Nigerian fashion designer, Toyin Lawani has countered claims centered on her background and her family. 

The celebrity stylist who is celebrating her 40th birthday today March 1, told Her Network that many people believe she’s from the streets. Toyin Lawani went on to disclose that she’s from a royal family in Ekiti state. 

She revealed that her maternal grandfather, Chief Elijah Babalola, was the first minister of works in the western region, and her grandmother was the Regent of Ikoyi Ikole Ekiti. She added that her paternal grandfather, Yisha Lawani, was the official commissioner of police in Lagos, and her father, Alh Shehu Lawani, was an aide to the former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon.

Lawani said; 

 I am the CEO of Tiannahs Place Empire, which consists of over 33 businesses under one roof. I am a native of Lagos State and a University of Lagos English graduate.

Because of how hard I work and hustle, most people believe I’m from the streets, but this is not the case. I come from a royal family in the state of Ekiti. My maternal grandfather, Chief Elijah Babalola, was the first minister of works in the western region, and my grandmother was the Regent of Ikoyi Ikole Ekiti.

My paternal grandfather, Yisha Lawani, was the official commissioner of police in Lagos, and my father, Alh Shehu Lawani, was an aide to the former president, Gowon.