Frank ‘Papas’ Okamigbo’s Mother For Burial After Easter

Plans have reached an advanced stage for the burial of Lady Adaeze Asa Black Nnem, the mother of renowned nightlife impresario Franklin Emenike Okamigbo, popularly known as Frank Papas, with the family considering a date in April, after the Easter celebrations, according to sources close to them.

The late Lady Adaeze, a princess by birth, passed on in November 2025, prompting an outpouring of emotion from Okamigbo, who announced her death in a deeply personal tribute that spoke of gratitude, love, and admiration.

In his message, he described her as his teacher, confidant, and “true wingwoman,” crediting her with shaping his values, strength, and outlook on life.

He praised her as exceptionally intelligent, cheerful, and an extraordinary grassroots organiser, thanking her for the sacrifices, care, and unwavering love she gave him and his sisters.

Papas signed off the tribute on behalf of the family, noting that burial arrangements would be communicated in due course.

Beyond being a devoted mother, Lady Adaeze was portrayed as a woman of grace and poise, deeply rooted in faith and culture. She was known as a meticulous bookkeeper and a dependable problem-solver who offered counsel and support to people across social and cultural lines, earning respect that reflected both her royal lineage and personal character.

As discussions around burial rites progress, sources say the family is mindful of tradition and protocol befitting her status as a princess, while also considering the schedules of relatives, friends, and associates expected to pay their last respects.

A post-Easter date in April is said to be the leading option as consultations near completion.

Frank Papas, a towering figure in Nigeria’s nightlife industry, rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with the innovative Club Papas concept, a movable party experience hosted within existing entertainment venues.

His major breakthrough came with Papas at K’s Place, the upscale Victoria Island nightclub owned by Lebanese businessman Kamal Boustani, a partnership that firmly established his reputation as a creative force.

He later expanded his influence through Papas at The Place, in collaboration with the popular restaurant and lounge chain, cementing his status as one of the masters of the craft.

Widely regarded as a gentleman of refined taste and etiquette, Okamigbo helped redefine nightlife in Nigeria, bringing structure, discipline, and respectability to an industry often seen as chaotic.

Over time, the Papas name evolved beyond a brand, becoming a symbol of elegance and class.

With the passing of his mother, Okamigbo’s public tribute offered a rare glimpse into the private world behind the lights and music—a world anchored in gratitude, culture, and the enduring values instilled by the woman who raised him.

As the family prepares to lay Lady Adaeze Asa Black Nnem to rest after Easter, the forthcoming burial is expected to be both a solemn farewell and a dignified celebration of a life marked by faith, wisdom, and quiet influence.