Encomium
NOLLYWOOD super star, Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki) on Saturday, December 10, 2011, staged an exclusive reception party to celebrate his transition from bachelorhood to married life. Held at Clear Essence California Spa and Wellness Resort, on Alexander Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, the wedding reception attracted A-list actors, top comedians, music stars and pillars of commerce and industry. And always the first with the news, ENCOMIUM Weekly serves you the complete story and all the gists at the wedding reception of the year.
CHINEDU IKEDIEZE/NNEOMA NWAIJAH WEDDING TIME LINE
Conceptualised initially as a staggered two-legged ceremony with the traditional marriage (Igba Nkwu) at Hope Nneoma Nwaijah’s home town, Alaiyi, Ama, Ugili, Oboto, Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State on Saturday, November 26, 2011, followed by a December church wedding/reception, the couple almost surprised the world with a rescheduled Friday, December 9 private church nuptials. Attended by a few celebrities (Kcee, Presh, P-Square, Evangelist Myke Ikoku and wife, Chigozie Atuanya, Chinyere Nwabueze and Chidi Nwaokobia), Ikedieze’s choice was The Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Abundant Grace Parish on Plot 334, Daranijo Street, off Odusami Road (behind Excellence Hotel), Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.
Chinedu/Nneoma’s excitingly adventurous journey to holy matrimony was rounded off on Saturday, December 10, with a lavish reception party massively honoured by the best of Nollywood. There was also an after party at Mega Plaza and outing service at Righteous Parish, RCCG, Ogba on Saturday, December 11.
ABOUT THE WHITE WEDDING
Chinedu and Nneoma were joined in holy matrimony at RCCG, Abundant Grace Parish, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos amidst prayers and supplications for the special couple to enjoy an unprecedented marital bliss. The church service scheduled for 10 a.m that Friday, December 9, only kicked off around 11.00 a.m with RCCG ministers officiating. Coordinated by Pastor Philip Chukwukadobia, it featured praise and worship as well as prayers for the newly wed. By 11.57, exchange of marital vows had begun as the couples’ parents formed a pillar of support around them.
“I accept you Nneoma as my wife today in plenty, in poverty until death do us part,” Chinedu Ikedieze, who adorned a black suit with an immaculate white shirt, pledged before the congregation and guests numbering about 200.
“I will love and nurse you with all my possessions,” he also added before the bride followed suit. In his sermon, Pastor Akin Komolafe, who flew in from the UK for the wedding reiterated Apostle Paul’s admonition on marriage. He advised the couple to sacrifice their immediate families, for their marriage to work out. The couple later signed the dotted lines around 1.00 p.m banking again on the support of their dependable parents and reliable and reputable witnesses. The wedding was concluded with photo sessions with the couple.
CUT AWAYS FROM THE WHITE WEDDING
Here are cut aways from the white wedding…
EARLY BIRDS
The few that were invited for the church wedding were really punctual. As early as 8 a.m, guests had started coming to Abundant Grace Parish. They also waited patiently until the wedding ceremonials kicked off around 11 a.m, one hour behind schedule.
LAST MINUTE CHANGE OF VENUE
Chinedu Ikedieze didn’t wed in his own church (RCCG Righteous Parish). Obviously, for security reasons, the church at Open Arcade, Ogba was considered too exposed (being along the Ogba-Ijaiye Road). Hence, the couple’s choice of Abundant Grace Parish, not too far away from Aki’s own branch. Interestingly, some even thought the wedding would be taking place in another RCCG, Grace Parish in Victoria Island, Lagos.
HOW THE GROOM MADE IT TO CHURCH
Chinedu Ikedieze and Pawpaw, his Nollywood twin brother, who was also his best man, lodged at AY Hotel. Just a stone throw from the church, they came in a light green Honda Accord with no number plate.
FLIRTING WITH DESIGNERS
Frontline designer, Fauster Onyeanu (Body Cover) worked with other top designers to dress the bridegroom, his best man (Osita) and the groom’s men. Other set of designers were also engaged. Relatedly, Nneoma’s wedding gown bore the imprint of the well-made outfit obviously ordered abroad.
