Oyetola, Sanwo-Olu, VIPs Honour Tafa Balogun at Son’s Wedding

Ronke Kehinde/

Former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tafa Balogun and the family of Chief Kehinde Fakeye drew a host of eminent personalities to the wedding of their children at the weekend, including Osun State governor, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola and Lagos State governor – Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Balogun’s son, Abayomi exchanged wedding vows with Fakeye’s daughter, Oluwafeyisayomi, who is a granddaughter of the late Minister of Justice – Chief Richard Akinjide, at the Harbour Point marquee, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Former FCT Minister, Chief Jumoke Akinjide-Balogun, represented the Akinjide family.

The wedding reception was chaired by Governor Oyetola, who prayed that God should bless the marriage after the Chief Imam of Parkview Estate Mosque had prayed for God’s protection and guidance for them.

Guests were treated to a variety of mouth-watering dishes, choice drinks, and local wine served in a traditional way evoking a nostalgic blast from the past. There were two bands, including the police band provided by IGP Alkali Baba.

While congratulating the couples, Oyetola thanked God for bringing them together; he congratulated the parents for being alive to witness the event and urged Abayomi and Oluwafeyisayomi to see each other as friends.

“The wife must recognise that the husband is the head of the home,” he said.

He also told the wife: “You must give absolute respect to your husband. You must ensure you take care of his needs. You must ensure he eats very well. Don’t abandon the kitchen to housemaid.”

Oyetola then turned to Abayomi, saying: “To my son, your wife is your wife, not your maid. Treat her well. Respect her opinion. Don’t go and tell your parents what is happening in your home. You’re now one. May you not have another marriage or call us for another wedding again.”

The bride later danced with her father and the groom expressed gratitude to the guests in an emotional speech.

The ceremonies began on Thursday with engagement at Ikoyi, Lagos, also attended by high-profile personalities, including former governor of Cross Rivers State, Chief Donald Duke.

Among the wedding guests on Saturday are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who prayed for the couple; Oba (Dr) Adedokun Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila; Oba Sakariyawu Oladimeji, the Orangun of Ika; the Oluwo of Iwo – Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi; the Ojora of Lagos, Oba Fatai Aremu Ojora; the Oniru of Iruland – Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal; the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Alkali Baba Usman NPM mni psc+, represented by DIG Olufemi Folawiyo mni; retired Inspectors General of Police (IGP) Aliyu Attah GCON, M.D. Abubakar CFR, Solomon Arase CFR, former Chief of Defence Staff – Gen. Alexander Ogomudia CFR, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Femi Sulyman; AVM Sule Lawal mni; the first female Deputy Inspector General of Police in Nigeria – retired DIG Cecilia Bisi Ugowe; DIG Azubuiko Udah rtd; DIG Marvel Akpoyibo rtd and his wife; DIG Oshodi Glover rtd; DIG Taiwo Lakanu; AIG Hilda Harrison rtd; AIG Tunji Alapini rtd; the first Lagos State commissioner of police, CP Yemi Odubela rtd and his wife – DCP Morayo Odubela rtd; CP Lawrence Alobi rtd, CP Fatai Owoseni; CP Edward Ajogun; Ogun State CP – Mr Bankole; Lagos State CP – Mr Hakeem Odumosu, former MD of Daily Times and Chairman Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University – Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi, Professor Adebayo Williams, legal luminary and boardroom guru – Chief Chris Olufunmilola Okunowo; Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Senator Gbenga Mustapha, Chief Ebun Sofunde SAN and wife – Abah; Chief Yinka Kufile, Mrs O.O. Omiyale, Chief Niyi Akande and his wife – Mrs Opetunde Akande; Chief Kola Balogun; Dr Kola Adeyemi, Chairman, All-Souls Hospital; Dr (Mrs) Phillips, Barr Tunji Baale, Dr Reuben Abati, the Bashorun of Oke-Imesi, Chief Akin Osuntokun, DCP Yetunde Longe, and DCP Adegoke Fayoade.

Also in attendance were Lagos’ white cap chiefs who represented the Oba Riliwanu Akiolu of Lagos, namely: Chief Soji Ajayi-Bembe, the Obanikoro of Lagos; Chief Taliat Yusuf, Olorogun Atebo of Lagos; Chief Waidi Yusuf, Olorogun Agbeje of Lagos; Chief Abayomi Olusi, the Egbe of Lagos; Chief Waidi Ayeni, the Sasore of Lagos, and Chief Ibikunle Bailey, the Oluwo Jakande of Lagos.

There were also high calibre royal representations from Balogun’s hometown – Ila Orangun. They are His Highness, Obanla of Ila; High Chief of Ejewu of Ila Orangun; High Chief Elemona of Ila; Chief Obalofin of Ila; Chief Abodiyo of Ila; Prince Yemi Atobatele, and Prince Adeniran.

It was also announced at the event that former Inspectors General of Police Mike Okiro, Ogbonna Onovo, and Suleiman Abba, who were outside the country, sent in their apologies.

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