•How DIPO DOHERTY Married His Heartrob DAMILOLA
The 10 Degrees event centre on Saturday, August 14 2021 went agog with different classes of people who came to felicitate with a popular politician, Mr Deji Doherty, the Lagos State PDP Chairman. The event pulled crowds from all walks of life and most astonishing of all was the presence of the foremost Yoruba monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.
Tagged #DIVALAVIDA2021, a Spanish coinage which meant Dipo and Dami forever, the event could not be described as lesser than classy. The Aso-Ebi made a big difference while the music was super awesome. Give kudos to the event planner that ensured that all went well. All the vendors were on point and the guests had a swell time with the anchor.
There was no dull moment as far as the music was concerned as well. The DJ was up to the task while the live band efficiently delivered when it was required. Should we also tell you about the Aso-Ebi gang or the bridal train? These and many more made the event memorable for the couple and all the guests.
City People’s team led by DAMILARE SALAMI (08155134152), Nurudeen Salisu and Photographer, Mr Kollins were there and in this report, they bring you a juicy narration of all that went down there, enjoy.
GREEN & BURNT ORANGE TAKEOVER THE VENUE
10 Degrees Event Center was literally transformed. The decoration and lighting did justice to the beautification of the venue. Everywhere looked like heaven. Two gigantic screens were provided at both ends of the auditorium so that the drama on stage would not be missed by any guest because of distance. But most pronounced was the green and burnt orange Aso-Ebi worn by guests. There were different shades and styles but they all made the event more colourful. Trust our ever happening young babes, they made different style statements all for the new couple, Dami and Dipo Doherty.
MEET THE PARENT OF THE COUPLE
Engineer Kasali and Mrs Margaret Olagunju are the parents of the bride, Damilola Olagunju. Engr Kasali is a foremost researcher and certified engineer. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. He is also the MD and Chief Engineer of Real-Time Technology Co. Nigeria Ltd. Engr Kasalai and his dear wife are God-loving parents, children of God and have trained their children in the way of the Lord. They are also prominent in society; little wonder they pulled such a huge crowd. Although they are such a quiet family, they have a huge influence on their circle and are held in very high esteem.
The parents of the groom are Engr Adedeji and Mrs Abiola Doherty. The Doherty family are quite popular in Lagos. Engr Deji Doherty is the CEO of the DAIN Group, the proud owners of 10 Degrees event centre, a brand that is contributing to the events industry in Lagos and Nigeria at large. Engr Deji Doherty is also a politician of high repute. He is the current Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Lagos State. He also has an immense contribution to the development of democracy in Lagos; serving as a vibrant and well-voiced opposition to the ruling App Progressives Congress, APC.
MUSIC SERVED HOT!
The beautiful sound from the turntable of DJ Skillz was highly inviting as guests made their way to the venue of the event. One would have mistaken the event for a concert but for the conspicuous names of the couple on the backdrop and some strategic places inside the auditorium. Fast-forward to the main party and the Faith Music Band was there. Trust this ever-ready live band to supply you all genres of music without stress. The Faith Music Band serenaded the couple, their parents, the VIPs and even the least of the guests. It was fun all the way and a proper Lagos Owanmbe on Saturday.
TUSH MC, TOSIN IBITOYE ANCHORS EVENT
As you may already know, weddings are a big hit in Nigeria. It really is a different ball game entirely- from the rich culture to the decor, make-up, Aso-Ebi and very importantly the MC. In my opinion, the MC at a wedding can make or mar that event, I mean, one wrong statement from them and everyone’s upset. But with Tosin Ibitoye handling Dami and Dipo’s big day, the story is completely different.
Tosin Ibitoye is a popular face on the TV screen. He is a Nollywood actor and comedian who is known as the Wedding MC, Content Developer, Writer, Host and Media Practitioner. His poise, drama, use of language, and vast music knowledge made the job quite easy for him. His ability to also blend the English and Yoruba languages in such a way that none of his guests felt lost sold him completely to the audience. The most fascinating part of the show was the games section. Oh yea, games! He made the couple laugh so hard while everyone learnt and understood that even though Dami and Dipo are young lovers, they are very intimate too.
THE COUPLE’S PARENTS DANCE IN PROUDLY
It was time for the couple’s parents to take their seats on the reserved table and Engr Kasali and Mrs Margaret Olagunju were the first to dance in. Trust the Faith Band to deliver when required, they serenaded the Olagunju’s family, friends and loved ones queue solidly behind Engr Olagunju and his wife on their daughter’s big day.
Did you see Engr. Deji and Mrs Abiola Doherty’s dance? Oh! It was awesome. They literally had the whole of Lagos behind them. All the big names that were present at the event showed the Dohertys much love. Many didn’t know that Engr. Doherty is a great dancer but he proved his doubters wrongly.
