Encomium
– Blow by blow account of the Saturday, April 24 extravaganza
The grand finale of the wedding ceremony between Bella Adenuga and Jameel Disu came up at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos. The major colours chosen for the Saturday, April 24, 2010, nuptial were yellow and gold and there was massive compliance.
Guests who defied the heavy down pour witnessed earlier in the day and trooped to the venue. The reception was at the Landmark Village, Oniru Private Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos.
ENCOMIUM Weekly, as usual, was there and brings you all the happenstances.
THE PROCESSIONAL HYMN
The song that ushered in the bride was titled, Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring, rendered by Maria Cecilia Toledo De Schmillen (wife of the German Ambassador to Nigeria). This was at exactly 2:13pm and it went on until there was a brief stop since the two persons the song was meant for (Bella and her father) were still in the front of the church, waiting for an important guest. The new bride enjoyed some moment of photo shoot here before her father, Dr. Mike Adenuga, strolled in with her, in a veiled wedding gown.
The guru, as he is fondly called, exchanged pleasantries with some of his guests and family members before handing his daughter over to the officiating ministers.
THE OFFICIATING MINISTERS
The most Revd. (Dr.) Adebola Ademowo pronounced the couple husband and wife. The Bisohp of Lagos and Archbishop of Ecclesiastical province of Lagos was assisted by Very Revd. Pelu Johnson, Ven. Tayo Aduloju, Revd. Adebola Ojoletimi, Revd. Segun Ladeinde, Ven. Obi Nwankerendu and others.
BUSY DAY FOR TRAFFIC OFFICIALS
Traffic officials operating on the Marina/Lagos Island axis will definitely not forget Saturday, April 24, 2010 in a hurry. It was one of their busiest. Though not officially contracted for the day, the traffic began the wedding ceremony created was unimaginable. The road leading to Victoria Island via Marina was temporarily shot due to the presence of top of the range automobiles coming into the area every now and then.
A FAIR AMBIENCE
The Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, dazzled in a resplendent décor of yellow and gold, courtesy of Uche Majekodunmi’s Newton and David. The frontline décor expert put all her expertise into use with important floral both inside the church and the pulpit.
A wedding had earlier taken place in the church and by 2pm when the Adneuga/Disu wedding was about to kick off, everywhere was transformed to wear a new look.
TITI ATIKU REJOINS HIGH SOCIETY
Chief (Mrs.) Tiki Abubakar, wife of Nigeria’s former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is back on the social scene, after a long layoff due to a sprained leg.
The glamorous lady came out of her shell for the nuptial and was even among the early callers.
BETWEEN OTUDEKO AND ARISEKOLA
There is no doubt, there exists a strong bond between these two men of means. It may even be because the two are stakeholders in First Bank.
Mr. Oba Otudeko is the chairman while the Ibadan born Alhaji Arisekola Alao is one of the bank’s directors. The two came to the event together, sat together, chatted all through, and left at the same time.
HEAVY SECURITY AT THE CHURCH
A lorry load of Voltron Security personnel were stationed at the church premises while the solemnization lasted. The men in black, looking stern and fearful, kept street urchins at bay, including all the uninvited guests.
THE GRAND ARRIVAL OF IBB
Former Nigeria’s military president, Gen. Ibraihm Badamosi Babangida (rtd) tested his popularity at the nuptial and there is no doubt many still admire the gap-toothed erstwhile dictator. The black Range Rover sport car that brought him to the church hardly pulled up before the shouts of IBB rent the air.
In fact, it took the intervention of some security personnel to ward-off urchins who wouldn’t let the man be.
SIGNING OF THE MARRIAGE REGISTER
Apart from the signature of the couple, Jameel Olatokunbo and Belinda Ajoke Disu, as well as their parents’, some prominent individuals also approved the union with their signatures.
There were the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adtona, on behalf of the Adenugas, Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu, on behalf of the Disus and former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) as the chairmen.
ADVICE TO THE COUPLE BY PARENTS
“As you know, the two are now one. No interference. Please, leave them to enjoy and grow together. Don’t come to their house unannounced. Those God has joined together, let no man put asunder.” That was one of the pieces of advice handled out by the couple’s parent, Dr. Mike Adenuga and his ex-wife, Ms. Adefoluke Marquis and Mr. Tajudeen and Mrs. Modupe Disu.
