Category: Entertainment

Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan joined the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse, at a thanksgiving to celebrate the Itsekiri nation last Sunday. SHOLA O’NEIL writes

It is a yearly event where Itsekiri indigenes gather to thank God for His mercies in the outgoing year. The 2012 edition was held on December 30 at the palace of the Olu of Warri. The church hall in the hallowed palace brimmed with Itsekiri indigenes and their friends, singing and dancing. They were led by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and his wife, Roli; were also there.

After the Itsekiri and National anthems’ rendition, the Praise Leader, Mrs. Elizabeth Tuoyo, led some prominent Itsekiri gospel groups in an awe-inspiring praise and worship session. Mrs Tuoyo noted that the Itsekiri nation “has so much to be thankful to God for” in a turbulent year in which flood ravaged communities within and outside the state.

She said their monarch and the Itsekiri were grateful that they made it into the sanctuary of God and not the mortuary.

The Royal Voices Choir, the famous Ugono for Jesus Group and Joint Native Choir of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Olu Palance took over proceedings for about one hour.

The most memorable session of the service was the sermon by the Chaplain of Warri Kingdom, Dr. Mark Erumi. The sermon, which focused on the essence of thanksgiving, was laced with the chaplain’s personal experience and the biblical story of Cain and Abel.

To drive home his point, the chaplain recounted how, as a Class III student at the Federal Government College, Warri, in 1963, his inability to thank his aunt who sent him a gift cost him dearly. He did not receive anything again from her until her death years later.

The lesson of the story was clear to everybody in the mini-theatre and canopies outside the Church, particularly, the Itsekiri whose communities were not hit by the flood which wreaked havoc in some parts of Delta State.

Dr. Erumi condemned adultery, reminding men and women, who engage in this ‘sinful’ practice of its dire consequences.

He said it was not good enough for people to go to church at the end of the year for thanksgiving only to return to their wayward lifestyle after.

“We can appear before God in thanksgiving – we can give the very best of what we have – but if our hearts are not in the place to please God, we are giving thanks without a pure heart and it will not be acceptable to God,” he said.

Governor Uduaghan said the yearly event is a blessing to him and his family. He praised the monarch for the progress his reign has brought to the state, saying the greatest stride yet was the establishment of the educational trust fund for the nation.

The General Overseer, Foursquare Gospel Church, Revd. Felix Meduoye, thanked the Ogiame for his kind heartedness and prayed for the continued growth and prosperity of the Itsekiri nation. Revd. Meduoye’s message was delivered by Revd. Sam Aboyeji, Warri District Pastor.

The monarch and Uduaghan led the palace chiefs, including Chief Gabriel Mabiaku; Chief Willy Edema-Ofoni; Chief Water Omadeli; Tuoyo Omatsuli; Prof Rowland Yomere; Mr Gbesimi Akpere and Hon Kent Omatsone to thank God at the church altar.

Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly Hon. Basil Ganagana, led other Deltans from all walks of life to the ceremony. They included Senator James Manager; former Minister of Police Affairs Alaowei Broderick Bozimo; Hon. Ossai Ossai; Hon Evelyn Oboro-Ojakovo; Hon. Pat Ajudua; Hon. Johnson Erijo and pioneer Speaker of the Assembly Hon. Emmanuel Okoro.

Other guests were Chief Israel Abido; Commissioner for Works Hon. Asupa Forteta; Hon Funkekeme Solomon, his Housing counterpart, Paulinus Akpeki; Political Adviser to the governor Chief Fred Majemite; former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Dr. Joseph Otumara; Hon. Michael Diden and Hon. Irene Imilar.

Revd. Wilson Ofoluwafor said the prayer for the monarch and the kingdom. He said the ethnic group was lucky to have a Christian monarch and prayed for God’s protection over him, his wife and family. Revd. Aboyeji said the closing prayer at 2pm.

Ace sports commentator Fabio Olanipekun’s daughter, Omolola has got married to Olaoluwa Fanu at City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there. 

For the families of Fabio Olanipekun and Adewale Fanu, December 15 was the day the Lord made for their children to be joined together as man and wife. The solemnisation of the union between Omolola Olumayowa (nee Olanipekun) and Akinwande Olaoluwa Fanu took place at the City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

Looking dapper in his ash suit, a red tie and a white shirt, the groom was all smiles as he beheld the bride. He waited patiently as his bride was ushered into the church by her father, who was decked in a blue national dress.

The bride looked angelic in her white flowing gown with feathered gather. She wore a veil and had sparkling accessories on her hair, neck, ear and wrist.

After the marriage, the couple were given special seats at the altar, where they sat all through the proceedings.

The church had seasonal decorations. Flowers lined the walkway of the aisle.

Presbyter of the Methodist Church, Rev M.B.O. Arogundade presided at the ceremony. In his sermon, he gave steps to Building an enduring home, which was the title of his sermon.

