Category: Entertainment

His death shook the country. The late Dr AbdulLateef Oladimeji Adegbite was larger than life. He was a devout Muslim; humanist and bridge builder. No wonder the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubabar, described his death as a loss to the Muslim community. A three-day fidau was held simultaneously in Lagos, Abeokuta and Abuja last Monday for the man, whose fame spread far and wide. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO writes.

EVERYTHING was being done to usher him into the club of Octogenarians on March 20, next year. The events planners had concluded arrangements to secure the main bowl of the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) at Race Course, Lagos for the celebration of what was aptly tagged: “Lateef Adegbite at 80”. Then providence intervened, disrupting their plan. Alhaji AbdulLateef Oladimeji Adegbite, renowned Islamic leader and erudite lawyer, died last Friday, about seven months to his 80th birthday. Being an unassuming and quiet man, all he wanted if he had lived up to 80 was to gather a few friends and offer prayers to Allah. Ironically, the TBS, where his friends were planning to hold an elaborate 80th birthday for him, was the venue of his three-day Fidau on Monday.

Adegbite held key positions, prominent among which were Secretary-General of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Baba Adini and Seriki of Egbaland.

As if he had the premonition of his death, Adegbite spent his last few weeks discharging some responsibilities through his aides.

Two days to his death, Adegbite, the pioneer National President of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), prayed for many people; peace and unity in Nigeria.

According to his widow, Alhaja Madinat, the Doctor of Law spent time, praying and admonishing the family.

“He enjoined us to be faithful to God, practise Islam in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad; tolerate people and do away with greediness,” Alhaja Madinat recalled.

“We never knew then that Baba was bidding us goodbye. The session with him was, indeed, long,” she added.

The crowd at his hometown, Onikolobo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, was massive when his remains were brought for interment on Saturday.

An early morning downpour was regarded by many as showers of blessings and a sign that he had found favour with Allah.

Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun supervised the preparations for the funeral including the grave.

Adegbite’s remains arrived with a large entourage comprising Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola; Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Alhaja Madinat; children and in-laws; Chairman, Lagos State Muslim Council (LSMC), Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi; Executive Director, Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, Alhaji Abdullahi Shuaib; Nigerian-born Malaysian scholar Dr Ahmad Rufai and Mr Wale Shakiru.

His remains, in a silver colour casket, draped in clothes bearing Arabic inscriptions and designs of the Holy Kaaba, arrived in his compound at 3:35pm in a Mercedes hearse marked TOS 7.

The arrival of the body elicited the spontaneous chant of “Allahu Akbar,” from the waiting large number of sympathisers, friends and relations.

Representatives of monarchs in Egbaland came with their staffs of office.

After a brief Jannazah (Islamic funeral prayers), led by the Sultan and the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji AbdulLiadi Orunsolu, Dr Adegbite’s remains were lowered into the grave at 3:56pm.

He shared final resting place with his mother, his elder brother, the late Prof Saburi Biobaku, a great historian and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos; Biobaku’s wife and Adegbite’s first wife, the late Alhaja Taibat.

Afterwards, there were prayers and goodwill messages.

The session was anchored by the quintet of former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof Ishaq Oloyede; Prof Gbadamosi; Dr Rufai; Alhaji Shuaib and Amosun’s Deputy Chief of Staff Alhaji Shuaib Salisu.

Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah in Southwest of Nigeria (MUSWEN) Prof Daud Noibi, delivered a lecture after the opening prayer by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Busari Suara Haruna III.

Guests later took turns to pay glowing tributes to the deceased.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of Interim National Government Chief Ernest Shonekan, Sultan Abubakar, Governors Amosun and Fashola and former Governor of the defunct Western State General Oluwole Rotimi described Adegbite as a bridge builder, an icon and a patriot who invested his time, energy and resources in uplifting mankind.

Obasanjo said the nation has lost an icon.

