The year 2016 has rounded up but yet the memory of classy shindigs it’s left behind is not something you can forget in a hurry. It was filled with a lot of glamourous events and many guests wish it should take place over and over again. There are some major classy and celebrity weddings that rocked 2016.Those weddings showed affluence, Class and status. Some were destination weddings which gulped over millions of naira and some even more than. Various cities like US and Dubai, France played host to some naija weddings and its only Nigerians that has all the cost to spare in those countries. They were weddings that they flew top naija and international artistes to with lots of entertainment. Cars and automobiles were an understatements. The weddings were stormed by the high class in the society and it was always a gathering of captains of industries, Oil Barons, Political bigwigs in the society. No weekend was spared without any superlative wedding taking place. Give it to Nigeria women, they did not disappoint in the style sector with their Aso-ebis. The entertainment industry also added glamour to these parties. These weddings are better attended than being told and going through the list below, you will agree they are selected celebrity wedding that rocked 2016 like no other. It was a party year that went beyond the normal weddings style but twist of latest trends in colours, vows, attires, decor and lots more. Follow me on this sweet ride and enjoy the most colorful weddings of 2016 brought to you by City People’s Society Editor, TAYO FAJORIN-OYEDIJI. Read on.
The year ushered us in to the wedding of the daughter of Igbo billionaire, Chairman of young shall grow motors, Chief Obianodo, Cynthia, to her beau, Ebuka Obi- Uchendu who is a TV host in the city of Abuja. The beautiful bride wore a show stopping Vera Wang ball gown while the groom looked dapper in a Mai Atafo Tuxedo, her second dress is by Andrea Iyamah and 3rd look by Wana Sambo. This change of expensive bridal dress can only be worn by silver spoon kids. It was attended by mostly Igbo billionaires who were the bride’s father’s friends and Showbiz stars who are the grooms colleague. The popular society lady, who is fondly called Kudi Oosha by her teeming admirers, got married on Thursday, 28 January 2016, at the Eko Club, Bode Thomas, Surulere. Alhaja Kudirat Danmole, the very charming society matriarch and textile merchant, recently had every reason to thank God. She married the true love of her life, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole, the former Lagos Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture.
The wedding event, which took the form of a Nikkai and a reception, was exclusive and grand, at the same time. It was graced by a handful of close friends and family members, who came to celebrate the durable love of Kudirat and Danmole, who embarked on this journey of love, almost 40 years ago. The wedding ceremony was graced by some prominent personalities, such as HRH, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, the Elegushi of Ikateland, and his beautiful wife, Oloori Sekinat Aramide Elegushi, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Aremo Segun Oniru, Prince Oba Dosunmu, Alhaji Lateef Matanmi among others.The national leader of APC, Bola Tinubu’s son got married in a lavish wedding which started with a traditional wedding at the palace of the Oba of Lagos,Oba Rilwan Akiolu. Layal Holm and Seyi Tinubu tied the knot in a white wedding at 19th-century Villa Erba, Lake Como, Italy on the 10th of August 2016.
#LaySey16 was a beautiful celebration with the couple’s friends and family. The bride wore a custom Kosibah dress followed by a stunning mermaid Andrea Iyamah creation while her ladies were in April by Kunbi gowns .Adekunle Gold serenaded the couple with his best love songs, and their first dance brought many to tears. Olamide also performed his hit songs for the couple and their friends. The blessed wedding day of #LaySey16 was preceded by an all white soiree, where the couple stood out in black and midnight blue. Godwin Strings amazed the audience with his virtuoso performance, and DJ Obi kept the wedding party dancing ’till dawn. Vice President Sambo’s Son Saleh Abdu Lukat, wedded Nana Asmau Mukhtar Shagari,the granddaughter of former Nigerian President Shehu Shagari.The stylish wedding took place in Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Also the 1st family of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari penultimate weekend gave out his daughter, Zahra Muhammadu Buhari, in marriage to Ahmed Indimi, son of northern billionaire, Jubrill Indimi. The wedding Fatiha took place after the Deputy Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Sheikh Ibrahim Makari, performed the two Jumma’at Prayer. A representative of the Indimi family whose name was not disclosed, paid the dowry.
The Sarkin Fulanin Daura, Alhaji Yusuf Sani, gave out Zahra on behalf of the Buhari family.
Dignitaries who attended the wedding included former Lagos State Gov. Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Chief Bisi Akande.
The dignitaries also included Govs. Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-rufai, Gov. Umaru Almakura, Yahaya Bello and Aminu Masari, among others.
Zahra is the seventh of Buhari’s children. She runs an NGO called ACE which primarily offers free medical care for sickle cell sufferers, while the Husband is a businessman. A. Week after, on the 23rd December 2016, daughter of the Emir of Kano His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II CON, Princess Hafsah Siddika Sanusi married her beau, Abubakar Umaru Kurfi.