The reception was held at the 10 Degrees Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

The expansive hall was split in two; members of both families sat on either side. It was decorated in the dominant colour of orange.

The three-layered cake stood in the middle of the hall.

Many were decked in exquisite clothes. They were there to rejoice with the new couple. Exotic necklaces glittered from the neck of the women.

Crystal lightening dropped from the roof of the hall, adding glamour and affluence to the arena.

With DJ Shakur dishing out Nigerian songs, there was no dull moment, as most of the continental music topping the charts were played. Not even the attendants could resist the tunes as they danced intermittently, while moving around to meet the needs of the guests. They served continental and African cuisine with choice wine and drinks.

The bride was gorgeous as she stepped into the hall with her beau. From one dance step to another, they twisted their waists and ‘bent low’. At some point during the dance, the groom pulled his suit to allow him room to dance well. Each tried to out-dance the other as they headed to their seats, which were specially made for them.

Shola Samson held sway as master of ceremony (MC) till popular comedian Koffi took the microphone.

Old boys of Methodist Boys High School, Lagos (MBHS), who have known Mr Olanipekun for over 60 years, came out to make a presentation. In their usual manner, they backed up their presentations with the recitation of their school anthem. The good old friends sang the first stanza with croaking voices.

Two lawyers – Atinuke, daughter of the former Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Dr Bolu Ogundowole and Babatope Oriola got married in the ancient town of Owo, Ondo State. TAIWO ABIODUN was there.

As early as 7a.m, the residents of Government Resident Area (GRA), Owo, were woken up by the traditional trumpeters, cultural dancers and praise singers who displayed dexterity to announce to the community of a great event in the offing.

It heralded the engagement between Atinuke, daughter of the former Rector of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, Dr Bolu Ogundowole and Babatope Oriola.

‘Armed’ with a proposal letter and ingredients for the wedding, the groom’s family members, friends and well wishers from Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, were at the gate of the Ogundowole’s in search of a beautiful ‘flower’ Atinuke.

In compliance to Yoruba tradition, the two families were engaged in an interesting ‘debate’ and each family was represented by an emcees (Alaga Iduro and Alaga Ijoko) who after a lot of pleasantries, exchange of questions and answers allowed the Oriolas in. The necessary rites took place before the train moved to St John’s Anglican Church, Iyere-Owo, for the Holy matrimony.

The officiating pastor, Olu Abiodun implored parents to devote time to God.

Parents, the cleric said, should not go to the praying mountain for fasting while neglecting their children.

He urged the couple to always respect each other’s opinion.

There was exchange of wedding rings and signing of the marriage certificate.

After declaring them husband and wife, special songs were rendered by the choristers.

The couple later took pictures with family and friends.

At the Aruwajoye Events Hall, venue of the reception, the chairman of the occasion, Dr Bode Oyerinde, congratulated the couple.

Oyerinde, the chairman Governing Council, founder and Pro Chancellor of Achievers University, enjoined the couple to be tolerant.

“You should tolerate each other and do things in common with perseverance and the fear of God,” he said.

The groom described his wife as unassuming.

He told The Nation how he met her.

“I met her about six years ago, she gave me a tough time before she agreed to marry me, she is a devouted Christian and that also attracted her to me. I know she is a lawyer but she is more of a pastor as she preaches to me always. Aside these, she is patient, unassuming and pleasant,” he said.

The bride described him as humble, simple and God-fearing.

“I am proud to have him as my husband. It is true that I gave him a tough time before I agreed,” she said.

The groom’s mother, Mrs Oriola, thanked God for making the day a reality.

Dr Ogundowole prayed for the couple to live happily.

Among those who witnessed the occasion are Prof Kayode Olotua; Prince Olanrewaju Olateru-Olagbegi; Chief Executive Officer Tisco Company Chief Isaac Tapere; Group Captain Olu Daramola; Olori Bola Sijuade; Academic and Non Academic staff of Achievers University, Owo and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo.

The wedding between Ibukunoluwa, daughter of Dr Adegoke Kalejaiye and Adesola, son of Otunba Adedayo Adeyinka from Ido-Ekiti, drew friends and family members to Ibadan. BISI OLADELE and TAYO JOHNSON were there.

It was the day many had waited for. None looked forward to the day more than former Miss Ibukunoluwa Kalejaiye and Mr Adesola Adeyinka, who had waited patiently for 11 years to say “I do”.

For the couple, it was their special day and their looks said it all. December 16, last year, was their happiest day. That day, the young couple brought guests from across the Southwest to their wedding held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

They met at a campus fellowship at the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2001 when they were in 100 Level. They became friends and ended up signing the dotted lines to become life partners.

It was a three-in-one ceremony featuring the court marriage at the registry, engagement and a lavish reception.

The colour of the day was a touch of wine for the bride’s family and friends; the groom’s family went for a touch of gold for their guests.