“But we take consolation in the fact that he lived a worthy life and left a legacy worthy of emulation. His place will be difficult to fill within our community, Egbaland and Nigeria. We pray that God will not leave us mourning and groping in the dark for a worthy replacement,” Obasanjo said.

According to Amosun, the rank of those whose toils and sweats got Nigeria Independence and nurture the nation is being depleted.

“His life was an admirable confluence of religion, tradition and civilisation, leaving indelible footprints in the sands of time,” he said.

For the late Adegbite, Fashola said, Islam came first, community came first, Nigeria came first.

“I am privileged to know that if he had put himself first, he would probably have lived longer, but he spent much more time for humanity; and that is the life of service that should be cherished by all of us and, perhaps, our multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious gathering here will help us move closer to the unity, the peace and the kind of Nigeria which he lived and died for,” the governor said.

Gen Rotimi in whose administration Adegbite served as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and later, Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice lamented:“I am bereaved.”

“He was not just my Commissioner but my personal friend. We entered King’s College together in 1950 and left in 1956. His words during my administration were governor’s words,” he said.

The Sultan said: “Words are not enough to express how Muslims accept the loss of this great servant of Allah. We have worked with him for six years and I know how much he had put his energy and resources to serve Muslims. The family has not lost anybody; the loss is for the Muslim Ummah.”

The deceased’s son, Oladipupo, thanked the guests on behalf of the family.

He said the late Egba High Chief believed in simplicity and worshippd God like nothing else.

“He taught us to be reputable in all things we do. We are, indeed, grateful for all the kind words,” he said.

The three-day Fidau was held simultaneously in Lagos, Abeokuta and Abuja.

Thousands thronged TBS for the Lagos event.

Alhaja Madinat and children sat in a long row beside the clerics.

The event featured prayers and recitations the Holy Quran, led by Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim and Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou.

Prof Noibi and National Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, delivered soul-inspiring lectures before the floodgate of goodwill messages opened.

Those who spoke included: National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former Lagos Deputy Governor Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu; Chairman, Jaiz Bank, Alhaji Umar AbdulMutalab; Chairman, Industrial and General Insurance Plc (IGI) Chief Remi Olowude; Dr Abdullateef Adetona of the Lagos State University (LASU); and Amir (President), MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen.

They described as a “great leader.”

Tinubu said the deceased ensured that many students acquired education.

He said: “Dr Lateef Adegbite was a great father, a great brother, a great leader and an icon. He was a man we must emulate at all times. The simultaneous prayers holding here in Lagos and Abeokuta show that he had a great exit. This confirms the blessings of Allah on him.”

Alhaja Okuunu described Adegbite as a man with good listening ears and a good servant of Allah.

She said: “He nurtured many of us; as women, he was always there for us. He was extremely accommodating, caring and loving. I do not know anybody who did so much for the society like the late Adegbite.”

Olowude, who saw Dr Adegbite two days before his death, recalled how the deceased spent a long time praying for so many people and Nigeria as a country.

“He lived the life of a blameless individual. If there is anything called a ‘saint’ he was truly a saint,” the IGI chief said.

Alhaji AbdulMutalab, who had related with the late Adegbite for 25 years, said his death was shocking.

“It is going to be difficult to replace him,” he said.

Dr Adetona said the deceased wanted nothing but perfection.

