Encomium
It was a day of joy in the household of Alhaja Rafiu Adisa and Engr Majeed Banjoko Raji, when their children Oluwatosin and Abimbola wedded on Saturday, August 8, 2015, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Tosin and Abimbola’s marital journey started on Saturday, August 1, 2015, at The Ark Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos, where they had their lavish engagement ceremony.
The couple, families and guests moved to Istanbul, Turkey on Friday, August 7, 2015, where the marriage merriment continued.
There was a boat cruise organised by the families of the couple for the couple and guests. After the boat cruise, the couple and the guests were treated to another round of jollity at Intercontinental Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey during a cocktail party.
The wedding (Nikkai) and reception held the following day, Saturday, August 8, 2015, at the Garden Terrace of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey.
The Nikkai was performed by Alhaji Abdulraham Hamed, the Head of Mission of Ansar-Ul-Deen Society of Nigeria and Sheikh Amrulla Oglu Khateeb Un Khateeb, the Chief Imam of Blue Mosque of Turkey.
The reception was chaired by Malam Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN). The couple and their parents spoke to journalists on the joyous occasion.
‘TOSIN’S CALM’ – Abimbola Ebiti (Bride)
How did you meet your husband?
Sometime in June 2012, I had just returned from a trip to Nigeria. I was in England doing my Masters when one of my friends, Sade and I were chatting. Then I changed my display picture on bbm and she’s like I like this picture and would use it as dp but there is this guy’s that always commenting whenever I put up your picture. I wasn’t really keen. 10 minutes later, this guy sent her a message spelling out my name.
This aroused my interest. Again, I wasn’t about to add to your list of toasters. I was wrong because by the time I met him, his calm nature and gentleness attracted me more
By the time you met him what attracted you?
Before we met physically, we had spoken on phone and I was impressed. He was educated, intelligent, well spoken, well rounded and from a good family. He pretty much ticked most of my boxes. That was how our journey began. Then I came home for the Easter holiday in April 2014 and he decided to make a move that changed our relationship forever. He proposed to me on May 1, 2014, at a private screen cinema at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos. The rest is history.
‘My wife is homely’ – Oluwatosin Ebiti (Groom)
How did you meet her?
We met through a mutual friend and I was struck by her intelligence, homely and accommodating nature.
What was the attraction?
A lot has been said about my wife that she is a very loving woman. I have no doubt in my mind that she is going to make a good home, a good wife and a wonderful mother to our children.
‘I felt in love with her the first day I met her’ – Alhaja Ebiti (Groom’s mother)
How do you feel celebrating your son today?
I am really excited today and I give Almighty Allah thanks for making today possible. We have been looking forward to it. Tosin is a lovely person. He is very kind and accommodating. I wish him well in this marriage and I pray that God will give him the fortitude to manage his home.
What was your reaction the day she was introduced by your son?
I fell in love with Abimbola the day I saw her. She looked so petite and lovely. She is also very friendly. I immediately embraced her as a daughter. She is not a daughter-in-law, she is my daughter. And cherish her.
What is your advice for them in their marital sojourn?
Like the chairman of the occasion said, the razzmatazz of the wedding is over, they will start knowing each other more, and she is now in a marriage. I will advise her to have a lot of patience, perseverance and to be honest with each other. They shouldn’t allow a third party to intervene in their affairs. Their lines of communication should be opened at all times.
‘She is more or less my mother’ – Alhaji Mojeed Raji (Bride’s father)
How do you feel today?
I feel on top of the world today celebrating the wedding of my first child and my only daughter. I feel reluctant to give her out because she is more or less my mother. I lost my mother when Abimbola was about 15. She replaced my mother because we are very close and she advises me. If I had my way I would have allowed her to stay with me but that is not possible because I brought her mother home and I have to release her.
How would you describe her?
The comments about her by friends and well-wishers are very true. She is a very responsible, loving and friendly lady. She is very accommodating and reliable.
Your advise for the couple?
My daughter is a considerate and compassionate woman. I don’t have any fear. I think they should embrace God. Marriage is full of ups and downs.
‘My daughter is everything to me’ – Mrs. Funmilayo Raji (Bride’s mother)
Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding…
Thank you very much!
How do you feel today?
I feel good. I am happy. I thank God Almighty Allah. I feel on top of the world. Today must come to pass. I thank God that it came to pass in an amazing way.
How would you describe Abimbola?
My daughter is everything to me. She is my friend, adviser; she is my confidant and everything you can think of a daughter to a mother. I am not comfortable that she is going but I know she is going for good.
What is your advise for her?
My advise for her is to be submissive and respect her husband. She should not allow a third party in their affairs. And I pray that what we have done for her today, she will do it for her own children and grandchildren.
‘I am very happy’ – Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti (Groom’s father)
I feel excited and I am happy for them. They complement each other.
