Mandela Abolaji Oniemola met former Miss Folasade Olayinka Makanju at Diamond Bank headquarters in Lagos during an in-house training five years ago.
Folasade’s charisma and maturity were all Mandela needed to single her out for friendship among participants at the training.
After four years of friendship, Mandela proposed to Folasade about a year ago.
Last Saturday, the lovebirds consumated their marriage at the Surulere Baptist Church, Yaba, Lagos Mainland.
They were joined by family members, colleagues and well-wishers.
Many of the guests shone in torquoise and royal blue lace. Some elderly men were in white Agbada.
Mandela looked cute in a white shirt, blue bow tie, black suit and pair of shoes.
His bride, Folasade appeared stunning in a white flowing wedding gown, white necklace, ear rings and wrist watch.
The solemnisation was conducted by Reverend Michael Afolabi. Other officiating ministers assisted him to coordinate the programme.
With the processional hymn To God be the Glory, the bride joined her husband and others waiting for the ceremony to start.
After taking their seats, hymns of praise followed.
Members of the church choir lifted the hall with gospel songs.
After pledging to take each other as husband and wife, the officiating minister joined them together.
Pastor Afolabi urged them to uphold the marital vows.
Mutual love and understanding, he said, are hallmarks of a successful home.
The church service also featured signing of the marriage register, thanksgiving, presentation of certificate and recessional hymn.
There was a photograph session with the couple outside the church before the wedding train moved to Eagle Club, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere for the reception.
There, the couple took time for guests to settle down to arrange another photograph session with the groom’s men and bride’s maids.
Son of Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, the Miliki crooner, Tolu was on the band stand.
He and his Miliki Extra band thrilled the gathering.
Also, Abiola Atanda popularly known as Madam Kofo, who anchored the reception was at her best.
The couple were led into the hall by the bridal train and some guests.
As they danced into the hall, many stretched their necks. Others stood to watch them.
Mrs Funmilola Coker delivered the opening prayer before chairman on the occasion, Prof Adebayo Williams, a renowned essayist, took over.
Prof Williams, who shelved his programme in far away Florida, United States on that day to attend the ceremony, described it as “great.”
According to him, such event can only be organised by great people.
He congratulated the parents of the couple.
Prof Williams had a few words of commendation for the musician who he noted is taking after his legendary father.
He wished the couple success in their marital journey.
Prof Williams supervised the cutting of the cake.
The Chief bride’s maid, Oluwatosin John picked the bouquet thrown by the bride. She was congratulated by her fiancée, Olayiwola Akerele.
Folasade’s brother, Tunde Makanju gave the vote of thanks before the couple took to the dance floor.
They were joined by family members and guests who sprayed them with new naira notes.
Mandela thanked the guests for making the day special.
He described Folasade as a straight forward person, honest and a good planner with a strong will to achieve whatever she sets out for.
“I do not think I can find any other woman; she is made to complement my weak parts and very natural,” he said.
“This atmosphere is great; I am overwhelmed,” said the bride.
Folasade said: “He is an awesome person; I could not wait for this day. When God says somebody is the person, it cannot be changed. He is a gentleman, God-fearing and hardworking.”
The bride’s father, Mr Oluwatoyin Makanju urged them to live as one and always love each other.
The groom’s mother, Mrs Oniemola prayed for the couple to live and see their children getting married.
