WHEN EX-UNILAG VICE-CHANCELLOR THROWS LAVISH WEDDING CEREMONY FOR SON
Dateline: Saturday, April 22,2001 and the event of the day was the wedding ceremony of the son of former Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof Oye Ibidapo-Obe.
The venue was Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathderal,located at Oba Akinjobi Road, Government Reservation Area(GRA),Ikeja, Lagos State. The solemnization of the holy matrimony was between Oyeniyi Ibidapo-Obe and Yejiide Odedina.
The spacious church was full to the brim, with who is who in the society, which include wife of former President,Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Olubara of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade, Olowu of Owu-Ijebu,Oba Olusegun Adesina and traditional ruler of Waniken Ife, Oba Kole Ojutalayo.
Similarly, former and incumbent Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities were in attendance, as well as other notable personalities within and outside Nigeria.
The parents of the couple were beaming with smiles throughout, an indication of their happiness. The couple also in high spirit,accompanied by train of groomsmen and bridesmaids,as well as flower girls,page boy and ring bearer.
The officiating priest,Rt Rev James Odedeji told the congregation thus,’Dear people of God,we have come together in the presence of God to witness and to celebrate the marriage of Oyeniyi and Yejide to ask his blessings on them,and to share in their joy’
‘The scriptures teach us that marriage is a gift of God in creation and a means of His grace,a holy mystery in which man and woman became one flesh. It is God’s purpose that,as husband and wife give themselves to each other in love throughout their liives,they shall be united in their love as Christ is united with His church’,the cleric said
He pointed out that in marriage,husband and wife belong to one another and are linked to each other’s family and they begin a new life together in the community.
The clergyman called on the couple to let serving God be their priority, prayed that they should see their marriage as a source of blessing to them
He also told the couple to know that there is no way they won’t offend each other,but they should be cautious of spirit of forgiveness.
‘You don’t kill a mosquitoes with a gun. In marriage there is nothing like competition status. Both of you must reference each other. Couple must make peace at home. Couple should appreciate each other, and know that what you don’t appreciate will depriciate’
The bride who is a Medical Doctor read the Bible passage from the Book of John 2:1-11, as her husband who is also an Engineer looked at her with admiration.
At the colourful event parents of the couple unanimously promised in the name of eternal God,creator and sustainer of everybody to support the marriage,and prayed that God be with them to live together in love,joy and peace.
The couple parents also unanimously signed the marriage register,while the smiling couple joyfully received their certificate joyfully.
However, Rev Odedeji while rounding up the service said,’Now that Oyeniyi and Yejide have given their consent and made their vows to each other before God and his congregation,with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings,in the name of God,I declare that they are husband and wife’
After the church service, the couple and their guests moved to Haven Event Centre, a stone throw to the church, to wine and dine together.
The reception hall was lavishly decorated with a band stand known as Ebony Band reeling out melodious song to entertain guests and couple. Similarly, food and wine were in abundance for all guests.
The Chairman of the reception, the Olowu of Owu-Ijebu, Oba(Engr) Olusegun Adesina, who conducted cutting of the marriage cake, called on the couple to live as a united family and be close to God in all their doings
