-Exciting details and pictures of African Shrine on Saturday, June 27, 2015
The traditional wedding between Benedict Jacka and Rolari Femi Segun, on Saturday, June 27, 2015, was very colourful. With the wedding proper still almost two months away in London (United Kingdom), friends, family, society pillars witnessed the occasion held at Afrika Shrine, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. ENCOMIUM Weekly’s SHADE WESLEY-METIBOGUN was at the ceremony and brings you happenstances…
THE TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE RITES
Rolari and Benedict are now one body and soul according to the Yoruba traditional rites.
Presided over by Alaga (the anchor), it was a smooth sail, showcasing the rich Yoruba traditional heritage.
On ground were the Seguns and Kutis led by legendary artist Femi Kuti, the family members of the groom (Jacka’s) came all the way from Russia.
From bride price to prostrating, gifts presentation and other marriage rites that followed, the new couple joined their guests for the party that dragged till guests were tired.
ABOUT THE COUPLE
The bride,Rolari is the daughter of Yeni Kuti, first child of Afrobeat originator, late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and late Femi Segun. She schooled outside the shores of Nigeria. The man that stole her heart is Benedict Jacka from Russia. Benedict is a renowned writer.
STRICT ADMISSION INTO THE VENUE
Obviously working on instruction, the men of M3 Security Limited and special Afrika Shrine police maintained no IV, no entry. In fact, they scrutinized the invitation cards to make sure that they were authentic. The security men were on their feet throughout the event.
WATER TIGHT SECURITY
Kudos should be given to the security personnel that manned the wedding, especially Afrika Shrine special police force in orange and black. They were all alive to their duties, they did their job professionally with no report or intrusion by undesirable elements. Many who dread to the Afrika Shrine noticed the calm and organised way guests were treated.
COLOURS OF THE DAY
Yellow and white was the choice colour of the day. Guests adorned these two simple but elegant colours in classy wears of different shapes. However, the yellow aso ebi ruled over others.
USHERS IN OLEKU
Numbering up to 20, slim ushers in oleku attire were on standby to welcome the guests. Right from the entrance to the extreme, they ensured guests sat at appropriate places. The ushers had red beads to compliment their oleku attire.
WHAT THE COUPLE’S PARENTS WORE
The bride and groom’s parents adorned the same attire. The mothers wore navy blue lace and pink, while the men wore sky blue lace made into agbada.
THE ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
The ceremony was handled by two capable hands in the trade. But Dr. (Mrs) Atinuke Ajayi presided over the event. Her expertise and professionalism was obvious as she handled the event effortlessly. For close to three hours, she was on duty alongside her co-host, while others watched in admiration.
FIKEMI FEMI SEGUN READ THE LETTER
The proposal letter sent from the groom’s family was read by the bride’s only sibling Fikemi Femi Segun. Garbed elegantly, she danced to the admiration of all before reading the letter.
HERE COMES THE GROOM
The groom, Benedict Jacka came with his friends and family members. Made, Femi Kuti’s son was his right hand man, explaining what the Alaga said in Yoruba.
Benedict was not spared of the Yoruba traditional rites of prostrating for the elders. His first assignment was to greet his in-laws in Yoruba, which he did excellently.
MOTHER OF THE GROOM’S DANCE STEPS
Obviously over joyous that her only child was getting married, culture and language was not a barrier. She danced to the melodious tunes of the singers, some were wondering if she was a Nigerian in a white man’s skin.
HOW THE BRIDE WAS USHERED IN
Rolani Femi Segun, the beautiful bride of the day was ushered in like a princess. Garbed in a brown and wine ensemble, with a brown veil over her head, she was a beauty to behold.
She was ushered into the venue accompanied by four traditional singers in flowing blue gown and white head tie. They sang as she took those majestic steps to her sit.
A MOTHER’S TEARS OF JOY
Beautiful mother of the bride, Yeni Kuti could not hold back those tears of joy, seeing her only child walk into matrimony.
THE BRIDE TOO
She also shed tears of joy. One or two drops flowed down her gleaming cheeks as she sat down beside her mother. It was such an emotional moment.
RAJI FASHOLA CAME
Former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola came to lend his support to the Seguns and Kutis. Sitting with the bride’s family, gone are the days when praise singers found it difficult to extract financial reward from the former governor, Fashola gave out cash to the Alaga’s.
LAGBAJA ALSO CAME
The masked one, Lagbaja was not left out of the guests who came to show their support. He enjoyed every bit of time spent at the wedding. Catching up with friends, he refused to munch something before leaving. Masquerades don’t eat was his response when he was offered food.
TAYO FANIRAN CAME TOO
Former BBA housemate, Tayo Faniran also registered his presence. But, he didn’t stay till the end of the ceremony. He came with a friend. He was garbed in a black ensemble.
GUESTS HAD MORE THAN ENOUGH TO EAT
There was more than enough for every guest that came. Kudos to the organisers who spared no cost to ensure guests were well fed. Jollof rice, Chinese cuisine, fried rice, dessert were at guests’ beck and call. Assorted drinks were also on offer.
FUNKE KUTI AND BISI SEGUN PLAYED DUTIFUL HOSTS
The duo of Funke Kuti (Femi Kuti’s former wife and Made’s mother) and Bisi Segun (widow of Femi Segun) ensured guests were comfortable and satisfied, moving from guest to guest, exchanging pleasantries while ordering drinks and more food for every once. They were on their feet for hours.
SOUVENIRS
There were a hand full of gift items ranging from kitchen utensils to food stuffs. Items like detergents, jotters, trays were also given to guests to take home.
WHO DID WHAT
Malas Food, Super Q,D Chinese were in charge of food. Drinks Pro, Tanamout Nigeria Limited were in charge.