Encomium
ON Saturday, February 27, 2010, Korede and Arinola Roberts began a new life as husband and wife. The engagement was on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Odogbolu, Ogun State.
A week later, the couple, supported by both families (Roberts and Jayesimi), stormed African Church Cathedral Salem, Ebute Metta, Lagos, for the solemnization of the holy matrimony. The reception was at Shell Hall of Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
ENCOMIUM Weekly was on ground and brings you short takes from the classy event…
ABOUT THE COUPLE
The bride, Arinola Olufunke, is the petite daughter of Engr. Babatunde and Mrs. Adunni Jayesimi. She holds a degree in Banking and Finance from Lagos State University and a Masters in Human Resource Management. She works in the human resource department of Toyin Subair’s HiTV.
The groom, Korede Enitan, is the clothier behind Fusion. He is the son of late Capt. Adedapo and Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts.
ABOUT THE COUPLE’S PARENTS
Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts had many shoulders to lean on Saturday, February 27, 2010. Though she lost her husband, a retired army major years back, her other sons were handy at the celebration.
One of her son’s, Deji Roberts, who is a businessman who deals in lighting, stood in as the father of the groom. Garbed in a sky blue agbada and buba, he made sure that each table had everything in surplus. The groom’s mother wore a gold lace with grey gele and peach accessories.
Engineer Babatunde Jayesimi, the father of the bride, is the Chief Executive Officer of Hamaco Loyd Limited. A mechanical engineer, he is married to Mrs. Mariam Aduni, who is a nurse, based in London. The bride’s parents were in the same attire with the groom’s.
IT WAS BABY PINK AND WHITE
That was the colour of the aso ebi that ruled the day. Most women’s choice was the traditional iro and buba. They looked quite bright and colourful, adding beauty to the serenity of the church.
THE CHURCH SERVICE
It held at African Church, Cathedral Salem, Ebute Metta, Lagos. A four storey building that is still under construction, plastered but not painted, except the inside. It is an old building decorated in the Christmas colours of green and red. But the pews were filled with well wishers. A very low key wedding, you wouldn’t know that something was going on inside the church from the vicinity.
A DOUBLE CELEBRATION
It was also Korede Roberts’ birthday and he couldn’t have been happier. He danced to the hilt. Henceforth, every of their wedding anniversary translates to a birthday celebration also for him.
SIX LADIES VERSUS SIX MEN
The bridal train had sweet and well dressed ladies in pink gowns. The groom’s men, again six of them, were in navy blue suits on white shirts. They had pink pocket squares and ties.
THE BRIDE
Arinola was in a champagne colour gown. It was a kind of wrap gown. Her white choker rested perfectly on her neck, making her look like a black Indian. Her ensemble was specially arranged by London-based designer, Ade Bakare.
THE GROOM
Looking resplendent in a navy blue suit, he had a single fuchsia pink rose flower on his breast pocket. Everything about Korede’s outfit looked Victorian. His suit was made by Udeshi, his friend based in London.
WHAT THEY RODE TO THE RECEPTION
A grey Mercedes Benz G500 decorated in baby pink and fuchsia pink did it for the couple. It was driven by the groom himself. Beside him was his lovely bride, Arinola.
They were followed by a black Landrover LR4, which took the bridal train to the reception. It was well decorated in pink and fuchsia pink. The number plate of the couple was Abuja 64.
THE RECEPTION
It was held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
EVENT’S SECURE
This security outfit means business. Very courteous and affable, they made sure every guest had an invite or your name was on the manifest before you could be allowed.
A WONDERLAND
That is exactly what it looked like inside the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre. The decoration was awesome and in different shades of pink. The lighting effect made it more beautiful. The ambience was an aura of peace. The pink decoration and the pink aso ebi again created a synergy.
THE DISNEY PODIUM
Have you ever been to Disneyland? If yes, then you have an idea of what the stage looked like. A very low glass table stood with seven shades of lighted candles in front of the podium. Behind it sat a lovely couch with two throw pillows meant for the couple.
A lovely baby pink-shredded drapery on silver double rails partitioning a dinner sitting. On both sides of the couch were dinner chairs. So lovely!
AND THE CAKE
A lovely four-layered cake. Two big squared and two circular ones. The lovely pink, green and white cake was cut by the couple after spelling ARIN.
THE COMPERE
Dare Art-Alade, a very close friend of the groom, was the compere. He did that effortlessly. The crooner wore a black suit, with a pink tie and pocket square.
