Ronke Kehinde/
People say that the Law has a long arm.
So, it wasn’t much surprise to see the array of personalities that the proverbial long arm of the law could pull on Saturday when the daughter of a police officer married the son of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in Lagos.
There was a parade of so many eminent personalities from the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, the political class and other walks of life as the daughter of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Adeleye Oyebade mni solemnized her holy matrimony with the son of Barr. Sola Ojutalayo.
The church ceremonies and reception were held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Dominion Sanctuary, Vori Close, on Acme Road, Ogba, in Lagos and the Haven Event Center, Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral compound along Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, Ikeja, in Lagos.
The governor, State of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola arrived early before the church service commenced and he was there for the wedding pictures when the programme ended.
Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), represented by the Assistant General Overseer, Administration and Personnel, Pastor Johnson Foluso Odesola joined the couple.
He told the congregation that marriage is ordained by God as he delivered Pastor Adeboye’s prayer that God will open a new chapter of joy in the lives of Olutola and Olutayo.
After exchanging marital vows, the couple moved into a chamber in the church where they signed and received their Certificate of Marriage in the presence of Gov. Oyetola and a few dignitaries.
“What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder,” Pastor Odesola cried out as he called upon the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
He said, “Marriage is an honourable upgrade of the status by God in form of man, by symbolizing the union between Christ and the Church. Marriage is a mutual fellowship. Marriage is ordained by God.”
Pastor Brown Oyitso, who also blessed the union, told the congregation that he who finds a wife finds a good thing, and gave a sermon on why marriage is important, why it is good, and why two are better than one.
He said, “A Christian marriage is a union of man and woman. Not Adam and Steve; not Eve and Evelyn. It’s male and female coming together for a life-long marital relationship ordained by God. Committed to one another. A Christian marriage produces a Christian home…
“I read on the internet recently that there are 4000 marriages waiting to be annulled in the court in Abuja. And some of these weddings are less than one year old. That will not be your portion in Jesus’ name. Because a woman says she’s a woman, and a man says he’s a man. You’re children of God…
He admonished husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the Church.
He also urged men to love the mothers of their children if they want the children to care for them at old age.
Citing the scriptures as he counselled the couple, Pastor Oyitso said they must keep the culture of morning devotion sacred.
“Jesus is the way. No Jesus, no joy. Jesus is Joy. No Jesus, no peace. He is the Prince of Peace,” he said.
Pastor Oyitso prayed that the couple should be prosperous. He urged them not to keep secrets and to speak with wisdom.
Floating on a wave of exultations, the bride’s father celebrated Jesus with songs of praises.
AIG Oyebade told the congregation, “I want to appreciate God for the rest of my life.”
He also expressed appreciation for Pastor Adeboye and his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, as he celebrated Pastor Odesola, Pastor Oyitso; Pastor Isa El-Buba who came from Jos, Pastor Yomi Osikoya, and Pastor Odutola. He later sang a special song in appreciation of his mother and all mothers present at the event.
While counselling the couple at the reception, former Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, reminded the husband and wife that they are from good families and urged them to keep the good names and heritage of the Oyebade and Ojutalayo families.
The couple later showed the huge wedding guests how well they could dance, and their parents also showed where they inherited those skills from.
The reception was a great feast with a range of good foods that would tempt the most jaded appetite. The food and drinks kept flowing, yet they were inexhaustible.
Those who loved to dance were arrested by beautiful numbers from an outstanding musician who kept them on their feet. Officers were seen dancing merrily.
Personalities at the Church and reception included the representative of Ogun State governor, the SSG, Mr Olatokunbo Talabi; representative of Oyo State governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, Engr. Omololu Makinde; the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Wasiu Gbolahan Lawal who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, and the General Overseer of Evangelical Bible Outreach Ministry in Jos, Prophet Isa El-Buba.
Also in attendance were former IGP and President of Alumni Association of National Institute (AANI), Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, DIG Oshodi Glover rtd, who represented the Chairman, Police Service Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith; DIG Yemi Ogunjemilusi mni; representatives of the Ooni of Ife and the Alaafin of Oyo; DIG Peter Babatunde Ogunyonwo fdc represented IGP Mohammed Adamu.
The list also included the Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Francis Fadahunsi; Dr Muiz Banire; Chairman Avalon Intercontinental, Alhaji Tajudeen Owoyemi of Radisson Blu; retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu and his wife, Omowunmi; AIG Sholla David and his wife, Tolulope; CP David Akinremi and his wife, Nene; CP Gbenga Adeyanju, CP Olafimihan Adeoye and his wife; CP Lanre Bankole, CP Olayinka Balogun rtd; DCP Samuel Kayode; retired Maj. Gen. Shina Ojubiyi and wife; former MD of First Bank, Mr Bisi Onasanya; the Country Manager, British Airways, Africa, Kola Olayinka; Mr Olawale Akoni SAN, Dr Yemi Onabowale of Reddington Hospital Group; members of the Alumni Association of National Institute (AANI), Comptroller of Immigration, Mrs Busola Fasakin; Major-General Ike Nwachukwu’s representative; Quincy Olasumbo Ayodele; Surveyor Olatunde Fagbamigbe, Brigadier General S.K. Usman, Mrs Kemi Olomola-Sijuwade, SSA to the President; Dr Emmanuel S. Mamman; the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Habu Galadima was represented by Secretary/Director, Administration at NIPSS, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Fidelis Josephat Udaya (DSS plsc (+) mni; Mr Bayo Fatunsi, DCP Yetunde Longe; DCP Tunji Disu; Engr. Shina Adegbenro, Mr Ayo Ehindero represented ex-IGP Sunday Ehindero; Mr Tayo Orekoya; Shina Peller; Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, Evangelist Halleluyah Ehindero, and veteran journalist, Mr Gboyega Okegbenro.
The list of Royal Fathers included the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Abdulrosheed Akanbi, Telu 1; the representative of Dr Fredrick Akinruntan, the paramount ruler of Ugboland; the Abepa of Joga land, Joga Orile in Yewa North, Ogun State; Oba Adeyemi Olanrewaju Adegeye; Onilogbo of Ilogbo, Oba Samuel Ojugbele represented by Chief Osi of Ilogbo, Chief Kolawole Oyan; Akibio of Ilora land, Oba Steven Olufemi Oyeniyi, represented by Baale Abiola Ige, and Oba Bankole Adewale Ojutalayo, Laroka Wanikin of Ife.
The Judiciary circle had a huge representative, including the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Hon Justice M.A. Ojo; Hon Justice O. Mabekoje and his wife; Hon Justice O.A.M. Onafowokan; Hon Justice O.O. Majekodunmi; Hon Justice C. Ogunsanya; Hon Justice A.T. Lamina; retired Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon Justice Olatokunbo Olopade and her husband; former Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal, Hon Justice Shoremi and his wife; Hon Justice Ogunade, and many senior advocates of Nigeria.
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