Queen (Dr.) Sayidatu Olubunmi Ajibade-Hassan, popularly known as Mama Miliki, is a woman whose remarkable journey has traversed music, culture, community leadership, women's development, traditional institutions and public service.
A personality of many dimensions, she has earned recognition both in Nigeria and internationally for her contributions to entertainment, culture and community engagement. Her story is one of determination, reinvention and an enduring commitment to the people and culture she represents.
A QUEEN BY NAME, HERITAGE AND RECOGNITION
The title Queen has become inseparable from her public identity. Interestingly, a published profile by The Nation states that she was given the nickname “Queen” by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent leader of the old Western Region. The same account notes that she was subsequently also known as “Oba Ilu Ebo.”
Thus, the appellation Queen is not simply a modern social description attached to her name; it forms part of the story of how she became publicly known.
Her connection with royalty and traditional culture has continued throughout her life. More recent publications identify her as Queen (Dr.) Sayidatu Olubunmi Ajibade-Hassan, aka Mama Miliki, the Iyalaje of High Society Club of Nigeria.
Her public engagements with traditional institutions have included her participation in Yoruba cultural celebrations and her messages to traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife during the Olojo Festival.
A MUSICAL JOURNEY THAT CROSSED BORDERS
Before becoming known for her extensive community and cultural activities, Mama Miliki established herself in the world of Juju music.
According to The Nation and Independent, she performed on major stages in London and the United States and shared the stage with leading Nigerian musicians. She was also tutored by celebrated figures including Chief Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Ade Love, Art Alade and Bode Ogundimu, popularly known as Swing Pawpaw.
Her international musical exposure became one of the defining chapters of her life.
RECOGNITION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
One of the most notable recognitions associated with her musical career came after one of her major performances in the United Kingdom.
Published accounts report that Mama Miliki was recognised by the late Queen Elizabeth II following a major performance in the UK.
This is a particularly significant part of her international story. However, because available published reports do not specify the formal name, date or nature of the recognition, it is more accurate for publication to describe it as recognition by the late Queen Elizabeth II, rather than assigning an unverified award title.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
Throughout her public life, Mama Miliki has been associated with recognition for her activities in entertainment, community engagement, culture and public mobilisation.
One published report from 2023 listed Queen Bunmi Ajibade (Mama Miliki) among personalities selected to receive recognition at a national programme organised by a conference of support groups. The event included an Awards & Artiste Night designed to recognise political, economic and social figures.
Her recognition should therefore be viewed in the broader context of her public contributions—as a musician, cultural personality, women's leader and community figure.
CULTURAL LEADERSHIP
Mama Miliki's activities have increasingly connected her with Yoruba culture and traditional institutions.
In 2023, she publicly extended greetings to the Ooni of Ife during the Olojo Festival, describing the festival as an important celebration of Yoruba heritage, tradition, values and unity.
In 2025, she was publicly identified as the Iyalaje of High Society Club of Nigeria.
This cultural dimension has become an important part of her contemporary public identity.
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP
Queen Sayidatu Olubunmi Ajibade-Hassan is also the founder of the Authentic Queen Ladies Club of Nigeria, an organisation that brings together women from different walks of life.
The club has created a platform for friendship, mutual support, recognition and social engagement among women.
In 2024, Nigerian Tribune reported the club's participation in the 82nd birthday celebration of veteran Juju and gospel musician Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. The report identified Mama Miliki as the founder and president of the organisation at the time.
Her relationship with Obey is particularly significant because he was not only one of the great musicians who influenced her musical journey but has also been regarded by the organisation as its spiritual father.
FROM ENTERTAINMENT TO COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Mama Miliki's life demonstrates an unusual transition from entertainment into wider community engagement.
Her activities have extended across Nigeria and the Nigerian diaspora, particularly the United States. Her experience in entertainment enabled her to build relationships across different communities, while her later activities expanded into women's leadership, cultural affairs and grassroots mobilisation.
She has consequently become known not simply as a former musician but as a personality with a broad network spanning entertainment, culture, traditional institutions and community organisations.
HER IBADAN ROOTS
Her roots remain an important part of her identity.
Published accounts state that she was born into the Aboderin and Gbolarumi families of Ibadan, Oyo State, and was brought up by her grandmother, Madam Otolorin Abeke Olowu (née Layode). Her grandmother was described as a sewing mistress and a woman leader of the former Action Group in Ibadan during the Western Region era.
Her family background therefore exposed her from an early age to community participation and public affairs.
A WOMAN OF MANY TITLES
Over the years, different dimensions of her life have been reflected in the titles and descriptions associated with her name:
Queen Sayidatu Olubunmi Ajibade-Hassan
Mama Miliki
Queen of culture and entertainment
Iyalaje of High Society Club of Nigeria
Founder, Authentic Queen Ladies Club of Nigeria
Each title reflects a different chapter of her public journey.
LEGACY OF A CULTURAL WOMAN
Mama Miliki's story is ultimately about a woman who has continually reinvented herself while remaining connected to her cultural roots.
From her musical performances in Nigeria, London and the United States, to her recognition in the United Kingdom, her work with women, her cultural engagements and her connection with traditional institutions, she has maintained a visible presence across several spheres.
Her story is also one of international exposure without losing cultural identity.
MAMA MILIKI — A NAME THAT HAS ENDURED
For those who know her as Mama Miliki, the name represents more than music.
It represents a woman who has travelled through different chapters of Nigerian social life—entertainment, culture, women's leadership, community mobilisation and traditional affairs—and continues to remain active.
Her recognition following her UK performance, her association with renowned Nigerian musicians, her royal identity, her cultural leadership and her work with women all form important chapters in a life that continues to evolve.
Queen (Dr.) Sayidatu Olubunmi Ajibade-Hassan—Mama Miliki—is a personality whose journey embodies culture, resilience, relationships and service, with a story that continues to unfold across Nigeria and the diaspora.
Reports from her published profile online
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