Encomium
-Inside the January 10 nupitals
Saturday, January 10, 2015 will no doubt remain unforgettable for Prince Kazeem Eletu-Odibo, one of the children of the Eletu-Odibo of Lagos, the traditional prime minister to the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, as he formalized his union with Princess Kate Orukpe from Ugboha Esan, Edo State, in a colourful traditional wedding.
ENCOMIUM Weekly was at the carnival-like nuptials that had in attendance royals from Lagos and Edo; politicos, entertainers and captains of industry. Held at the popular KFA Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. We bring you some of the happenstances from the royal wedding.
HOW THE GROOM, BRIDE RODE IN CUSTOMIZED ROLLS ROYCE
The groom, who was the first to arrive the venue rode in a customized royce rolls (black) marked “Eletu Odibo Lagos (1).”Austin K” as he’s fondly called was majestically ushered into the hall by a band holding the royal family big flag, where gorgeously dressed guests were waiting to receive him. The groom was cute in his butter colour flowing agbada made of aso-oke, a green cap, eye spectacles with royal bead and a gold necklace.
Another convoy drove in, and it was the bride, Princess Kate, in another customized Royce Rolls (white) with registration number (Eletu Odibo II). She danced into the venue to meet her husband’s family where she was received with blessings. She was thereafter led to her husband with Onyeka Onwenu’s classical song, You And I Will Live As One – playing in the background. She knelt and greeted her husband with humility before taking her seat beside him, for the marriage rites to commence.
THE READING OF PROPOSAL AND ACCEPTANCE LETTERS
Arguably, reading of both letters of marriage proposal and acceptance is one of the major rites of traditional marriage. For the couple, it was the same procedure. The letters were eloquently read which followed exchange of engagement and wedding rings. The elated couple were happy as they kissed romantically shortly after the cutting of the cake. That formally marked the end of the first stage.
THE RECEPTION ABAYOMI MUMUNI SHOWED LOVE TO THE COUPLE
The Aare Jagunmade of Lagos, ambassador Abayomi Mumuni really showed he is a family member of the Olotus. He was seen all over with his friend, Femi Adeniregun ensuring that the solemnization was successful. He was the chairman of the occasion. During his opening speech to declare the reception open, he welcomed guests and prayed to the couple. Abayomi Mumuni, APC stalwart who contested the gubernatorial seat under the defunct CPC in 2011 in Lagos State, said; “I congratulate the couple. I want to urge them to continue loving each other because love conquers everything. I wish them a successful union.”
SEAN TIZZLE, JAYWON, 9ICE, AYUBA THRILLED
Shortly after the reception was declared opened, the colourful wedding witnessed the best, back-to-back performances from up-and-coming artistes to A-list music stars, who made the couple visit the dance floor many times – and swaying and jiggling gave them joy. The segment was anchored by the Nollywood act, Francis Duru, who introduced the superstars. Jaywon’s first performance ignited the guests, followed by Sean Tizzle as he lit up the stage with his numerous hit songs, including Sho Le. 9ice took over with his popular songs that made guests dance and sang along. And of course, the Bonsue Fuji creator, Adewale Ayuba performed with his band for hours.
ENOUGH FOOD FOR GUESTS
Guests were treated to sumptuous delicacies by comprised Sisi Pepper Konsult, a Lagos based catering company. The main course for the occasion jollof rice, fried rice, ofada rice, yam pottage, pounded yam and semovita served with efo riro or efo egusi) among others. The delicacies also came with salad, oriental and bonus items such as calamari rings, peppered snails and stock fish.
IBU, EJIKE ASIEGBU, AKI, OGOGO OTHERS HONOURED THE COUPLE
Nollywood actors, Mr. Ibu, Ejike Asiegbu, Francis Duru, Aki, Ogogo, Sunny Alli, Abbey Lanre and others honoured the couple at the fabulous wedding. They got a rousing welcome from fans who thronged the venue. The couple couldn’t hide their feelings for the love these actors showed them by honouring their invitation. Mr. Ibu was in a comic gear, reminiscent of his movie roles.
ROLL-CALL
The nuptials was attended by the royals, especially those of Lagos and Edo extraction.
Prominent among them were HRH, Fatai Aremu Aromire, Oba of Ojora/Iganmu; Chief Waheed Gbadamosi, the Olisa and Osupa of Iworo; Chief Tajudeen Gbadesere, Eletu Odibu of Lagos; Aare Abayomi Mumuni and wife, Maryam Atiku Abubakar; Mr Samuel Damilola Adegbuyi, Commissioner of Lagos; Mr. Shina Peller, Quilox boss; Abdullah Arisekola, Fola Tinubu, Femi Adeniregun, and Chief John Igiebu, the Izuwako, among others.
LOVE STORY
The couple (Prince Kazeem and Princess Kate) met years ago and are blessed with three children, AbdulFatah, AbdulMalik and Fawaz (Fawaz was absent) before formalizing their union on Saturday, January 10, 2015. Despite the differences in their tribe and religion, the couple have been able to live happily. They are based in Paris, France with their beautiful children.
…COUPLE SPEAK
‘I feel very happy’-KAZEEM (Groom)
I feel very happy and great. I give God the glory. I appreciate everything about my wife. She’s pretty and a wonderful woman. She was there for me when I was nobody. She’s loyal, understanding, loving and caring mother of my children.
‘I feel fulfilled’ -KATE (Bride)
I’m extremely happy and I really feel fulfilled being married to the one I love and want to spend the rest of my life with. He’s a good man; very lovely and understanding.
-RASHEED ABUBAKAR