Among the dignitaries at both events were Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Minister of Communication Technology Mrs Omobola Johnson; former Governors Olusegun Osoba (Ogun); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun) and Niyi Adebayo (EKit); former Lagos Deputy Governor Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu; Business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Mr Goodie Ibru; Chief Rasak Okoya; Secretary to the Ekiti State Government Alhaji Ganiyu Owolabi; Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe; Justice AbdurRashid Sahid; Prof AbdulFatah Mabadeje, his wife Prof Saida; Prof Taofeequat Odutola; Prof Muhib Opeloye; Prof Yahya Oyewole; Prof Is-haq Akintola; Senator Gbenga Kaka, Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Prince Surajudeen Adekumbi, Chief Alani Bankole, former Minister of Mines and Steel, Alh. Sharafadeen Tunji Ishola; Sheikh Dhikrullahi Shafi’I; Sheikh AbdulMajeed Ayinla; Amir, The Muslim Congress Mallan Luqman AbdurRaheem; Alhaji Hakeem Kosoko; Sheikh Mijitaba Giwa; Sheikh Rahman Gbajabiamila; former Editor of The Punch Alhaji Najeem Jimoh; Alhaja Sherifah Andu; Alhaji Fatai Olajide; Alhaja Fatimat Bintu Tinubu; Mr Musibau Adeniran; Mr Kola Onadipe; Mrs Ibidun Oshodi; and many others.

The three-phased carnival-like marriage between former Governor Bola Tinubu’s nephew, Prince Adedamola Adetokunbo Moshood Kasunmu, and Princess Oluwaseun Christiana Akomolafe began with a colourful engagement ceremony in Ibadan on Friday, August 31. The event, which took place at The Civic Centre in the Idi-Ape area of the ancient city, was highly grand.

The church wedding took place the next day at All Souls Church, while the reception was held at The Fun Factory, both in the Bodija of the town. In attendance were dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori.

The chairman of the Ibadan reception was the Ekiti State Head of Service, Sir Bunmi Famosaya.

Being a Muslim, the groom’s family held a Nikkah for the couple on Saturday, September 8 at Blue Roof Arena of LTV 8, Ikeja. This was the third phase of the wedding.

The groom is the grandson of Alhaja (Dr) Abibatu Mogaji, OON, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and the mother of the former Lagos State Governor,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. His father is Chief Adekunle Kasunmu, the Amoye Ilu of Lagos, while his late mother, Mrs Abiodun Kasunmu ,was the daughter of Alhaja Mogaji.

Adedamola is the Executive Director of Modupe Group of Schools.He also runs other organisations such as Biodams Resources Ltd. He trained as lawyer at the University of Wolverhampton, and he is also the national leader of the Democratic Group. The bride, Oluwaseun, from Ekiti State, is a professional make-up artiste. A graduate of the Babcock University, her father, Rev. Victor Akomolafe, is a retired Permanent Secretary with the Ekiti State civil service.

During the Nikkah, the bride was converted to Islam, the religion of her husband and was given a new name, Simbiat.

Present at the event were the 96-year-old grandmother of the groom, Alhaja Mogaji; the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Mrs Sade Tinubu-Ojo; Lagos State First Lady, Dame Abimbola Fasola,Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Amosun, National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande and his wife, among others.

The chairman of the Nikkah was Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas.

A reception has been held for legal giant Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who was conferred with Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan, reports KAMARUDEEN OGUNDELE

IN today’s Nigeria, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) needs no introduction; he bestrides the legal profession like a colossus. As a fitting tribute to his many legal battles, he was honoured by his country with the officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) on September 17. After he received the award from President Goodluck Jonathan, he was hosted to a reception organised by his law firm. Olanipekun was accompanied to the event held at the Hawthorn Suite, Abuja by his wife, Omolara, who wore a multi-colour lace with maroon gele and Ipele to match, and children. Clad in Agbada, Olanipekun told the gathering that no honour given to a citizen by his country “is too small.”

His contribution to legal jurisprudence dates back to 1976 when he was called to the Bar. For those who have listened to him in court, Olanipekun, unarguably, is one of the finest in the legal profession with powerful advocacy and uncommon humour.

He was the lead counsel to the late President Umaru YarAdua and the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan in 2007 and 2011 at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunals, and he won.

He was also the lead counsel to Buba Marwa in the famous “Tenure Elongation Suit”, where five governors were sacked by the Supreme Court after they had won their cases at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal.

The atmosphere at the venue of the celebration was electrified with the rendition of Olanipekun’s panegyric by his wife, who thanked God for preserving his life.