PURPLE WAS THEIR COLOUR
Draped in purple, the colour that stands side by side with royalty, the bridal train of lovely and beautiful damsels added glamour to the wedding. The groom’s men stepped out in black and white with a touch of purple on their wrist bands.
THE MAD RUSH FOR THE COUPLE
From photographers to guests, fans and passersby, there was a mad rush to catch a glimpse of Aki and Nneoma. And security operatives, who were on ground to ensure there were no incidents had a tough time controlling them.
THE CHIEF BRIDESMAID AND AKI’S BEST MAN
While Chinedu Ikedieze settled for his partner, Osita (Pawpaw) as best man, his wife chose Chichi Obidike as chief bridesmaid.
THE IKEDIEZE’S AND NWAIJAHS UNITED IN LOVE
The families of Ikedieze Ogbonna and Nwaijah openly demonstrated their love for one another all through the wedding. And sitting side by side you could hardly tell one from the other.
THE BRIDE CAME IN A LIMO
Living up to the billing of a celebrity wedding, the bride and her ladies came in a white limousine. And all eyes were on the long-stretched classy auto many desire to ride.
LIGHT REFRESHMENT/SOUVENIR
With a reception party the next day, guests had to manage a small pack of snacks and a drink. Some also got a modest souvenir.
WHAT AN OPEN SECRET WEDDING!
With guests receiving text messages (as there was no invite) 24 hours to the wedding, how some others happened to locate the venue must have surprised the couple. But the question nobody had answers for was Aki’s decision to stage an open secret wedding.
KCEE AND PRESH REUNITE
Chinedu and Nneoma Ikedieze’s wedding offered another platform for KC Presh (now Kcee) and Presh to bond. Interestingly, the hip-hop acts came in the same car (a black Mercedes 4matic with customized number plate, SENGE). Saint Dom, a member of Kcee’s five star music label was the pilot while the duo waited patiently for about 30 minutes in the posh auto before the church service formally started.
THE STAR STUDDED RECEPTION PARTY
THE VENUE: Exclusive, posh, secure, serene are apt words for the Clear Esence Resort and Spa, venue of Chinedu Ikedieze’s wedding reception on Alexander Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The beautiful place was instantly transformed into a luxury arena of jollification as showbiz stars congregated to celebrate Aki’s wedding. From the gate to the expansive premises beautified with garden lightings and red carpets, guests could not hide their affection for the virgin event centre.
TIGHT SECURITY
Expectedly, there was water tight security to check uninvited guests as well as undesirables. Coordinated by Events Secure, they had with them a guest list to cross check all invites. But notwithstanding their effort, many uninvited guests had their way in.
MULTIPLE ANCHORS
The reception party was anchored by star comedian, Ayo Makun (AY), comic actor, Victor Osuagwu and Galaxy TV presenter, Collins Talker (Ukonu).
DJ GOSPERELLA ROCKS
DJ Gosperella was on the wheel of steel, dishing out varieties of music. And everybody acknowledged he is good at what he does.
VERY BRIEF CEREMONIALS
Although the reception party was billed for 12 noon, it was around 4 p.m that the event actually started. That was some minutes after the newest couple in town were ushered in with their friends. And when it started, it only lasted for about 60 minutes. What followed was dance, dance, dance, amidst lavish entertainment and spraying of naira and dollars on the celebrants.
VOTE OF THANKS
Overwhelmed with joy for the show of love by his guests and in-laws, the chief hose (Aki) thanked them all, saying their presence would remain memorable.
A PEEP INTO AKI’S GUEST LIST
Star studded from any point you look at it, here are some popular guests that made it to the wedding reception party. Mercy Johnson, Rita Dominic, Susan Peters, Chioma Okoye, Halima Abubakar, Uche Jombo, Amaka Okere, Ogechi Asiegbu, Bolanle Cyberia (Benedicta Onyebu), Segun Arinze, Victor Osuagwu, Ayo Makun (AY), Emma Totolus, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Chigozie Atuanya, Arinze Okonkwo, Grace Amah, Ali Baba, Dauda, Osita Iheme, Ifeanyi Ubah, Emma Bishop Okonkwo, Kcee (Kingsley Okonkwo), E-Money (Emeka Okonkwo), Genevieve Nnaji, Monalisa Chinda, Richard Mofe Damijo, Zik Zulu Okafor, Ateke Tom, Bob Manuel-Udokwu.
