a young princess of Ijebu-Ode to becoming an internationally respected fashion icon, her legacy continues to inspire young African designers to embrace culture while reaching for global excellence.