ANOTHER ADVICE TO THE NEWLY WEDDED
The officiating minister dished out this timeless advice, “Jameel, you are an upwardly mobile young man, always remember that you now have somebody at home. Your friends. May make mockery of you, just focus on what your wife wants. And you Bella, total submission is the key to enjoying a lasting marriage.’
EXOTIC AUTOMOBILES ON PARAFE
Expensive wonder-on-wheels littered the entire Marina Street and environs. The groom came in a black Range Rover sport, allegedly given to him by Dr. Mike Adenuga. The bride and her father rode in a black BMW 2010 series car, newly bought by the guru himself. The BMW later ferried the couple to the reception in the afternoon. The bride’s mother, Ms. Adefoluke Marquis, rode in a RAV4 jeep, metallic colour. There was also a black Range Rover sport and a white Lamborghini in their convoy.
SHUGA BAND CUT SHORT ABUJA TRIP
Famous wedding performer, Akinloye Tolomowo’s Shuga band was called back from his Abuja trip to come and perform at the wedding. The contract to perform at the wedding had expired after the engagement ceremony, but because of an emergency, necessitated by the absence of Beyonce, the ban was called upon and they didn’t hesitate. Learnt some additional money exchanged hands though.
JIDE ADENUGA CAME
Elder brother of the bride, Babajide Adenuga, was missing in action at Bella’s introduction and engagement ceremonies. But he made it up with his appearance at the church wedding, garbed in grey suit and looking real cool.
NO INVITE, NO ENTRY
That was the bold inscription placed at the entrance of Landmark Village, venue of the reception. Black uniformed K-Square security personnel did not give anything to chance. Those without the IV were turned back. But that notwithstanding some still smuggled themselves in.
PARADISE ON EARTH
That phrase aptly describes the ambience at the reception decoration at the Landmark Village. The two marquees put to use could accommodate over 2,000 guests at once. Lavishly decorated by Newton and David many gawked at their splendor.
There was a section for cocktails, there was also another session for the VIPs and another for the lesser mortals.
LONSOME OMOWUNMI AKINNIFESI
Former beauty queen, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, was at the nuptial, dressed in a knee length ball gown. The beautiful babe sat all alone, looking tired and worried.
GLOWING IN LOVE
A giant balloon billboard welcomed all guests to the reception with the lovely picture of the couple on it and an inscription “Wishing you a blissful married life. Glo with love.”
Of course, it was sponsored by Globacom, where the bride is an ED.
GUESTS’ LIST
General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd)
Governor Gbenga Daniel
Governor Adams Oshiomole
Princess Adebisi Sarah Sosan
Professor Dora Akinyili
Ms. Grace Egbagbe
Mrs. Betty Irabor
Senator Ibikunle Amosun
Mrs. Joke Adefulire
Prince Segun Oniru
Genevieve Nnaji
Dr. Bode Emmanuel
Dr. Oba Otudeko
Alhaji Arisekola Alao
Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande
Chief Ayo Adebanjo
Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye
Ms. Eno Udoh
Mrs. Ronka Ayuba
Mrs. Folake Folarin-Coker
Otunba Alex Onabanjo
Mrs. Toyin Alakiu
Otunba Adekunle and Erelu Ojulolape Ojora
Chief Alex Ekwueme
Miss Bisola Dejonwo
Miss Aina Okoya
IMPORTANT TIMELINE YOU SHOULD NOTE
Processional Hymn 2:13
Opening Hymn 2:37
Exhortation and Charge 2:41
Declaration 2:44
Hymn 2:46
The Marriage 2:52
Exchange of Rings 2:56
Declared Husband and Wife 2:58
Prayer for the Couple 3:00
Bible Reading 3:04
Sermon 3:05
Anthem (Awe Maria) 3:20
Prayer 3:32
Hymn 3:34
Benediction 3:38
Signing of the Marriage Certificate 3:40
Thanksgiving 4:17
Recessional Hymn 4:37