EKULU GROUP TANTALIZE GUESTS WITH EXOTIC DRINKS
There were all kinds of wines and spirits in the house. And that was courtesy of Emmanuel Bishop Okonkwo’s Ekulu Group of Companies Limited. The company franchised to import more than 100 products into the country specifically ordered Bru Rose champagne and Chandor for Ikedieze.
CLEAR ESSENCE MANAGEMENT TOOK OVER THE RECEPTION PARTY
From foods and cakes, decorations and accommodation, Clear Essence Hotel was completely in charge. And not a few enjoyed their dishes that ranged from local to intercontinental. The decoration which was mainly in purple, black and ash was also beautifully done.
THE AFTER PARTY AND THANKSGIVING SERVICE
The after party was at Mega Plaza. While the newly-wed and their families attended a thanksgiving service on Sunday, December 11, to give God all the glory for a successful wedding ceremony.
BITS AND PIECES FROM THE RECEPTION PARTY
Though it was a brief outing for the Ikediezes, a lot did happen. And ENCOMIUM Weekly didn’t miss the ones that count.
E-MONEY AND KCEE STRIKE AGAIN
Never disappointing his hosts, the duo of Emeka and Kingsley Okonkwo (E-Money and Kcee) ignited the air of celebration, popping champagne and spraying dollars on the visibly appreciative couple. And occupying a reserved table with billionaire businessman, Ifeanyi Ubah, Monalisa Chinda, Susan Peters and Uche Jombo, they enjoyed every minute they spent at the reception.
IFEANYI UBAH WAS HERE
Billionaire oil mogul, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah is a good man. Very, very close to the groom, he came quite in time and stayed all through the event. And trust the kind hearted man of means, he didn’t leave Clear Essence Hotel without appreciating the couple. He actually came with his friends and associates.
MERCY JOHNSON LEFT EARLY
Another close friend of Aki, recently wedded Mercy Johnson flew into the country to honour her colleague. And leaving the reception quite early, MJ didn’t do her traditional personal souvenir for the star actor (she did for Kcee and Mike Ezuruonye).
UCHE JOMBO HAD ISSUES WITH THE SECURITY
Popular actress, Uche Jombo was delayed at the reception gate for some minutes. Mainly because of some people that had some jobs to do at the party, but were denied access. The issue was. However, later resolved as her ‘guys’ were allowed in.
BOB-MANUEL SHOWS SUPPORT
Four-time anchor of Gulder Ultimate Search (GUS), Bob-Manuel Udokwu came straight from this year’s show to celebrate with his colleague. Also on the same reserved table with E-Money and Ifeanyi Ubah, his infectious smiles showed he was in good company.
SUSAN PETERS AND HER GIFT FOR THE COUPLE
Multiple-award winning beautiful actress, Susan Peters jealously clutched on to the beautiful gift she presented to the couple. A journalist, however, helped her with it right from the gate. And as polite as ever, she thanked the guy for giving her a hand.
AMAA BOSS, PEACE ANYIAM OSIGWE ON THE QUIET SIDE
Amiable President/CEO of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Anyiam Osigwe was on the quiet side. This notwithstanding, she actively participated in all of the programmes before she left unannounced.
NOLLYWOOD STARS CIRCULATE
From Monalisa Chinda to Uche Jombo, Halima Abubakar, Amaka Okere to Chioma Okoye, Aki’s party provided the most needed forum for long-time friends and associates to network. And this opportunity was maximized.
BENEDICTA ONYEBU (BOLANLE CYBERIA) RETURNS TO SOCIAL SCENE
Promising actress, Benedicta Onyebu who features as Bolanle in the series, Cyberia, is back to the industry after maternity leave. Now looking more beautiful, Aki’s party was the first A-list event she has attended in the last one year. The curvaceous actress came in the same car with her colleague, Amaka Okere (who has also been out of the country for about three months).
