Last Saturday, Adekemi, daughter of business mogul and publisher of the defunct Third Eye newspaper, Chief Akanni Aluko, exchanged marital vows with her heartthrob, Christopher Tolaore, son of the late Colonel (Dr) Atalabi. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU, who witnessed the event, reports.
Hundreds of eminent personalities within and outside the country thronged the home of famous publisher and businessman, Chief Akanni Aluko, last weekend in honour of newly married couple, Agnes Adekemi and Christopher Tolaore. The wedding programme, which commenced penultimate Thursday at the Ilesa, Osun State home of the bride’s father, Chief Akanni Aluko, saw hundreds of invited guests from Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Kano states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory in attendance.
The Thursday programme, christened the traditional engagement of the couple, included the acceptance of bride price and the consent of the bride’s parents to giving their daughter’s hand out in marriage. The scores of dignitaries who attended the event included the juju maestro, King Sunny Ade and members of his musical band, who entertained the guests. Others in attendance were the wife of former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, Alhaja Mutiat; wife of the late Ibadan politician, Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Alhaja Bose; Prof. Solomon Kadiri; Prof. Salako; Prof. and Mrs. Ogunbiyi; Chief Olusola Gilbert and wife; Chief Olu Abiola; Chief Martins Sesan; former Registrar, University of Ibadan, Chief Mrs. Moji Ladipo and the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin and some of his chiefs.
All the large canopies erected were filled to the tilt by guests. The bride’s parents, Chief Aluko and wife, Kofoworola, were in joyous mood as they obviously enjoyed every minute of the event. They sat in the front row opposite the groom’s family members. The bride price, which included a copy of the Holy Bible, was accepted before the audience with applause as they pronounced the relationship valid. There were traditional songs, accompanied with performance by dancers from Emure Ekiti, Ekiti State, the home of the groom’s parents, which ushered the groom and his friends to the stage. There was plenty of food and assorted drinks for guests.
At the St. Mary’s Catholic Cathederal, Oke-Padre, Ibadan, where the marriage was solemnised last Saturday, the church building was filled to capacity. Among the dignitaries at the church were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Ogiyan of Ejigboland, Oba Omowonuola Oyesosin; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana represented by High Chief Eddy Oyewole; the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran; wife of former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, Alhaja Mutiat; wife of the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu, Alhaja Bose; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao; the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida; Chief Pery Aluko; members of the University of Ibadan community; the business community and politicians.
The church service, presided over by the chief host, the Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, Arcbishop Alaba Job, was full of counsel and admonition for the new couple. The premises of the church were filled with assorted cars. The couple was ushered in with praise songs provided by the choir. All eyes were on the couple who thrilled the congregation with their dance steps.
In his sermon, Bishop Emmaneul Badejo of Oyo Catholic Diocese enjoined the bride and the groom to be faithful to each other in fulfillment of their marital vows. He reminded the husband to honour his wife, while the wife should also have deep respect for her husband.
Speaking on same sex marriage, Bishop Badejo said: “Catholics all over the world should rise up to fight against same sex marriage. It is a fight that must be won because the act is a gross sin against God, and we should not allow it in the sanctuary of the living God”.
At the venue of the reception, Jogor Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, the musical band of Wale Zion entertained the guests. It was full of fun. Everyone ate and drank their choice food and wine. The bride’s father, while thanking God for His mercies upon him, said: “I feel very high and my spirit is once again alive. I feel I am waking up from slumber. God has touched my life positively and He has given me all these great things you are seeing.
“I thank God for His mercies, His blessings and provisions for me. I also thank all those who gave me massive support both here in Ilesa and in Ibadan. May the Almighty God continue to replenish them.”
The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland took the audience by surprise when he led his chiefs to the floor to dance. The entire hall exploded with applause as they watched the monarch doing it the royal way.
