Former Miss Olaide Oluseyi Olawoye, a medical doctor and her beau, Babafemi Ayobami Odumosu, who works at Larfage Wapco Concrete Mix in Ewekoro, Ogun State, got married at the St James Anglican Church, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. YINKA ADERIBIGBE was there.
Thirteen years ago while in secondary school, their paths crossed through a mutual friend. Penultimate Saturday that journey ended on a happy note as Olaide and Babafemi got married before their parents, friends, associates and the clergy.
This is the love story of Olaide Oluseyi Olawoye, a medical doctor observing her housemanship at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State and her beau, Babafemi Ayobami Odumosu, who works at the Ewekoro plant of Larfage Wapco Concrete Mix.
Guests had a foretaste of what was ahead a day earlier when the Olawoyes hosted the groom’s family to a lavish traditional wedding at their expansive courtyard. The bride’s father, Olusola Olawoye, his wife Temilade and the bride’s godmother Chief Olabisi Oyediji led others in receiving the Odumosu family into their home.
As grand as the traditional engagement was, the wedding was a show stopper. As early as 9am, the church was filled to capacity, with many who came late standing outside.
The groom, decked in a black suit with red flowered waist coat, red bowler hat, and black shoe, was ushered into the church a few minutes before 10am by a retinue of groom’s men all in black suit and hats, dancing . As he took his seat, the bride in a shimmering white gown and headpiece accompanied by the bridal train danced in.
Holding on to her father’s hand, they gyrated to the melodious tunes supplied by the choir as they made for the altar. He walked her to her seat before returning to take his seat behind the couple.
The clerics led by witty Canon Charles Ayeoribe proclaimed them husband and wife after the father publicly handed her over to the groom’s mother, Mrs Titilayo Odumosu, calling the church to bear witness. Moments later, the couple exchanged rings and they led other family representatives to sign the wedding certificate.
In his sermon, Revd Shola Ogunniran urged the couple to always walk with God, and ensure they make Him the bedrock of their marriage.
“Many marriages that were sealed in church today are crumbling because the parties refused to make God their foundation,” Revd Ogunniran said.
Revd Ogunniran enjoined the couple to respect each other and share each other’s burden and joy.
He beseeched them to pursue peace at all times and not be too far away from the Bible as soon as they begin to raise a family.
Members of the Mothers Union of the church filed out to formally induct the bride into their fold. Afterwards, they presented her with a Bible, urging her to make it her daily companion.
The couple alongside friends and family members moved to Abal Event Centre, Akobo, Ibadan for a lavish reception.
The venue was tastefully decorated with a touch of gold and wine. A ‘castle’ decorated in shimmering white lights was reserved for the couple.
The hall erupted in joy following their arrival and they were ushered into the hall with the classic Oruka ti dowo na, African Queen, by Tu Face, Azonto, and other hip hop love tunes by the energetic band. It was an opportunity for ‘Femi and ‘Laide to showcase their dancing prowess. As Femi engaged in the hip hop style, Laide engaged the Azonto dance steps to the admiration of all who urged her on as she sweated it out on the dancing floor.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State Prof E.O. Lagoke, enjoined the couple to make their marriage work, adding that it is the only institution where certificates were issued before graduation and where partners must always learn to subsume their individuality under one umbrella.
He enjoined the couple to take their challenges to God in prayer and refrain from listening to outsiders.
“In your marriage you must consider even your parents as outsiders and refrain from soliciting advice from any other quarter but from God. When you have absolute inner reliance on God you are never alone and the cross and challenges become easier to bear,” he said.
He supervised the cutting of the cake, assisted by the designer, who took time to explain the symbolism of the colours of the three- layered cake and prayed for the fruitfulness of the marriage.
Asked about her husband, Laide said: “I see Femi as a true and kind man. He is honest and down to earth. He taught me love in a good way and brought out the best in me. I know he would be a wonderful friend, husband and father and I pray God Almighty continue to bless him for me.”
Femi was not also lacking in compliments for his wife. He described Olaide as a beautiful woman.
“We met 13 years ago. Laide is a peaceful, gentle, caring and straight forward woman. Her definition of love is to ‘give everything without any expectation of any return.’ She has been there through the thick and thin of my life. I’m so honoured and privileged to call her my wife,” he said.
