Encomium
Splendor, in a tete-a-tete with glamour, agreed to invite elegance, pomp and grandeur, to converge at the wedding of the daughter of billionaire businessman, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi on Saturday, February 4, 2017.
Long before Chinazo Isabelle Obiejesi and the groom, Mekam Tochukwu Okoye, arrived at Our Saviour’s Church in Onikan (Lagos) for the wedlock that morning, evidence of grandeur were on ground.
And at 10:42 when a convoy of luxury automobiles, Rolls Royces, Maserati, BMWs and Mercedes Benzes including a Maybach, eased in conveying the bridal party and their parents, what’s to come on this magical day was apparent.
In an Angelo Galasso ensemble with a Gianni Versace belt parading the head of the Medusa peeping on his black leather belt, the father of the bride was all smiles. His wife, in a flowery dress, was a picture of simplicity as joyousnes enveloped her.
The groom adorned a black tuxedo, crisp and clean white shirt with black studs. A bow tie in black velvet, a pink rose buttonaire and white pocket square, completed his regal ensemble with shimmering black patent leather shoes.
We caught a glimpse of the lucky bride’s gasp inducing, floor sweeping beige gown with appliques and gems. The lacy bodice framed her heavenly torso soothingly.
As Mekam took position for the nuptials to begin at the steps of the altar, his best man stood behind in readiness for the life changing event.
Just before 11:00 hours, father and bride walked up the aisle lined with white flex. And Dr. Azudialu-Obiejesi handed over his beautiful daughter to the man she would spend the rest of her life with.
As the prompt, orderly and serious ceremony played out in the tastefully decorated church with flowers thoughtfully positioned, colourful characters, from royal fathers to billionaires, professionals to politicos, participated in the union that means everything.
We counted the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnayelugo Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe; Anany Anabor 1 of Abuloma Kingdom, Brigadier General Bright Ateke Fibionumama (retired); Obi of Okija, Igwe Emeka Okezie; billionaire tycoon, Sir Emma Bishop Okonkwo and wife; Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, chairman of Seplat and wife; former All Progressive Grand Alliance chairman, Chief Victor Umeh; famous lawyer, Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN); adulated Prof. Pat Utomi and wife; Minority leader in the Senate and former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, among the early callers.
Presided over by the Primate of The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Nicholas Dikeriehi Orogodo Okoh and Most Rev (Dr.) Adebola Ademowo (Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emiritus), they led other priests in the solemn ceremony interspersed with sonorous songs and prayers that lasted almost three hours.
As the congregation marched out to join the wedding party, the atmosphere was flushed with happiness. Banters, back-slaps and hugs dominated as we prepared to move to the reception.
At the reception venue (Landmark Event Centre on Water Corporation Road, Victoria Island Annex), glitz was fully in charge. The organisation, from entry procedure of vehicles to parking, allocation of tags and welcome reception, it was a seamless exercise by the band of policemen, security guards and ushers.
Luxury automobiles, from jeeps to sedans, coupes to pimped buses turned to roomy spaces, hundreds dotted the car park. A panoramic view of the wonders on wheels was an impressive spectacle difficult to replicate.
The welcome reception area, in front of the main hall, was decorated with lush green carpet where a pianist gingerly tickled the 88 keys of the shining red piano (to the right). To the left was the multilevel white wooden object with glasses of wine, champagne and fruit juice for those who wanted to take some time to adjust to the 7-star treatment.
More popular guests and celebrities engaged the paparazzi in front of the backdrop with pictures of the adorable couple.
In the main hall, with a green carpet aisle, two bands entertained one after the other on the left (beside the stage).
And as guests settled in, dozens of vendors were ready to pamper them to bliss. From food to drinks, small chops to dessert, waiters were at your beck and call.
From 4 till 8 pm, the arena rocked hither and thither as fun chased excitement. Billionaires rubbed shoulders with royal fathers, bank managing directors exchanged notes with professionals.
The long list paraded Africa’s pride, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; billionaire owner of Orange Drugs, Sir Tony Ezenna who came in his white Maybach S600; funky man of means, Mr. Tunde Folawiyo; GTBank’s managing director, Mr. Segun Agbaje and wife, Derin; former MD of UBA, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; former MD of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti, among many pillars.
The Olowo Eko Omo Erin J’ogun Ola, Oba Rilwan Akinolu was accompanied by white cap chiefs.
As the reception’s entertainment quotient multiplied, hundred more guests trooped in, and extra chairs were added to tables, and more planted on the green aisle in the main hall.
By 8 pm, the older guests started retiring. And at 9, only scores remained. But the younger set weren’t getting tired.
When the after party kicked off, the bold and the beautiful, handsome and full of energy didn’t want the revelry to end. They were on a rollicking odyssey that lasted many hours…