AMAKA OMONIBAKU STUNS THEM ALL
Actress-turned-entrepreneur, Amaka Ononibaku handled the bride’s makeover. She won the deal through her company, Stunners. And judging from the beautiful look of Chinedu Ikedieze’s wife, she was applauded for her high sense of style and professionalism. Stunners was involved in all stages of the wedding.
‘This is my first time of being a best man’
- OSITA IHEME (Pawpaw)
We also spoke with Osita Iheme (Pawpaw) who shared his experience as his partner’s best man.
How does it feel to be Chinedu Ikedieze’s best friend and best man?
It’s so wonderful. I have not done this before. And it is interesting I did it for the first time for my best friend. I am very elated today. I enjoyed myself.
The wedding reception was really star studded, did you see it coming?
Yes, because when you do things, you can imagine how it will turn out considering how your things usually are. So, we knew it would be big.
Many are still asking, when is Osy getting married?
By God’s grace it is very soon you will hear from me.
Have you found her?
When I find her, you will know.
When the time comes what will you be looking for?
A woman that will love me and respect me. A God fearing woman.
‘Today is my happiest day’
- CHINEDU IKEDIEZE
Overwhelmed by the massive turnout of guests, particularly celebrities, Chinedu confessed they have made his day. ENCOMIUM Weekly engaged him in a chat after the reception party.
How does it feel to be fully married now?
It’s awesome. And I give God all the glory. I want to thank God for everything. I also want to thank all the people who have been supporting us in prayers and otherwise. I’m really happy. And the memory would be here forever. I also want to give a special thanks to my sponsor, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo. I cannot forget Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah. I didn’t know he would be present here today.
What would change about you now?
Nothing much. I would still be Chinedu only that I now have additional responsibility.
A lot of people have been praying for you and your wife, what’s your wish in this marriage?
Marital bliss and God’s hand in my family.
Your in-laws and your parents have stood by you all through the marriage ceremonies, what’s the word for them?
I pray that God will bless them for me and give them more life to enjoy the fruit of their labour.
What about your partner and friend, Osita Iheme?
As I said before, he is a man. He has always been there for me. And I won’t let him down.
‘What we like about Chinedu Ikedieze’
- CHIDERA DORIS NWAIJAH, Bride’s sister
Some of Nneoma Ikedieze’s siblings were glad enough to tell ENCOMIUM Weekly the kind of person their sister is. They also opened up on what attracted them to their celebrity in-law.
What’s your prayer for your sister and brother in-law?
I pray that God will give them long life and prosperity, bless them with children, increase them financially and everything they do. I wish them a happy married life.
What was the initial reaction of your family when they saw Chinedu?
Nothing, Chinedu is a man, like every other man. There was no reaction. It is love that brought them together. My dad said, do you love him and she said yes and he said go, I won’t marry you.
How would you describe Chinedu?
He is a kind man. He is mature in everything he does.
What about your sister?
My sister, Nneoma is a very beautiful lady and straightforward. She is always happy and she will make a good wife to Chinedu.
You are still in school?
No, I’m through. I am doing my national service. I studied Accounting.
‘God will give them a happy home’
- VIVIAN NWAIJAH, Bride’s sister
What is your advice to the newly-wed?
They should live in peace and harmony.
And your prayers?
For God to give them long life and blissful marriage.
What’s your relationship with the couple?
The bride is my immediate elder sister.
Nneoma’s brother, Victor Nwaijah speaks
How are you related to the couple?
The bride is my sister.
How does it feel to witness your sister’s wedding to Nollywood star, Chinedu Ikedieze?
I was not surprised by the turnout. It was more like what happened at the traditional marriage. It gives me joy. I am happy and very excited.
What was going on in your mind the first time you saw Chinedu?
I saw a kind and intelligent man.
So, how would you describe your sister?
My sister is a well behaved lady.
The couple’s parents on what they feel about Chinedu/Nneoma’s marriage
FOR the first time, the couple’s parents have opened up on why they supported the talk-of-the-town wedding between Nneoma Nwaijah and Nollywood super star, Chinedu Ikedieze. “I had no option than to allow my daughter (Nneoma) to go ahead with her marriage since Chinedu is her choice,” Mr. Lawrence Nwaijah, a retired civil servant and the bride’s dad told ENCOMIUM Weekly on Friday, December 9, at the church wedding. Asked to describe his in-law, Mr. Nwaijah said he is a great and wise man. He prayed for the success of their marriage while wishing them many children.