Olanipekun’s friend of many years, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), proposed the toast to the guests’ delight. Among the guests were Olanipekun’s former teachers, Pa Saka (90) and Chief Olubayo Kayode, who came from Ekiti.

Awomolo recalled their days as junior lawyers struggling to make a name.

He relived how Olanipekun worked to achieve fame, advising the younger generation to emulate him. He described Olanipekun as a true friend who always wants good things to come the way of his friends.

Cutting of the cake follwed the toast.

House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, who was first Assistant National Secretary of the Nigerian bar Association (NBA) in 2000-2002, described Olanipekun as a man of honour, who believes in the Nigeria project.

Tambuwal said Olanipekun was one of those who ensured that he was elected Speaker.

He said: “Indeed, today is a great day, not only in the life of Olanipekun, but also in the life of so many of us because our leader and daddy is being celebrated for having been recognised by the Federal Government.

‘’Chief Olanipekun has done marvellously well, not only in the area of legal profession but also in so many other areas which many of you don’t know. Chief did not only produce judges and senior advocates, but he was one of the very strong pillars that produced the current leadership of the House of Representatives.

‘’So, his sphere of influence is not limited to the legal profession, but transcends all spheres of the fabric that makes up the entity known as Nigeria’’

Senator Smart Adeyemi said he knew Olanipekun in Ilorin over 20 years ago when he was a journalist. He described him as an “honourable man worthy of emulation.”

When it was time to respond, Olanipekun left no one in doubt of his understanding of the rich Yoruba culture and respect for institutions.

“In Yorubaland, he said, when you are given something small, you don’t reject it. No honour of a nation is too small, it makes me more humble.

“It is an honour and I feel honoured. I feel appreciated and also appreciative of my nation, of my state, the nation of Nigeria for recognising me. One thing I noticed which tickles me is that in the citation, it is put there that I am being honoured for my outstanding contribution to legal jurisprudence and development and the course of justice in Nigeria. That is my profession; the profession of law and for my nation to have singled me out among others, recognising me for my contribution to legal development and to our jurisprudence nourishment and enhancement and development of our jurisprudence and course of justice, I am appreciative. And I want to thank God for it.”

His first son, Dapo, thanked the guests for coming to celebrate with the family. He said his parents are the best any child could wish for.

Among those in attendance were Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Minority Leader Suleiman Kawu, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, his Attorney-General, Dayo Akinlaja (SAN).

Royal flavour also added to the reception. The Akaiyejo of Ikere, Oba Samuel Adegoke Adegboye, sent his staff of office as a mark of royal presence. Chief Sao Kayode Omotosho also led other high chiefs including the Osolo, Chief J.O Oloro; the Asaye, Chief Oluwafemi James and the Akapesa, Chief Oladimeji Adegboye to the event.

The dignitaries included the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdullahi; former Lagos State Military Administrator, Brig-General Buba Marwa; Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Niyi Akintola (SAN) and former Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tunji Akeredolu.

The evening started with the rendition of soulful Christian songs such as Great is thy faithfulness by a bevy of ladies from the Living Spring Choral Society. It was a prelude to what the evening had in store for the distinguished audience. It all happened at the reception for Theophilous Adekunle Abidemi Oyesanya, who was conferred with the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on September 11.

For the audience, the 600-capacity Lagos City Hall, was the place to be last Saturday.

With ace comedian SeyiLaw as the compere, the evening, which featured poetry; choral interludes; solo performances; reminiscences; short speeches; documentary and chops and drinks, was laced with rib-cracking jokes. It was, indeed, an evening to honour a lawyer, a music composer par excellence and a consummate Christian and a family man.

At the entrance of the hall were beautiful ladies from the stable of Stesi, the event planner, who acted as ushers. Smartly dressed in white and gold evening gown, their courteous and warm disposition put the guests at ease. With the air conditioners working at their optimal level, everyone felt cool in the cosy atmosphere of the hall decorated by McChezy Decorations and Arts.