THE COUPLE’S PARENTS STUN IN BURGUNDY AND NAVY BLUE ASO-OFI
Give it to the couple’s parents, their outfits were topnotch. It was a beautifully designed traditional attire also known as Aso-Ofi. The blend of burgundy and navy blue stood them out from other people. Call it uniform and you won’t be wrong, for those who didn’t know Engr. Deji or Engr. Kasali, they would mistake them for each other simply because their style was the same. It was the same with the mothers of the couple too. Their uniformity only proved that both families were well united having exchanged their children in marriage.
ONE IN TOWN BRIDAL TRAIN
For most weddings, it is a norm that the bridal train dances ahead of the couple in two straight lines while the couple comes in behind them. But for the #DIVALAVIDA show, it was something more innovative. Members of the bridal train danced in as couples, one after the other while DJ Skillz was serving hot Naija party vibes. After the last couple had come in, Damilola and Dipo came in like a king and his queen. It was the king of bridal entry. The whole auditorium stood still in honour of these two love birds.
WHO DIGS IT BEST?
Mr Dipo and Mrs Damilola Doherty gloriously walked into the tune of DJ Skillz. Dipo appeared to be the better dancer having shown most of the skills as he accompanied his wife to the waiting seat. However, Tosin Ibitoye, the wedding MC would not have Dipo claim a cheap victory. He ordered Dami’s ladies to come through for her by announcing a dance competition between the bride’s ladies and the groom’s men.
Lo and behold, DJ Skillz played each team’s favourite songs and they were allotted some time to dance. Who won this competition? Your guess may be as good as mine but Tosin was the judge and he had his way.
LAGOS PDP FULLY REPRESENTED
Many didn’t know that some of the biggest names in the Lagos PDP family were present until the MC and the Faith Band started making announcements. One of the biggest faces spotted at the event was a two-time governorship candidate under the PDP platform, Mr Jimi Agbaje. Many other bigwigs in the party also came to show love for their chairman.
MR LANRE AKINBO CHAIRS THE EVENT
Mr Lanre Akinbo is the Managing Director of Wizer Advisory Ltd. He is an entrepreneur, a multi-disciplinary professional, financial and business strategy adviser to multi-lateral institutions and Boards of Directors of leading companies. He has extensive experience leading teams on financial advisory transactions (currently in excess of US500million) in the areas of corporate/project finance, business valuation, due diligence, developing business/strategic plans, etc. He is equally a high-profile resource person for investment banks, private equity firms, professional service firms, telecommunications companies, development finance institutions, etc.
Lanre Akinbo is a committed advocate of human capital development and good governance. He had the singular honour of chairing this great occasion and would later advise the couple on how to enjoy and not endure their marriage when he was called upon to do so as the event progressed.
THE OONI’S SISTERS AND THEIR SPOUSES CAME THROUGH
It was obvious that the Dohertys have a link with the throne but many didn’t know what it was all about. This was evident by the presence of the three sisters of the Ooni of Ife, Princess Folashade, Princess Adebimpe and Princess Adesola. They all came with their spouses and appeared to be playing a big role at the event. They also stormed the dance floor and were serenaded by the Faith Music Band.
OONI’S GLAMOROUS ENTRY
If there was a talking point that couldn’t be missed, it was the glamorous entry of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. He came in amidst a general uproar that was announced by his official trumpeter. Attention immediately shifted from the stage to the entry door which had graced the presence of His Imperial Majesty. Cameramen and videographers immediately changed focus just to catch the moment before it evaporated. Soon enough, calm was restored to the auditorium as the MC announced a royal arrival after the Ooni had taken his seat at the reserved area.
EKITI EX-GOV, AYO FAYOSE RECEIVES ROYAL BLESSINGS
One of the big names that graced the event was the former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose. Information reaching City People revealed that he had been a very close associate of Engr. Deji Doherty. He was also spotted receiving royal blessings from the Ooni of Ife, who revealed a lot about the ace politician.
MANY DIDN’T KNOW I USED TO BE ENGR. DOHERTY’S BOY – OONI OF IFE
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi stunned many people at the event as he made shocking confessions about his relationship with the father of the groom, Engr. Deji Doherty. The Ooni of Ife revealed that he used to work under Engr Doherty many years ago when Dipo, the groom was still a very little boy.
He further revealed that he used to be the middle man between Engr Doherty and former Gov. Fayose, bearing messages for both parties. Although the story has changed now, having been elevated to the highly coveted throne of his ancestors, Oba Ogunwusi advised that people should not look down on their subjects because no one could tell what the future holds and that tables can turn at any time.
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