His beautiful wife, who works with the Ministry of Defence also told us she never opposed Chinedu/Nneoma’s union. “She is a graduate and an adult that knows what is good for her. Since she said it’s Chinedu, we had to support her.” Also describing her in-law in superlative terms, she wished them well in their marriage.
In a related development, Aki’s dad, Ogbonna Ikedieze described his daughter-in-law as a good woman. He told ENCOMIUM Weekly in a chat that same Friday that their marriage is made in heaven. Supporting her husband, Mrs. Ikedieze said she has been blessed with a wife material. “Nneoma is every man’s dream. And she is a blessing to our family,” she confessed.
And talking about her eldest son in a family of eight, she said that God gave her a special child in the very popular actor.
Both graduates of Mass Communication from different universities (Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT for Nneoma), Chinedu is a product of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT). They met on a movie set years back. They are now happily married, having gotten the consent and support of their parents.
Celebs advice and pray for Chinedu and Nneoma Ikedieze
THE couple’s Nollywood colleagues, showbiz stars and other celebrities prayed for them. Some of their advice to the newly wed…
‘They should be tolerant’
- BOB MANUEL-UDOKWU
What’s your advice for Chinedu and Nneoma Ikedieze?
First, I am sure you know I am 11 years old in this business (marriage). So, I know what I am talking about. They must be tolerant. Then dialogue and prayerfulness. Seeing things from the other person’s point of view even as you hold your own point of view.
So, what’s your prayer for them?
Blissful marriage. I am 11 years in this. So, I pray for them to get to 11 so that by the time they get to 11, I would be going further and they will also want to emulate what I did to get there. That is my prayer for Chinedu and Hope Ikedieze.
‘My prayer is for them to live in unity, peace and harmony’
- AYO MAKUN (AY)
What’s your prayer for the couple?
In my capacity as the master of ceremony, I saw myself witnessing two people that are now one. I saw unity. I saw love and prayer for them to live in unity, in peace and harmony and for God to continue to bless them.
You have been married for about three, four years, what’s your advice to the newly wed?
In my capacity as a married man of three, four years, I will advise my junior colleague in the business not to mind what people say about celebrities losing their female fans as brands when they get married. It’s a lie. Get married, get connected and enjoy that which God has put in place for you. And for this wonderful couple, I’m wishing them all the best. God will bless them because the next time we will gather for them it will be to celebrate their new born baby.
‘They should not allow a third party to come into their marriage’
- HALIMA ABUBAKAR
What advice do you have for the newly wedded couple?
My advice is that they should continue to love each other. They should not bring a third party into their marriage. They are one, not two.
‘Once they understand themselves, their marriage will work’
- Emeka Okonkwo (E-Money)
What’s your prayer for the couple?
My prayer for them is all the blessings, all the good things that marriage comes with should go to them, the blessing of life, many children, more money so they can take care of all their needs.
Have you got any advice for them?
My advice for them is to understand themselves. It’s going to help their marriage. When the wife understands the husband, and the husband understands the wife, that’s it. Everything will be going sweet and nice. Once they understand themselves, as I said before.
‘God will bless their marriage’
- Kcee
What’s your special prayer for the newly-wed?
First, I’m happy for Chinedu Ikedieze. He is a man. Nneoma is a super woman. And I’m happy for them. God will bless their marriage.
Have you got any advice for them?
They should continue to love each other. Now, they are one, they have to constantly communicate to resolve any issue that arises in their marriage. I pray that God will guide them.
‘They should love and tolerate each other’
- PRESH
Presh, what is your prayer for the couple?
More money, more children, prosperity, long life, good health.
Any advice?
They should love and tolerate each other. They should try to understand each other.
‘The fruit of the womb is their portion’
- MONALISA CHINDA
Have you got any prayer for Chinedu and Nneoma Ikedieze?
I bless their marriage. Marriage, obviously originated from heaven. I pray they will have the fruit of the womb in Jesus name.