Pastor Gbenga Adefarakan said the opening prayer.

Mrs Kemi Makanju (Nee Oyesanya) recited a poem she wrote in honour of her brother. There were other solo performances by the likes of the new SAN’s daughter, Olajumoke, son, Oluwajomiloju and Pastor Oluwawemimo Odunaiya, who did a number: “Niggers walked on the Missippi”.

While these were on, guests were treated to nice cocktails, food and small chops, and choice wines by Baylow Cocktails, JJB Kitchen and Grubbix, and Tims. Desserts were served by Rosalitas.

When it was time for tributes, those who spoke eulogised Oyesanya.

His childhood friend, Prince Foluso Onagoruwa, described him as his industrious. He recalled their growing days and the things they did together. “I have known Abidemi for over 36 years. We started together, played together and ate together,” he reminisced, singing one the songs composed by Oyesanya on Nigeria.

The celebrator could not hide his joy. He was everywhere in the hall, greeting friends and well-wishers who graced the event. Dressed in a coffee-brown Kaftan, the bespectacled Senior Advocate in a chat gave the Almighty all the glory. He was also grateful to his family and those who had in the course of his life shaped his career and, ultimately, his destiny.

Selection into the elevated rank, he agreed, was in the past fraught with all manner of irregularities. But he said things were being done to bring sanity into the selection of SANs. He lauded this year’s selection, saying the committee in-charge did a thorough job.

“In fact, in the last three years, we should give it to the legal practitioners committee. They know what they are doing. Like everything in Nigeria, people want to come in through the back door, but the committee has begun fine-tuning the process. This last set was thoroughly done and everyone agreed,” he said.

He prayed God to grant him the ‘Solomonic’ wisdom to excel and surpass the achievements of those before him.

The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Hon Kingsley Kuku drew Vice-President Namadi Sambo and other dignitaries to Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, during the launch of his book entitled Remaking the Niger-Delta: Challenges and Opportunities, last Friday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there.

THE expansive Jasmine Hall of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos witnessed a mammoth crowd of A-list personalities.

Led by Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, who stood in for President Goodluck Jonathan, the guests streamed into the exquisite hotel in sleek cars.

They came for the public presentation of a book written by Hon Kingsley Kuku entitled Remaking the Niger-Delta: Challenges and Opportunities.

The book tells the story of 50 years of neglect, exploitation, oil industry and state repression and pays tribute to the martyrs of freedom movements such as Boro and Ken Saro-Wiwa. It celebrates the now three year old amnesty programme initiated by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua in 2009 in a courageous effort to save Nigeria from economic meltdown.

A development manual, the book underlines the critical importance of the Niger Delta to the development of Nigeria and, especially to the capacity of the federation to provide meaningful employment for its youth by ending its over dependence on oil and gas and diversifying the economy while the oil lasts.

Kuku, Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, has come a long way from his days on the Creeks when they gathered in a class to discuss the desprilation of their environment by oil companies. Under the Tutelage of the late Isaac Adaka Boro, they learnt many things, especially how to reshape their communities.

Later on, Oronto Douglas, an activist lawyer, led them to the streets to express their grievances. This went on until the bearded Mujahid Dokubo-Asari joined the struggle.

According to Kuku, who is Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme,Dokubo-Asari’s arrival changed the course of the struggle.

Militancy later snowballed into a money-spinning ventures courtesy of kidnapping, prompting the government to seek the way out.

When the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua initiated the Amnesty Programme in 2009, some of the militants’ leaders found themselves in the corridor of power.

One of them according to Ijaw leader, Pa Edwin Clark, is Kuku.

Kuku was brought into the Amnesty Programme Committee by his predecessor, Mr Timi Alaibe. Since then, he has been a revelation, assisting in encouraging the militants to drop their weapons and embracing the Federal Government’s olive branch.

