A member of staff of The Nation, Abiola Adenekan, got married to his heartrob, Olapeju Adekola, of Natural Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM), last Saturday at the Folawiyo Bankole Memorial Methodist Church in Ikate, Surulere, Lagos, writes IBRAHIM ADAM.
The family members of Adekola and Adenekan gathered last Saturday at the Folawiyo Bankole Memorial Methodist Church in Ikate, Surulere, Lagos for their children’s wedding.
The groom, Abiola Adenekan, arrived in a gold Nissan Pathfinder Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). He was all smiles in his black suit, white shirt, sky inner blue jacket and tie with a pair of black shoes.
Soon, the bride, Olapeju joined him in a black Toyota Land Cruiser. She was a beauty to behold in her shiny cream flowery gown with a veil as she entered the church auditorium with her father, Rev. Johnson Adekola, who walked her to the altar and handed her to the cleric.
The Circuit Minister, Rev. Olusegun Aiyedero, coordinated the service.
It started with the church choir singing the processional hymn: “Praise to the Lord” after which the Presbyter, Rev. Oluyinka Akande, spoke. He said marriage is a sacred and life-long union between a man and woman who gives themselves to each other in love and trust.
The choir sang another hymn: “Blessed assurance”.
Abiola unveiled Olapeju and both stood up to declare their wish for the marriage. Family and guests affirmed to the matrimony. After the vows, the couple exchanged rings and the cleric declared them man and wife. The couple consequently signed the marriage register.
In a sermon, Rev. Akande charged the couple to love each other, constantly express love by word and action and depend on God for the sustainability of their relationship.
The cleric urged them not to allow the prevailing economic situation to distract them.
“Abiola, your home must be the home where the husband is the head and Olapeju, you should submit yourself to your husband. Don’t let your love to be based on what you get from the other. Constant expression of love encourages relationship and don’t allow selfishness or third party to separate you.
“You must learn to pray together in all situations and don’t allow disagreements to also separate you. The best time to settle your misunderstanding is at bed where no man can disturb you both for the journey you started today needs strength, grace and power of God,” he said.
Reception followed at Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Sports Ground Hall, on Bode Thomas Road, Surulere.
Olumide Olagoke popularly called MC DAY, anchored the event; Blessed Band entertained guests.
The couple were ushered in amid cheers. They were the cynosure of all eyes. Everyone stood watching them as they entered.
Mr Timothy Adelowo Adedokun, who chairmed the reception, enjoined the bride not to take things for granted. He advised the groom to treat his wife the way he would treat himself.
“Let there be sincere love, respect honour, care, appreciation, understanding, tolerance and perseverance for each other because without the body there cannot be the head and without the head there cannot be the body.
“Olapeju, you are now the Chief of Staff, which means nothing should be taken for granted and you must always watch your tongue,” he said.
The couple cut their three-layer cake, fed each other and sealed it with kisses. They moved to the dance floor and were joined by their parents and guests.
Rev. Adekola, described his daughter as a faithful woman, saying he would miss her patience.
The groom’s father, Pastor Julius Adenekan, described his son as a good boy.
Olapeju, a chemist described her husband as her king.
“I’m so excited for he is my king, my crown, my best friend and confidant,” she said.
Abiola, a graduate of History and Diplomatic Studies, described his wife as calm, supportive and caring.
“She is my queen, and does not complain. I feel so happy and honoured for this day and I give God all the glory,” he said.