What is your advice to them?
To be tolerant.
‘They should be each other’s best friend’
- UCHE JOMBO
What’s your prayer for the couple?
I wish them the best of married life. I wish them all. Chinedu is like a brother to me. I have known him forever.
Have you got any advice for them?
My advice is that they should be each other’s best friend.
‘They should love and respect each other’
- SUSAN PETERS
What do you wish the couple?
Long life, more blessings and they should learn to advice each other as brother and sister, not as husband and wife but as friends, brother and sister. He should be a brother to his wife while his wife should be like his sister.
Any advice for the newly wed?
I will tell the wife to love her husband and always be obedience and I will tell the man to always respect his wife and love her. They should live like a young couple forever.
Ifeanyi Ubah prays for the couple
What do you wish Mr. and Mrs. Chinedu Ikedieze?
I wish them the very best. Marriage is spiritual and ordained by God. So, I pray they should grow in love. They should not allow a third party to me into their marriage. They should also continue to love each other in order to give the best to their marriage. They can only give the best to themselves. I wish them marital bliss.
‘I wish them twins and triplets’
- ARINZE OKONKWO
What do you wish Chinedu Ikedieze and wife?
For Chinedu, I don’t know what to say o. Today is a good day. I am happy for him. I am happy for the wife. I’m happy for everybody that came here. I wish them all the best and I pray that God will bless their marriage. I wish them twins and triplets in Jesus name.
Do you have any advice for them?
My advice is that Chinedu should love his wife. And as a wife, Nneoma, please submit to your husband.
‘They have to endure, tolerate and accommodate each other’
- CHIDI MOKEME
What do you wish Chinedu and Nneoma Ikedieze?
I wish the couple all the best. I wish them God’s grace. I wish them God’s favour. I wish them God’s guidance and blessings. Everything that He has destined for them shall come to pass in Jesus name.
Have you got any advice for the couple?
My advice is since they have decided to spend their lives together, they have to be tolerant of each other. They have to endure each other, they have to accommodate each other and know that for better, for worse means just that.
‘They will enjoy their marriage in good health and prosperity’
- ALI BABA
Do you have any special prayer for star actor, Chinedu Ikedieze and wife, Nneoma?
I pray they enjoy their marriage in good health, prosperity, long life and blessings of God in abundance. My advice is that they should always understand and tolerate themselves.
‘They should be patient with each other’
- Chinwe Eze
What do you wish the couple?
That they will live long carrying plenty beautiful children and be happy in their marriage.
And your advice to them?
They should be patient with each other because every marriage has challenges.
‘Tolerance should be their watchword’
- CHIGOZIE ATUANYA
What do you wish Chinedu and Nneoma Ikedieze?
I wish them a happy married life. I also pray that God will continue to bless and provide all they need according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.
What advice are you giving to the couple?
My advice is very simple. They should carry each other’s burden. It is also important that they tolerate and accommodate each other’s differences.
‘They should not listen to gossips’
- AMAKA OKERE
What do you wish the newly-wed couple?
My God! I am so happy for Chinedu. My prayer is this joy that God has given to Chinedu and Nneoma will last forever. That nothing on earth is going to destroy this joy.
What’s your advice to them?
My advice is they should close their ears because a lot of people will say so many rubbish concerning her.
‘God should be the third party in their marriage’
- BENEDICTA ONYEBU (Bolanle Cyberia)
How does it feel to have witnessed Chinedu Ikedieze’s wedding?
It was cool and fun although we arrived pretty late, we still had fun.
What’s your prayer for the couple?
I wish them good luck, happy married life. And with all the divorces happening around, I wish them a long lasting relationship till death do them part.
Have you got any advice for them?
My advice is that they should put God first. The third party in their marriage should actually be God.
‘They should live as one body and soul’
- AMAKA ONONIBAKU
What do you wish Chinedu and Nneoma Ikedieze?
May God grant them marital bliss. I pray that God will protect their marriage and make them fruitful.
Do you have any advice for them?
They should continue to love each other until death do them part. Having been married, they are now one body, which is the mystery of marriage.
- This story was first published in ENCOMIUM Weekly on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