The princess had her makeup done by Eeswat Makeovers and her gorgeous outfits made by Hudayya Couture. On the list is Noble Igwe and Chioma Otisi who had their white wedding at Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Lagos on Saturday, June 11, 2016 in a stylish way. While the ladies complimented their outfits with fun looking fascinators, the men were not left out as they finished their outfits with Fedora hats. Even men in agbada were not left out of the Fedora dress code. The wedding was witnessed by many celebrities among them were Rita Dominic, D’banj, Banky W, Mimi Onalaja, Toke Makinwa, Timi Dakolo, Omawumi, Toolz, AY, Latasha Ngwube, Andrea Giaccaglia, Lala Akindoju, Taje Prest, Waje, DO2dTun, Theodora of Doranne Beauty, Bolanle Olukanni and others.Monalisa Chinda is now officially married to her beau Victor Tonye Coker at a destination wedding on Thursday, September 1, 2016.
The much talked about wedding was held at Santorini, Greece. The couple rode on donkeys to their wedding venue accompanied by string music. It was really a private wedding as it has few of Chinda’s colleagues among them Chinyere Wilfred and Daniella Okeke. It was a union of class and style and panache on Saturday, November 3, 2016, when Phoebe, daughter of Brila FM owner, Dr. Larry Izamoje and her Prince Charming, Damilola Asolo, walked down the aisle.
The young couple’s day began with the solemnization of their union at Salem International Christian Centre, in Lekki, Lagos, before climaxing with a spectacular reception at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Prof. Pat Utomi was the chairman of the occasion, other guests includes Mr. Kehinde Sofola, SAN, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, (former Minister of Transport), Mr. Tunji Olugbodi (GMD, Verdant Zeal), Chief Tony Okoroji (Chairman, COSON), Mr. Biodun Shobanjo (Chairman, Troyka Holdings), Mr. Lolu Akinwunmi (MD, Prima Garnet), Mr. Tunji Bello (Lagos SSG), Mr. Yomi Badejo-Okesanya (MD, CMC Connect), Mr. John Momoh (Chairman, Channels Television), Sir Steve Omojafor. Very well put together, the anchor was the Comedy Berluscconi, Gordons. There was also a surprise performance by Humblesmith of the Osinachi fame who we understand is one of the bride’s favourite artistes. Fast rising comedian, Akpororo, multiple award winning gospel artiste, Sammie Okposo and rave crooner, Falz, the bad guy, equally performed. It was packaged by trendy bee events. Weddings involving top brass of the security services are usually high profile affairs. But when the solemnization of holy matrimony is intended to join two of these families together, the profile of the event is doubly raised. That was the case in October as the families of Brig-Gen Koffi Fidelis (rtd) and AIG Tunde Alapinni (rtd) came together to celebrate the marriage of their son and daughter.
The love story of Yewande, daughter of Brig-Gen Fidelis and Bankole, AIG Alapinni’s son, is a happy case of life imitating the silver screen. They first met in the 90s when they attended the same primary school, Maryhill Convent School, before losing touch for some time. But love delayed was not to be love denied as the couple reconnected in 2006. Since then, their relationship has grown from strength to strength.
While Yewande serves as an Education Consultant at Student Travel International in Lagos, Bankole works at Excel Exploration and Production in Lagos. With the initial ceremonies out of the way, their wedding took place on Saturday October 29 at Catholic Church of the Presentation on Oba Akinjobi Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. Reception followed immediately at The Haven Event Centre, beside Arch Bishop Vinning Memorial Church, Fajuyi Way, Ikeja, Lagos. Africa’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija’s son, Folarin and Naganin wedded on November 19th, 2016, at the ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
Expectedly, some of society’s most prominent personalities gathered to celebrate the couple’s union; and amongst them was the first Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, alongside the first lady of Lagos, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; first lady of Kogi state, Mrs. Rashida Bello; that of Imo state, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, and many others. Akinlolu Akinlaja, son of the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Rep. Joseph Akinlaja, married his heartthrob, Omolabake, on Saturday, December 10.