The church service was conducted at Functional Hall, Jogor Centre. Revd Tunji Taiwo of the Lighthouse Baptist Church and other ministers of God conducted the service.

The cleric urged the couple to stand by their marital vows, adding that God is their witness. He wished them a blissful union with God’s multiple blessings.

Guests were later ushered into the Hall of Grace at the same venue for the reception.

A medical consultant and a columnist in The Nation newspaper, Dr. Tony Marinho led the guests.

Dr Marinho, who chaired the reception, wished the couple a successful married life.

“It is customary to give words of wisdom at this kind of occasion. But all I will tell you is that you should be conscious of your tongue, because that is what destroys so many marriages and it will save yours if you adhere to it,” he said

He urged Ibukunoluwa to always obey her husband and be a good daughter-in-law.

The groom, Ibikunle, decked in a black suit, described his wife as “a true spirited and level-headed person who is God-fearing, hard working and a woman of great integrity.

“I thank God for making today a reality. I am happy to have her as my best friend and better half. The striking thing is her sense of purity. She is my prayer partner, my confidant, my sister and someone I am helplessly in love with. I believe I have made the right choice because I have peace in my heart,” he said.

Ibukunoluwa also described her husband as “a comforter and a father.”

“He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. We understand each other and, most importantly, we love each other beyond description. What attracted him to me is that he is God-fearing and he is the best a man can ever be to a woman. I am so, so happy,” she said.

The Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, Oba John Ajakaye has honoured some indigenes as part of activities marking his seventh anniversary on the throne. DUPE OLAOYE-OSINKOLU reports

Like an amphitheatre, the palace of the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State, provided a circular sitting arrangement with a raised platform on one side, like a stage, when the town honoured some of its own.

The monarch, Oba John Ademola Ajakaye was the host, while his chiefs and well wishers played various roles in the Iyin Ekiti development drama that commemorated Oba Ajakaye’s seventh anniversary on the throne.

Chiefs, guests and queens glowed in expensive traditional attires while the king, queen, high chiefs and kings from neighbouring towns sat on the platform. A strange face on that platform was that of Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who followed every step of the programme with admiration.

Omar did not just attend the event, his deputy, Comrade Promise Adewusi and his wife, Adenike were installed as Baaloro and Yeye Baaloro of Iyin Ekiti.

For Adewusi, it was a clear departure from the usual aluta setting. No T-shirt, no fez cap, no anti-government songs. Labour’s signature tune, the solidarity song, was, however, sung as soon as Adewusi’s name was announced. Comrades from the congress, who turned out in large numbers, looked different in party wears, as they marvelled at the rich African culture displayed at the ceremony. Various traditional groups performed the age-long royal steps, sang and danced towards the platform to bless the king, after which he prayed for them.

Close to the Kabiyesi and Olori, who spotted shining Iyun, traditional coral beads, sat the oldest surviving General in Nigeria, General Adeyinka Adebayo, former Governor of Western Region. Dressed in a cream flowing agbada, Adebayo smiled as he was introduced. Beside him was Oba Samuel Adeoye of Atijere Land, Ilaje, who happened to be the President of the National Union of Construction Workers.

Oba Ajakaye, the retired first Chief Judge of Ekiti State, said Iyin Ekiti is God’s own town because the bible says “Ninu Iyin l’olorun ngbe”, meaning God lives in praises, and Iyin means praises.

He opened his anniversary speech with songs.

The monarch said Iyin is a unique town with uncommon climate that always cools and soothes without producing the usual heat that necessitates the use of electric fans and air conditioners.

Oba Ajakaye said Iyin has worthy sons and daughters across the globe, and that the town has also produced a good governor whose son also became the first democratic governor of Ekiti State.

He appealed to Iyin sons and daughters to always contribute to the development of the town.

One of the beneficiaries of the anniversary chieftaincy titles, Adewusi, was said to have contributed immensely to the well-being of Iyin Ekiti, hence his being honoured.

The Adewusis spotted golden brown Aso-Oke with matching accessories as they danced forward, followed by their friends and well-wishers to the Kabiyesi, who had already assigned a chief to perform the rites for them. The Akoko leaves were later placed on the sides of their heads and held in place with customised chieftaincy caps.

Their two daughters, Adedolapo and Adefolake, both lawyers, and son, Bunmi (Jnr), a medical doctor, were visibly joyous as they were invited to step forward and share their parents’ historical moment.

The monarch praised the beneficiaries for paying their dues to the town, urging them to do more.

Oba Ajakaye said he is a born again Christian who believes in figure 7, because God created the earth and all therein, working for six days, and rested on the seventh day. That, according to him, was why he decided to celebrate his seventh anniversary on the throne. He said since he became monarch of the town, he had only installed six chiefs, before the new set.

After his installation, Adewusi said he would contribute N1million to the new palace under construction. He promised to assist youths of the town with self-employment scheme, or help them secure jobs.