FROM OBASANJO TO NOLLYWOOD STARS: HOW ABEOKUTA LIT UP FOR FAIZAH KOLAPO’S WEDDING
By Isaac Aregbesola in Abeokuta.
To the hundreds who thonged Abeokuta, capital of Ogun state, South West Nigeria for what has become one of the city’s most talked-about weddings in recent times, it was clear that this was far from just another ceremony. Indeed ,it was a spectacle of love, glamour, and unforgettable moments.
Yet,others described the occasion as a cultural carnival, a blend of glamour, tradition, royalty, and star power that transformed the ancient city of Abeokuta into Nigeria’s unofficial capital of love and celebration on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
The Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Marquee shimmered in gold and elegance as families, friends, royals, statesmen, media icons, Nollywood stars, and society’s crème de la crème gathered to witness the Nikkah ceremony of Faizah Omoteniola Kolapo and AbdulHakeem Jimoh.
Faizah, the radiant daughter of Dr. Yemi Kolapo, Publisher of The Point Newspaper and Iya Sunnah of Egbaland, gracefully said “I do” to AbdulHakeem, son of Brigadier General Olanrewaju Jimoh (rtd), in a ceremony that was as spiritual as it was spectacular.
The guest list read like a roll call of Nigeria’s most powerful and influential. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo walked in with his wife, Bola, to warm applause, while the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, arrived fresh from a major northern royal event, underscoring the deep respect accorded to the families.
From politics to Nollywood, no corner of society was left unrepresented. Former Ogun State Governors Ibikunle Amosun and Olusegun Osoba joined captains of industry, while movie legends Oga Bello (Adebayo Salami), Bimbo Akintola, Fathia Balogun, Toyin Abraham and her husband, and Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje) lit up the occasion with starry glamour.
Fuji icon K1 De Ultimate later crowned the evening with his evergreen tunes, keeping the high-profile guests on their feet.
But beyond the glitter was the gravity of the union. Clerics, led by respected Chief Imams from across Yorubaland and Ilorin, blessed the couple and delivered sermons steeped in wisdom.
Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, who gave the wedding lecture, reminded the bride of patience and loyalty, while charging the groom never to resort to violence.
Emir Sanusi’s words drew nods from guests: “In everything you do in marriage, ask: is this compassionate? Is this what love would do?”
Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, in his witty chairmanship speech, likened marriage to “a journey from the ocean of fantasy to the ocean of reality”, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.
For the bride’s mother, Dr. Yemi Kolapo, it was the fulfilment of a dream. “I feel super proud that I raised a lovely daughter. My message to them is simple: live in peace, love each other, and shut out intruders,” she said with tears of joy.
The groom’s father, Brig. Gen. Jimoh (rtd), was equally emotional, thanking God for bringing “two wonderful souls together.”
Former Governor Amosun captured the mood perfectly when he prayed that the day’s joy would one day be repeated by the children of the new couple.
Our correspondent reports that from academics like JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, to media icons, including ex-presidential spokesmen Femi Adesina, Reuben Abati, and Tunde Rahman, down to journalists’ guild leaders, bankers, royal chiefs, and business moguls, it was a gathering that confirmed Abeokuta’s reputation as Nigeria’s social heartbeat.
Even politics took a back seat to love. Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, grieving the loss of his father just days earlier, ensured his state was fully represented by top commissioners and aides.
By nightfall, as K1’s drums echoed into the Abeokuta skies and Nollywood stars mingled with retired generals, one truth stood tall: this was not just a wedding, it was a grand statement of culture, faith, and friendship.
The Kolapo–Jimoh wedding will be remembered not only for its galaxy of guests but also for its timeless message of love, loyalty, and the power of human connection.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