THE SOUL BAND
All the way from Abuja, they thrilled and titillated. The tones and notes were just right.
CELEBRATIONS
That was the name of the desert supplier. Just name the flavour. They were close to the podium and made sure everyone had a taste.
NU GROTTO’S CHAMPAGNE
New York’s Nicolas Fervillatte’s champagne was served by Abiola Adegoke’s Nu Grotto. He supervised his well dressed waiters and waitresses as they did their job.
LAREDO
Always at their best, they served all manner of finger foods, from samosa to shrimps, chicken to kebabs.
BIODUN SHOBANJO CHAIRED EVENT
Advertising icon, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo is a very close pal of the bride’s father, Mr. Babatunde Jayesimi. In fact, they were secondary school mates at Ijebu Ode Grammar School.
Dressed in deep grey babariga, with a black cap to match, he chaired the occasion and wished the couple all the best.
WHEN THE COUPLE DANCED
It was a dancing competition between Arin and Korede. The duo proved they are jolly good dancers, but the bride danced better, if we must confess.
VICTORIA ROBERTS’ SOLUTIONS
She is the creative hand behind the decoration of the hall. She is really good and knows her onions. She turned the hall into a wonderland that we kept wondering where she got her skills from. By the way, she is the wife of Kunle Roberts, Korede’s brother. She also managed the event and supplied the well dressed ushers.
OH TARA!
She looked really lovely in her orange lace blouse and coffee brown wrapper with a mix of orange. Her headgear was well fixed. She was gorgeous in her gold accessories. Tara is dark and lovely.
FUNKE AND ONOME OBRUTHE
She came in a floral gown, looking younger. She came in company of her husband, Onome.
THEIR LOVE STORY
Bisi Omotunde told us the couple’s story. According to him, it started like a child’s play. Bisi’s sister held her birthday party. And Arin, the celebrant’s school daughter attended. Korede was also in the house. They were introduced to each other and the rest, of course, is history.
JULIUS AGWU, WIFE AND DAUGHTER
Julius is having a nice time and he has added a little weight. He came in company of his wife, Ibiere and their chubby daughter, Zara.
WHEN FATHER AND DAUGHER DANCED
They danced to an oldie by Elton John and the father showed he knew what’s up his younger days. They danced slowly and when Korede could not stand it, he got up and the two hugged amidst cheers and tears of joy.
WHEN SHE THREW THE BOUQUET
All the Single Ladies by Beyonce rent the air. Darey made sure all the single ladies came out, including the married ones who hadn’t marriage bands. Arin danced and dramatically threw the fuchsia bouquet. Guess who caught it? Busola Sonubi.
CLOTHIERS CELEBRATE THEIR OWN
Many of Lagos’ leading clothiers and designers supported one of their own. We sighted Wardrobe’s Ojukwu Onwuzulike, Message’s Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Mudi’s Mudiaga Enajemo and Phenomenon’s better half, Awele Francis…
A MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was observed in honour of the groom’s father, a retired army captain, who passed, years ago.
LADITI BROTHERS CAME
America returnees and the brains behind Liberty Digital Media, Tayo and Akin Laditi, were at the reception, garbed in white and black. The duo paid homage to the couple and friends before they left.
A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY SONG
So thoughtful of Darey. He didn’t forget it was Koredes birthday. A special birthday song was done for the dude. Guests and friends wished Korede more joyous years ahead.
THE BIRTHDAY CAKE
A square-cake was presented by the bride, Arinola to her husband as a birthday gift. The cake was in pink and fuchsia pink.
DJ HUMILITY HANDY
Dreadlocked DJ Benedict Afagu, better known as DJ Humility, was part of the success story. He thrilled guests to both old and new school music, alongside the Soul Band.
He was assisted by an upcoming DJ, Eno Henry, also known as DJ Pioneer.
GUESTS LEFT WITH A HANDFUL
Souvenirs ranging from vacuum flasks to chopping boards and knives, torch lights, bowls and cups, hand towels, trays, handkerchiefs, jotters and other kitchen utensils were neatly packed in bags.
The customized paper bags, in grey and fuchsia colours that had Arin and Korede on them, were given to everybody. Some carrier bags and Ankara fabric were also given to those who wore the aso ebi.
City clothier, Korede Roberts, wife talk about their love story, marriage and plans for the future
duo of Arinola Jaiyesimi and Korede Robert are gradually inching to holy matrimony. The traditional wedding was in Odogbolu, Ogun State on Saturday, February 20, 2010, while the white wedding will be on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at African Salem Church, Yaba, Lagos. ENCOMIUM Weekly had a chat with this delectable couple on their love story and dream for the union.
