Encomium
– Inside the June 12 and 14, 2014 ceremonies
CLASS and style were on display on Saturday, June 14, 2014, when Oluwatobiloba, daughter of former President of Association of Professional Bodies in Nigeria, Mr. Olusegun Ajanlekoko, said ‘I do’ to her heartthrob, Kolawole Osipitan. The ceremony that confirmed the lovebirds as husband and wife was a two-day affair with the traditional/engagement on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at All Seasons Plaza, Agidingbi, Lagos. Guests defied the heavy downpour and honoured the two families. The engagement which had a handful of who is who in attendance went well with music and dance dominating proceedings.
Families and friends reassembled on Saturday, June 14, 2014, for the official joining at the same All Seasons Plaza, Agidingbi, Lagos, putting their best foot forward. Eye pleasing designs were on parade at the ceremony which kicked off at 12 noon. The couple exchanged vows and signed the dotted lines inside one of the halls of the All Seasons Plaza (Pisces Hall). The couple had their photo session while guests moved into a large marquee at the venue for the reception.
As soon as guests were seated, the reception started. Parents of the couple, Mr. Segun and Mrs. Ninilola Ajanlekoko and Mr. Olalekan Osipitan (who represented the groom’s late father) and Mrs. Olusola Osipitan were called in to take their seats. The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Kola Jamodu, former Minister of Industries, was also ushered to his seat alongside his wife. The newly-wed, Mr. Kolawole and Mrs. Oluwatobiloba Osipitan were called in with their friends. The couple paraded beautiful bride’s maids among them were Jennifer Olize, daughter of former TV great, Frank Olize and the brain behind the annual fashion show, Music Meets Runway.
The chairman gave his opening speech and the couple were called to cut the cake made by the bride herself. They fed each other while the toast and the tossing of the bouquet followed. Guests were treated to a spectacular time. There was enough to eat and drink. At around 6.30 p.m, the couple, their families and well wishers were on the dance floor where they enjoyed the joyous moment till late in the night…
‘I knew from the start it would lead to marriage’ – OLUWATOBILOBA AJANLEKOKO
THE beautiful bride, Oluwatobiloba also narrated how she met the man who means the world to her…
How did the journey start?
We met through a friend called Tunji. He told me he wanted to introduce me to someone. I wasn’t interested initially, but when I talked with him he sounded very mature. He called me two weeks later and we started chatting on Blackberry and it went on like that. We kept talking.
The first time you met him, what came to your mind?
The first time I met him, I thought to myself he is handsome. My first day was at Rhapsody. I got there before him. Actually, he appeared nice and cool. We got bonded easily.
Is he the kind of man you have always dreamt of?
He is even better than what I dreamt of.
How did he propose?
It was very exciting. I knew before then that he was going to propose. I just didn’t know how he would do it. He exhibited the intention to marry from the outset.
How would you describe him?
He is fun, loving, very caring. Anything that has to do with me he takes seriously and I really appreciate that.
What kind of home do you envision?
A united home. I can only hope for the best.
Tell us about your educational background.
I did my first degree at University of Reading and my Masters at Westminster and now I am an entrepreneur. I am into confectionery. I do desserts, I also did my wedding cake.
‘Thank God I found her’ – KOLAWOLE OSIPITAN
THE man of the moment, Kolawole Osipitan eulogized his wife, Oluwatobiloba to high heavens at their wedding on Saturday, June 14, 2014.
Briefly, describe your wife?
She is fantastic. She is the best that I have seen among my peers. I am excited I ended up with her because I have come a long way. At this point, it’s so interesting that she is what I have always wanted. People say you have to manage and make up with what you have, but in my case I have everything I wanted. It’s actually what I wished that I got.
Is that luck or what?
Nothing but God. And again when I saw her, I quickly identified she is the one I have been looking for.
Can you still recollect how the journey started?
We met through a friend, we started talking. We saw each other a couple of times and I was convinced she is the one I wanted. I didn’t jump into conclusion. I spent more time to know her very well. The most amazing thing about her is we think alike and all I wanted is a woman who can think at my pace. I have always wanted a woman that when I am not around, I can believe or trust her judgement.
Tell us about your educational background.
I studied Estate Management at the University of Lagos. Presently, I am a consultant to the Lagos State Government.
What kind of home do you envisage?
I am seeing a home where my woman can take decision appropriately when I am not there. We are going to have a fantastic home.
Have you both decided on where you will spend your honeymoon?
We are supposed to go to Mauritius for our honeymoon.
‘I am happy to have witnessed this’ – MR. SEGUN AJANLEKOKO
FORMER President of Association of Professional Bodies in Nigeria and father of the bride, Mr. Segun Ajanlekoko was more than ecstatic the day his precious daughter, Oluwatobiloba joined the married club.
Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding. How does it feel?
It is a thing of joy and one of the ingredients of happiness is being fulfilled. Human beings are created to find happiness. One of the sources of happiness is this kind of ceremony today. I am very happy.
Is this the first time any of your children will be getting married?
In my own direct family, this is the first time and Tobi is the only girl in the family. I have three boys and one girl. But as far as Ajanlekoko family is concerned, there have been many weddings over time. I have never been intimately involved in this kind of event in the past. Today is a major watershed for me, profound because she is the only girl being given away in marriage.
Being the only girl in the family, how easy was it for you when she requested to go into marriage?
