…Ex- Queens pay tribute

By Rita Okoye

Sunday June 14, will remain a sad one for many Nigerians as news of the death of ex beauty queen and boss of Elizabeth R, Ibidun Itua- Ighodalo broke, throwing family and friends into mourning.

Late Queen Idunni Ituah-Ighodalo

The 1998/1999 Lux Photo Beauty Queen and wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo of Trinity House Church, reportedly died of cardiac arrest in Port Harcourt while on a business trip to the oil rich city.

Ighodalo, 39, was due to celebrate her 40th birthday on Sunday July 19.

Beside running a successful upscale, event management company she also provided grants for women to pay for IVF treatments through her Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation.

Ex- beauty queens

As Nigerians continues to mourn the exit of a rare gem, ex-beauty Queens pay tribute to one of their own who’s life they greatly admired.

She was my Helper, Confidant, Sister – Ifeoma Williams (Lux Photo Beauty Queen 1999/2000)

Ifeoma Williams

The news came as a shock and left me in despair and confusion. Most of all, I felt alone. Ibidun met me at a point only a few could ever aspire to; Helper, Confidant, Sister, Listener, Defender, Loyalist.

Whenever people heard us call each other LUX ‘O’, they wondered what it meant and it made us giggle. Now I ask your permission to let them in on the meaning; it meant – LUX ORIGINAL!

During the Lux competition, as I walked on the corridor that afternoon, after checking in, I looked up and saw who I still believe to be the most beautiful human in physical form that I have ever seen. We stared at each other. Later, I emerged winner and after the competition was over, we talked. Apparently, as I sighted her, the thought that crossed my mind was; if this girl is one of the contestants, what exactly am I doing here? She looked like a living angel! At the same time, the thought that crossed hers was; if this girl is a contestant, she surely is the winner. Our souls bonded from that day until forever. Thank you LUX O’. Sleep Well, Rest Now.

Ibidun was a good human being – Sylvia Edem Emechete (Miss Nigeria 2002)

Sylvia Edem Emechete

The news came as a shock to me and to many others who knew Ibidun. But I’m conscious that death is inevitable for us all. That knowledge humbles us and reminds us again that each day is a precious gift from our Creator and we must use it only for good.

Ibidun’s journey on this earth brought light to all those who knew her and her love was felt by even those who didn’t know her. I was a recipient of that love which she showed me with her friendship.

She had a tenacity for doing things properly. As the event planner for my wedding, she radiated grace and inner beauty but most of all, she was just a good human being.

She was a source of joy to all who knew her, and she always inspired me with her humility and kindness. She waa a beautiful Soul and I wish her safe travel with Love and Light to accompany her.

She was an exemplary beauty Queen – Dr. May Ikeora (Miss ECOWAS 2003-2005)

I got to hear about Ibidun Ighodalo’s passing from a friend on that sad morning. “You make a crown, a crown does not make you”. I did not know her well but this was how I saw her. She was an example of what a beauty Queen should be. Miss Lux may not have been Miss Nigeria; but, she made that pageant what it was, setting an amazing standard for her successor. She did not stop there but continued to be a Queen that many women could emulate.

I cannot begin to imagine the shock and sorrow her family and friends are feeling right now. I hope they take solace in the fact that she lived a good life of service to many.

May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace, and may God grant her loved ones the strength to live through her painful departure.

Ibidun left an imprint in my heart – Omowunmi Akinnifesi (MBGN 2005)

Omowunmi Akinnifesi

My heart is shattered and I’ve been numb. Ibidun was a quiet spirit, beautiful woman and very motherly. With the type of society we are in, you would wonder if she was pretending or faking it. She was that extraordinary. With her consistency, you will quickly realize that she just wanted good for everyone and being kind was her nature.

She was hardworking, driven and focused. We met over a decade ago at an Award ceremony. She would always ask, are you okay? Do you want anything to eat? Always! At every event, she made sure I was attended to even as I was much younger than her. That was Ibidun. She had a servant spirit. A Christ-like spirit. She often joked that she saw herself in me, that if people knew how nice and sweet I was, they would think I was faking it. Her words were always comforting. Ever graceful with her captivating smile.

Ibidun left an imprint in my heart. I believe she has gone home to our maker and the angels are singing praises to her return home. God will comfort her family in this time.

May her soul rest in perfect peace; my dear friend and sister Ibidun.

Your legacy will never be forgotten – Dabota Lawson (Miss Nigeria UK 2009)

Dabota Lawson

It’s so sad to see a beautiful and virtuous Queen gone too soon. I never met late Mrs Ibidun Ighodalo but I was privileged to see and observe some of her works through her foundation and events company. I have seen so many people talk about her and one thing that they all have in common is an experience of help, healing and support to those she came In contact with. A life worth emulating. Even in death, she has inspired me to continue to do whatever I can to make the world a better place, to give and share selflessly, to overcome limitations and do all with a killer smile.

Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord Queen. Your legacy will never be forgotten. May the holy spirit comfort her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult times and in the coming years. This is indeed a very painful loss.

She was a Queen who loved – Chidinma Leilani Aaron (Miss Nigeria 2018)

Chidinma Leilani Aaron

It’s truly a sad thing that happened last Sunday. Today, we pay tribute to late Queen Ibidun Ighodalo. A queen who was, a queen who loved. I raise my voice with my fellow queens to say, may the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.