KOREDE ROBERT
What was the attraction?
Obviously, if you see a woman, the first thing you will assess is her physical structure you would want to balance the equation. I will say her looks in the first place, I wouldn’t lie about that. I wouldn’t go to an event, meet somebody and just get attracted to her, it will be a physical attraction first before I get to know the person. And if I find out that the person inside is as good as her looks, then we can carry on as friends. I have never dated anybody without getting to know the person first, we will become friends first. For us, we were really, really close, even when I was in my former relationship, we were still friends. I have always liked her, I tried to ask her out but she took her time. Maybe when she thought she was ready to go into a relationship, she went into it and here we are today.
You waited for more than 10 years before you started courting, why that long?
She was not dating anybody then. Maybe that is why we are getting married today. I have always told her I liked her. At some point, I gave up. Assuming we started then, maybe we wouldn’t have been matured enough to take it to the extent of getting married. Nothing good comes easy. That is the truth. I guess she was taking her time, which at the end of the day was more favourable.
How did you toast her?
That, I will keep to myself. I told her I love her to be my girlfriend, but she knew I have always liked her.
Was it difficult for her to accept your proposal?
No, it wasn’t. She knew I was going to do that, you have to plan together, you can’t plan alone. So, from time to time you have to get to talk about it but she didn’t know it will be this soon or this period. It wasn’t difficult because the likeness was natural. For me, when people tell me they propose to a girl and she tells them she will think about it, it means the girl does not like you. If she told me she would think about it then I would have started having a second thought. We have been in a relationship for five years, I wasn’t in the relationship to play, I made up my mind that whatever relationship I get into must lead me to settling down. I have always lived an organized life, this is my second serious relationship, the first didn’t work out.
When did you start talking about marriage?
Last year.
What made you settle for her, you were in a relationship when you met her, even though you were just friends, what made you say she is the right choice?
I have seen other girls, I have seen how women are. Most times, I think about it. I like her, though she took her time, she is calm, she is not all over the place. I don’t want one of those girls over there. The popular ones that jump from one night club to the other. That is what women do now. Women are now materialistic. I wanted someone that knew me as me, when I was young, naïve, someone that knew me and appreciated me. We are close enough. Somebody that met me as Korede Robert of today, no. I am a very sentimental person, I try not to get carried away. The truth is that at this point if I didn’t have a relationship, any other person that I will think of dating, in my heart of hearts, I will ask myself questions. Is she dating me for me or what she thinks I am? You can’t really tell at some point who loves you, I am over 30, I will be 31 on my wedding day. If I was much younger, for someone that I knew when there was nothing, it is a plain relationship, it is pure love and it is better than for me to dabble into the finest girl, high society babe. No, you need to be practical.
What are the qualities you admire most about her?
She is very calm, she respects herself a lot. She will not put herself in a situation of disrespect. If she is not invited into a conversation, she will not join. She is very decent, not because she is here, she is not all over the place, she is quiet. I don’t’ want to be the one out there and my girlfriend is also out there and we leave our relationship to the world to judge. She also has the fear of God, she has a conscience, she thinks before doing things.
What don’t you like about her?
Everybody has his shortcomings, you can’t pin down what you don’t like about somebody. There are certain things she will do that will get you upset but you will deal with it and move on. If you want to start looking at what you don’t like about somebody, you can never live with that person. Marriage is an institution where both of you manage things together, you learn to co-exist. If I tell you I hate your guts, I can never live with you. I like everything about her, we have learnt to manage everything about ourselves, we have our shortcomings nobody is perfect, there are times I upset her, there are times she upsets me.
What plans have you made for your honeymoon?
We will go to a secret place, known to both of us. Somewhere we have always wanted to be. We don’t want to go to a location were they have shops because I will go shopping, we want a quiet place.
How does it feel to be called a married man?
A lot of my friends have always seen me as married. We do things together, there is hardly anything that I do that she doesn’t know. As a married man, people see what you do from a different perspective, people tend to watch you more, they accord you more respect. At the end of the day, God is happy about it. It seems great to be married to somebody I really love and can live with.
What are your expectations?
I just want a peaceful home and God’s blessing. I pray life becomes better for both of us, we should get to know each other more.
Any plan to establish the female version of Fusion because of her?
Arinola is a 9 to 5 person, though she loves the business because she helps me a lot. She helps me with e-mail. Most times I tell her to send e-mail to my suppliers. I even joke about it and call her my secretary, I trust her enough to take her to my suppliers, nobody knows she might decide to go into it tomorrow. But for now, she is a 9 to 5 person.