Today, the history of the success of the amnesty programme is incomplete without mentioning the contributions of the Ondo State-born graduate of crisis resolution.

Indeed, last Friday event was breath-taking and entertaining; one that saw the duo of Richard Mofe-Damijo, Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Bimbo Oloyede, a veteran news caster, as compere.

As soon as Sambo walked into the hall, the event commenced.

It featured national anthem, prayers, citation of the author, book review and musical interlude among others.

The review of the book was done by the duo of Prof Gus John, associate Professor, University of London and Prof Gordini Darah, Professor of Oral Literature and Folklore at Delta State University, Abraka.

There was entertainment and musical interlude from comedian Ayo Makun (AY), Timi Dakolo, Corporate Dance World.

It was capped with a superlative cultural display by the cultural troupe from the Niger-Delta region.

In his remark, Senate President, David Mark, who chaired the occasion, applauded the commitment of the author to the development of the nation.

Senator Mark, represented by Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, said the militants have been reformed to responsible citizens courtesy of the Amnesty Programme.

Sambo, before unveiling the book, expressed happiness to beat the presentation.

He described Kuku as one of the Nigerians brain box.

The book, he said, underscored scholarship and deep research.

He recommended it to scholars and researchers.

Clad in white Niger-Delta outfit, Sambo congratulated Kuku for helping “this generation and generation yet unborn to know the history of the region.”

He and Lagos paramount ruler Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Senator Abatemi-Usman unveiled the book amidst glittering lights.

Kuku thanked President Jonathan; Sambo, Oba Akiolu, Alaibe and a host of others for honouring his invitation.

He nearly read out names of dignitaries at the event and people that assisted him in his making.

He announced that the proceeds from the book would be donated to Keketobou Care Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) named after his late mother.

One of the white cap chiefs present was called to deliver the closing prayer.

Among the personalities on the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Chairman Senate Committee on Niger-Delta, Senator James Manager; Bayelsa State Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw Affairs, Dr Felix Tuodolo represented Governor Seriake Dickson; former House of Reps deputy Speaker Hon Chibudom Nwuche; a renowned Niger-Delta female activist, Ann kio Briggs; former leader of the Ijaw Youth Council and Niger-Delta agitator, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari among others.

It was their day of glory. Risqat Ramoni of The Nation and her beau, Yusuf Tijani sealed their one-year relationship with marriage last Sunday.

It was held at the auditorium of Shangisha Central Mosque, Ketu, Lagos.

The weather was cool and calm, the environment was welcoming. Guests thanked God for the serenity of the atmosphere.

The Shangisha Central Mosque hall was beautifully decorated.

The groom, Yussuf, was resplendent in blue Agbada and sokoto

He arrived the venue in a Honda SUV accompanied by his friends.

The bride, Risqat, was dressed in blue colour Hijab.

The occasion was chaired by the former Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) ace broadcaster now General Manager, Ogun State Television (OGTV), Mr Ayinde Soaga.

The event began with a reading from the Quran.

The proceedings of the Nikkah was coordinated by the Chief Imam of Erunwon in Ogun State, Imam Mikail Rufai.

The couple was joined in Holy Matrimony by the Imam after all requirements had been met by both families.

The cleric sought the permission of the couple’s parents to join Risqat and Yusuf. They concurred joyously.

Imam Rufai urged parents not to deprive their children of getting married early, saying this would help to sanitise the society and help the children grow well.

He said marriage is a union ordained by God and that it should be respected.

“Marriage is a union set by God and it is important at a particular time in everyone’s life,” he said.

He prayed for the success of the marriage.

The cleric urged the couple to be God fearing and hold firm to the ropes of God.

Imam Rufai advised the couple to be patient with one another, saying it is the only way to a successful marriage.

Risqat, a graduate of Mass Communication from the Olabisi Olabanjo University, said she was happy and on top of the world.

“We actually met at a programme last year and we became friends, which grew to love and now, marriage and I feel very happy because this is a great achievement being that my husband is the kind of man I want in my life,” she said.