It was the most difficult decision I had to take because Tobi is a wonderful lady. When Kola asked to take her as a wife, I saw in him a gentleman and someone determined to make a success of marriage. So, I had no choice but to welcome him and make him one of us. Before then, the fear was that if she would get a man who will appreciate her, relate to her as soulmate. In Kola, that has happened.
How would you describe your daughter, Tobi?
She is very homely, motherly, respectful to everyone and I must thank my wonderful wife for this. Despite all the western education and exposure, she is still a very homely girl who does not play with respect. She is a very hard working young girl. She is an entrepreneur of the right calibre.
What are the winning formulae in your own marriage and how would you recommend the same to the new couple?
Marriage is all about respect for each other. It’s supposed to be complimentary. What you don’t have exists in your partner and so coming together to form a union is supposed to be a harmonious relationship. So, when you understand marriage at this point, it helps you find the right formula for a successful marriage. Women will always be women, a man cannot want a woman like him. Your understanding of the women idiosyncrasies helps you to nourish your marriage. Bringing their strengths and weaknesses together will make them a formidable couple.
How would you describe life as a father and husband?
One of the priorities I place premium on in the family is that you must give the children the best of education, bring them up with the fear of God. I was brought up that way by my parents and I think I have been able to give them the best of what I can afford. They have grown to be professionals in their own rights. Give the child education because education is light. Once you do that and maintain the discipline, they can only but do well. That is the legacy parents can leave for their children.
How are you preparing for the grandchildren?
I will have to continue raising children again and making sure they all go to school. Children are blessings from God and I will be delighted to have them around. I can’t wait.
‘This is a fantastic union’ – MRS. NINILOLA AJANLEKOKO
MRS. Ninilola Ajanlekoko, mother of the bride, exuded joy throughout the ceremony. The 60 year old was a picture of elegance.
How would you describe the newly-wed?
They are fantastic. I don’t have any regret at all about the union. Kola is such an amazing person, respectful and well behaved. Tobi is my precious daughter. I love her, but there is no way she won’t go with her soulmate. I wish them all the very best. May the Lord be with them.
What are you going to miss about her?
So many things. She is like my twin sister. We are very close.
How would you describe the husband?
Kola is a nice person. He is now my son. Both of them have searched for partners before God brought them together. I wish them every good thing of life.
What is the winning formula in your marriage that you would love to recommend for the new couple?
They are from different parents and backgrounds, they are coming together as one. They should not argue for too long. Even if it hurts, someone must come down for the other to allow peace to reign. I have been married for many years now, they should emulate us. I wish them many more years together. Love the family, love the husband and you will overcome any tribulation.
At over 60 you are still looking young and refreshed, what is the secret?
I take good care of myself. I eat good food. I am very hard working and I take care of myself.
‘I want God to bless them with many children’ – MRS. OLUSOLA OSIPITAN
MRS. Olusola Osipitan has coped well after her husband and father of her children passed on. She was on her feet throughout the ceremony.
Briefly, how would you describe the couple?
Today is one of my happiest days. The couple are fantastic. I pray that God gives them fruits of the womb as soon as possible. I want twins and triplets by the grace of God.
How will you describe your daughter-in-law?
Oluwatobiloba is a very beautiful lady, caring and wonderful, respectful and hard working. I pray for better life in their marriage.
Is this the first of your children’s wedding?
This is number four. The eldest are already married.
Where are the others?
Lekan is based in London. Bisola is in US, Kolawole is here in Nigeria and Olawale works for Television Continental, Lagos.
How has the family missed the absence of your late husband?
He died over 10 years ago. We miss him and we know he is in a good place.
Your advice to the newly-wed?
They should not give room for third party. Move close to God, make Him the pillar of their home.
What do you do?
I am a contractor. I supply medical equipment to LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos.
‘The couple will make a good home’ – OLALEKAN OSIPITAN
ELDER brother of the groom, Olalekan Osipitan stood in for their late father, Engr. Olaitan Osipitan. Olalekan, who is the first in the family came all the way from London (the United Kingdom) where he is based.
What is your relationship with the groom?
He is my younger brother.
What is your position in the family?
I am the first child of my mother and he is the third.
You are representing your late father, that must be a big role for you?
Yes, what can I do? I am quite proud to be there for my brother. We miss our father, we know he is in a good place now.
How would you describe your brother’s personality?
He has all the attributes our late father possessed. Those attributes guided us to this moment.
What is your impress-ion about the wife?
From what I have seen, she is from a good home with good foundation. She is well brought up, respectful and intelligent.
What will be your advice to the newly-wed?
They should be themselves. They should move close to God.
WHO DID WHAT
Wedding Planner -Kezington Events, Comedy/MC – Extreme Entertainment, Bride’s bouquet and flower décor – Grailland florists, Bride and bride’s maids wardrobe – April by Kumbi, Aso ebi – De Roots of Aso Oke/CJays Fabrics, Wedding cake/desserts/fruit tree – Sprinkles and Cocktails, Videography – DJ Tee, Catering – Tasty Catering Services Limited, Drinks – Racool Ice and Icebox, Event decoration and lighting – Open Hands Nigeria, Music – Faith Band/DJ Tee/Ludareh, String Quartet – Scales Musical Concept, Beauty therapist – Bianca Estelle.
– FOLUSO SAMUEL –
Pix – DAPO ADESEKO and GODWIN ONYEMAECHI
