Tobiloba, Ayodele, their parents and RCCG officiating ministers. All photos in this story by Sunday Ohwu

As a continuation of the engagement ceremonies which took place at The Podium, Lekki, on Thursday 12 December, Tobiloba Zainab, daughter of Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy and Ayodele Olugbenga Oshobajo, went down the aisle at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David, Trinity Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday 14 December 2024.

It was a wedding that attracted politicians, captains of industry, media big-shots, family members, friends and others. Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, his Deputy, Dr Kadri Hamzat, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; Wole Olanipekun (SAN), Dr Kayode Fayemi and Senator Babafemi Ojudu graced the occasion.

Ayodele and Tobiloba.

From left, Idris, Onanuga, Alake and another guest.

People in Onanuga’s media constituency were not left out. Nduka Obaigbena, the founder of ThisDay and Arise TV, was in attendance alongside Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay. Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ); Tunde Fagbenle, a columnist with The Punch; Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC); and Professor Bayo Williams. Dare Babarinsa, Niran Malaolu, Mike Awoyinfa, Femi Jolaolu, and the outdoor advertising guru, Idowu Adedoyin attended. Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth Development and now the Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation to the President, was present.  Kunle Ajibade, Executive Editor of TheNEWS/PM News, and his wife, Bunmi also came. Not left out was Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also there to honour Tobiloba, Ayodele and their fathers.

Tobiloba, right, and Ayodele displaying their wedding certificate in church.

The post-church wedding reception was held at Queens Park Event Centre Victoria Island.  It also attracted notable individuals the way nectar would a swarm of bees. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun,  former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Lagos Deputy Governor Otunba Femi Pedro and the current Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, and the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake (who chaired the reception) graced the occasion.

From right, Nduka Obaigbena, Thisday and Arise TV boss, Onanuga and Idris.

Senator Ojudu and Mrs Toyin Onanuga.

Alake narrated the story of a couple he met during a morning walk in London. As a man who has a nose for news, Alake chatted with the 95-year-old husband and his 92-year-old wife, even as they held hands on the sidewalk. They looked like young lovers, despite their advanced years.

Senators Babafemi Ojudu and Gbenga Daniel.

From right, Tunde Fagbenle, Professor Adebayo Williams and Seator Ojudu.

Mr Sunday Dare and Information Minister Idris

What was the secret of their long-lasting relationship? Love was their answer.  In the words of Alake, therefore, “Marriage is not a walk in the park. It is built on love—the force that conquers all differences and sustains through challenges.”

“Love transcends all obstacles of marriage,” he said. “Even in the most trying moments of your union, bring love to bear, as it conquers all difficulties.”

From right, Mrs Tola Ojudu, her husband, Senator Ojudu, Senator Afikuyomi, Onanuga, his wife, Toyin, Niran malaolu and his wife.

The new couple took to the dance floor, joined by their parents, friends and well-wishers.

It is a day that all couples pray to have: to give out the hands of their children in marriage.