Yusuf, a Business Administration graduate from the Lagos City Polytechnic, could not hide his feelings as he declared the day as his happiest.

“I feel very grateful, good and happy,” he said.

The couple took photographs with family and guests.

Advising the couple, the bride’s father Alhaji Haruna Abdul Rahman, urged them to keep to the words of the officiating Imam.

He said he was happy the ceremony was a success.

“I feel very happy,” he said.

“My advice to them is to know that they are forming their own family different from the one they are used to. They should always be patient with each other and I know they would live in peace,” he said.

The groom’s father, Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Tijani, said: “I feel very happy because my son who is like a twin brother to me is getting married today and it gives me great joy.”

Marriage, he said, is not always a bed of roses, enjoining the couple to respect each other’s opinion.”

Big canopies mounted outside the hall housed some of the guests who were treated to choice food and drinks.

Bolaji Osho of The Nation and his lovebird Olufunmi Awopeju, a linguistics graduate of the Ekiti State University, got married last Saturday at the Isolag Junior School, Akute, Ogun State. AMINAT ADESINA was there

The hall was ornately decorated in gold and blue. It blended with the colours of the event.

Family, friends and colleagues converged on the Isolag Junior School, Akute, Ogun State to share in the joy of Bolaji Osho of The Nation and his lovebird Olufunmi Awopeju, a Linguistics graduate of the Ekiti State University.

The duo bade farewell to singlehood after seven years of courtship.

The guests were thrilled by the performance of the anchors.

Shortly after, the event began with an opening prayer, led by Deaconess Yemisi Apanisile.

After which the couple were introduced to the guests.

Bolaji, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, looked charming in his blue top, agbada and a blue cap to match. He was accompanied by his friends who were all clad in uniformed Ankara.

He was introduced formally to the bride’s family amid prayers by both families.

The groom performed the ritual prostration, a tradition during engagement in Yorubaland, with his friends.

He was then led to a gold arm chair meant for the couple.

Olufunmi’s arrival was greeted with pomp.

Everyone stood to catch a glimpse of the bride.

She looked radiant in her blue Iro and Buba with matching blue head gear.

She danced to the song, Oni lojo Ayo mi, meaning Today is my day of joy as she was led into the hall by the bridesmaids.

No doubt, she was the cynosure of all eyes as she acknowledged greetings from friends and family members.

After receiving blessings from her parents and in-laws, she was asked to pick the most treasured gift from the things brought by her husband’s family, she picked the Bible.

She was later asked to fit the cap on her husband’s head which she carefully did on her knees, a sign of respect.

The engagement cake designed like a fruit basket in yellow and gold was cut.

The couple thereafter performed their ‘first assignment’ – feeding each other.

Olufunmi described her husband as the best thing that has ever happened to her

The Ekiti State-born lady said: “He is gentle, kind and understanding. He is everything to me and the best thing that can ever happen to me,” she enthused.

Bolaji, a graduate of Accountancy from the University of Lagos, said he met his wife through a friend.

‘’She is what matters most to me,” he said.’

The bride’s father, Mr Sunday Awopeju, said he felt on top of the world giving his last born, Olufunmi’s hand out in marriage.

‘’I feel fulfilled now as a father. I’m so glad my daughter is getting married to Bolaji. I see him like my son and not son in-law because he is respectful, humble and down to earth’’

The groom’s mother, Mrs Elizabeth Osho, described her daughter-in-law as a well-mannered woman, brought up in a good Christian home.

The Chairman on the occassion, Elder Jonathan Owa, urged the bride to be submissive to her husband, and the husband to also reciprocate.

“When you are being submissive and respectful, you can get whatever you want from your husband and also make him do your wish because you have the keys to his heart,” he said.

There were lots to drink and eat from small chops to a variety of cuisines.

Asiwaju Lekan Great supplied the music that got everyone on the dance floor.