By Akinwale Kasali
The Nigeria Corporate/Social and Entertainment Circles were shaken on Monday with the news that accomplished Corporate Lawyer and socialite, Chioma Madubuko, and Regae artiste, Majek Fashek passed on.
How MS killed Madubuko
Chioma Madubuko’s death at the high profile Reddington Hospital took many by surprise. Perhaps, but for her family and close associates, not many knew she was ill.
Madubuko, a top lawyer, was the Legal Adviser/ Company Secretary to the Dangote Group, a position she voluntarily resigned from on January 24, 2020.
It is not yet confirmed if her voluntary resignation was because of ill-health, but a family source said she had, for sometime, been hospitalised at the Reddington Hospital, Lagos. The source said no expense was spared to save her life, “but she’s gone. She is at rest. We are devastated”.
This magazine gathered that Mrs Madubuko died of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
MS is a disease which makes the immune system eat away the protective covering of the nerves. Its symptoms include “vision loss, pain, fatigue and impaired coordination.”
As pretty as a rose, she was a top Lagos socialite, and happily married with kids.
Majek Fashek
His death has long been rumoured and denied as many times.
Many people think his health issues, and consequent death in a New York Hospital, on Monday, was self-inflicted.
For years, Majek has had a long battle with drugs and other related health issues. Born to an Edo mother and a Yoruba father, Majekodunmi Fashekunola (his real name), has been in and out of hospitals and drug rehabilitation facilities, after his lifestyle disrupted an, otherwise, promising and booming music career.
Popular as “The Rain Maker”, the news of his death was confirmed by his Manager, Omenka Uzoma, on the late singer’s official Instagram handle.
Before he travelled to the USA where he eventually died at the age of 57, he was at a London Hospital.
Announcing his death, his Manager tweeted:
“Today having pressure calls, well it is true that the African No 1 Legendary ICON has gone to be with the LORD his Maker,” he said.
“Let’s celebrate him, his achievements, and his family, whatever decisions made by his immediate family will be notified.”
Majek was born in Benin-City, Edo state,
In 2015, it was revealed that Majek was bankrupt and battling drug addiction.
After admitting that he needed help at the time, he was admitted to a drug rehabilitation centre in Abuja.
As one of Nigeria’s surviving Reggae music legend, Majek attracted international attention in 1987, with his self-penned tune, ‘’Send down the Rain.”
He will be remembered for the thought-provoking song that usually kept many on the dance floor. It was an appeal to Jag to open the heavens and bless the land with showers of blessings – aptly entitled: Send Down The Rain
Majek Fashek was married to Rita, from whom she was divorced, long before his passing, and they had children.