People from all walks of life gathered at Eagle Club, venue of the marriage ceremony, where the love birds tied the nuptial knot amid pomp and pageantry. On hand to witness the occasion were diplomats, politicians, technocrats, businessmen, captains of industry, stalwarts of NUPENG and PENGASSAN, who trooped out in their hundreds. The dignitaries at the occasion include Hon. Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Chief Ifeanyi Uba, Chairman/CEO, Capital Oil and Gas, wife of the Governor of Ondo State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko, Ondo State liaison officer in Abuja and SSA to Governor Mimiko, Barrister Toyin Aladegbami, Mr Goddy Nnamdi, GM Corporate Services, NNPC, Engineer Ladenegan Adewale, MD-NNPC Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company limited, Mr. Henry Ikem Obih GED/COO Downstream, former Chairmen of Ondo East and West Local Governments, Hon. Wale Akinlosotu and Hon Biola Peter Makinde. Nollywood actor, Kalu Ikeagwu also tied the knot with his adorable wife, Ijeoma in a spectacular wedding in Lagos. One couple that got the Internet buzzing was the wedding between Adewale and his lovely wife, Queen Kemi. From their pre wedding shoots to proper wedding, it was full of paparazzi. On Saturday, December, 17th November witnessed the wedding between Banke and Seyi with the hashtag #base16,their wedding was planned by two events, also same month was Olamide and Oladapo’s wedding with the hashtag #LLCOOLD16, planned by Elposh events. Tomiwa and Bukki’s wedding was also not left out in that November, it was planned by Marc Smith events. Far away in the east, royalty met royalty when the Esama of Benin gave out his daughter, Ora in marriage to Umar Mantu. son of the former deputy senate president, Ibrahim Mantu. They had a series of celebrations. They started with a traditional wedding in the brides home in Edo State then continued with Kamu, Durbar where the groom rode on a camel. They rounded up the celebration with a wedding dinner at ICC, Abuja. The grand finale was in Johannesburg, South Africa. October also saw the likes of a beautiful and opulence nuptial between Shola and Tola, comedian/actor, Tolu Ogunmefun popularly known as jealous Me, he got married to his longtime girlfriend in the UK on October 15, 2016. They had their traditional wedding in the UK as well where they are based on August 28th. Not forgetting Dora and Ayo wedding with the hash tag #dna2016 planned by bedazzled events. The month of September will also be remembered with the wedding between silver spoon kids, Sakana and Rune and also Zainab and Uchendu planned by Aleena events and Zainab Dankaro. Eduabasi and Kido wedding was planned by wittylize events. The couple met in the last quarter of 2011 at Edinburgh. Award winning fashion designer behind the label, April by Kunbi, Kunbi Oyelese joined the married club in August, the marriage rites began with a colourful introduction. She got married to Lanre Tomori in a spectacular wedding which started with church service and reception on 28, August, 2016.Same August was the Muslimah wedding between Zainab and Afeez. Segun and his beau, Ann also tied the knots, Biyi Adeleke captured the moments. All the way to Dubai in a lavish destination wedding, Coco Adeleke and her beau, Caleb Adaji got married on Sunday,May,29.The couple who had their traditional ceremony earlier in the same month jetted off to the city of their pre wedding shoot for their white wedding. The venue was the prestigious Palazzo Versace Hotel in Dubai and it was a dreamy affair. Coco looked beautiful in her Esposa Dubai ball gown fit for the princess. Her billionaire father, Adedeji Adeleke left no cash unspent as she walked her down the aisle. Star artist, Davido who is her younger brother thrilled guests. The lavish wedding even had gymnasts and middle eastern dancers who gave an enthralling performance, it was indeed a fairy tale wedding with the 8-tiers chandelier cake. On April 23rd Former Vice President, Atiku Abubarkas son, Mohammed Aminu married Ashanti Princess, Achiaa Nana Bonsu at the palace of HRH Osei Tutu 11 in Kumasi, the church wedding was at Kempinski Hotel, Gold Coast, Accra, Ghana. For Ngozi and Osaro, all roads led to the Venue at Oniru, Lekki on the 16th of April where they celebrated their union in the presence of friends and family. their journey to the altar started 21 years ago when they met through the grooms sister. the engagement ceremony was on the 8th of April at Civic center and it was packaged by 180 Design Creative. The all purple and blush wedding of Isioma and Ifeanyi was also in the month of May. Another celeb wedding that took place is Esama of Benin grand daughter, Imade’s wedding, Imade Igbinedion and Prince Osmond Eweka met in Benin City while visiting Nigeria from the United States two years ago. They were at a mutual friend’s gathering and with just one look, he knew he had found his wife.
Prince Osmond owns two companies in New York, USA – a consulting firm and a real estate company while Imade is a lawyer who has just moved back to Nigeria to start her practice.
Fast forward to December 9, 2016, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion gave away his beautiful granddaughter, I made to the Royal Family of Ogiesoba Eweka of the Great Benin Kingdom.
The wedding, planned by Victoria Roberts Solutions, took place at the Garden of Eden, House of Igbinedion in Benin City. Child star, Benita Okojie and Olawale Adeyina also got married in November.
Benita Okojie is a gospel artiste and Olawale Adeyina is a media entrepreneur – CEO of Green Street Media Network, publishers of techcityng.com. Other celebrity weddings which took place was the wedding of Joke Saro, the daughter of Kwara billionaire,Alhaji Saro where the Aso ebi went for 120k, the boss of Unveil makeover studio,Bunmi Lasaki also got married in 2016,not forgetting popular actress, Lola Alao’s brother and popular TV presenter, Doyin Kukoyi brothers wedding in Lagos,the younger brother of popular actor and Glo Ambassador, Odunlade Adekola light up Abeokuta. Not forgetting, Lagos society woman, Sade Alesh who hosted guests in a lavish wedding for her stepson. Another society woman, Sherifat Olugbode also gave out her daughter’s hand in marriage last year, Iyaloja Saudi Eko daughter’s wedding is on the list, Lagos high court judge, Tinuke Oluyemi’s son got married as well. He is the grandson of Ogun APC chairman.
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