ARINOLA JAYESIMI
How and when did your path cross?
I met him when I was in SS1, though we were not in the same secondary school. We met through a mutual friend, who introduced us to each other. The person that actually introduced us was my friend’s brother, that was as far back as 1993.
What was the attraction?
Though we met in 1993, but we didn’t start dating till 2005. He has always been my best friend, even before we started dating. I could tell him anything and he too never hid anything from me including his relationships, life and everything.
How long did you think about the liaison when he told you he was interested in you?
We have known ourselves for more than 10 years, so, our decision to get married was planned. I always joked that we were already married, that all what we are doing right now is to formalize it. We just knew it was the right time.
What made you settle for him?
It is just a friend thing, while I was growing up, there were books I read where I learnt that your best friend is your lover. Before I decided to go for him, I had other guys who asked me for a relationship, I weighed everything. I am a very practical person, I don’t just jump into anything without weighing it. He understands me better, he knows how to crack me up, when I want to laugh, he understands everything about me. I tell him everything, so, why not him, why somebody else? He is my best friend.
What do you like most about him?
Like my friends say, he is supposed to be a comedian, he is funny. I am not a sociable person but he brings out the best in me.
Korede is a very social person, coupled with the nature of his work, how do you intend to cope with that particular aspect of him?
I have been able to cope with it, that is him. I am aware of that personality in him and I will say I am coping and will cope. It is not a problem, I am a helper, I am supposed to complement him and support him in whatever he wants to do.
What don’t you like about him?
I think he has answered it.
What kind of family are you looking at?
That is a decision between two people. I know we have talked about it, we want two children. He wants two boys, but I want a boy and a girl preferably twins, so we leave that to God.
What plan have you made for your honeymoon?
I think that is personal.
How does it feel to be called a married woman?
It seems good, it is of responsibility, but it seems really good.
What are your expectations as you go into the marriage institution?
Marital bliss, God’s blessing.
Tell us about your background.
My name is Arinola Jayesimi. I am from a family of three kids, a native of Odogbolu in Ogun State. I have a degree in Banking and Finance from Lagos State University. I also have a Masters in Human Resource Management in the UK. I work with HiTV in the Human Resource department.
– SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN
‘No evil will come against them’
- Both parents
BRIDE’S MOTHER, Mrs. Mariam Aduni Jayesimi
How do you feel today that your daughter is getting married?
I am so happy. I am glad to witness today. I give glory to God.
How will you describe your son-in-law, Korede?
He is a pleasant man. He is also good and nice. He was a bit shy before, but with what I saw today, he is confident.
What’s your advice to them?
They should not allow a third party. They should sort things out by themselves. They should be prayerful and rely on God in difficult times. They should always call on God. He is there to help them. The Lord that saw me through will also see them through. They should be patient and learn to endure.
What’s your prayer for them?
I pray that God will keep them and uphold them. No evil will come against them.
BRIDE’S FATHER, Engineer Babatunde Jayesimi
How do you feel today that your daughter is getting married?
I feel honoured. I feel relieved, because it took so much planning to come out successfully today.
When Arinola brought Korede to you, what was your first reaction?
It was natural. Any parent after having trained their children up to postgraduate level will expect such. In fact, that will be one’s best prayer for them.
What’s your prayer for them?
I pray that they will be fruitful. They will have a successful marriage and a long married life.
GROOM’S BROTHER, Mr. Deji Roberts
How do you feel today?
I feel elated, my son is getting married.
What was your reaction when he brought Arin home?
I didn’t react negatively because I have known them together for a while now.
What’s your prayer for them?
I pray that the best will come their way; children, wealth and success.
What’s your wish for them?
I wish them the best that God has in store for them.
GROOM’S MOTHER, Mrs. Elizabeth Roberts
How do you feel today?
I am full of joy. God has done it for me as He has been doing it for me.
How will you describe Arinola, your daughter-in-law?
She is quiet, loving, peaceful. She doesn’t talk much. I was like that before, but now that I have grandchildren, they make me talk.
What was your reaction when Korede first brought Arinola home?
I didn’t challenge him, I only looked, but I was satisfied when I met her.
What’s your advice to them?
I want them to make God number one in their marriage. They should love God because God is love. They should respect each other and be patient with each other.
What’s your wish for them?
I wish them happy marriage, I wish them togetherness, oneness and unbreakable marriage.
