In this day and time when divorce is the order of the day and people no longer celebrate longevity in marriage and relationships, it is not just necessary but also important to celebrate love and couples that have decided to accept their partners’ flaws and imperfection and stick together forever. This was the story of popular Lagos musician, Ademola Joseph Olota who walked his beautiful bride, Funmilola Ibironke Olota down the aisle for the second time. This time around, to renew their marriage vows after twenty years of conjugal bliss.
The event took place on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, Omole Estate, Lagos. It was a gathering of just select few but a very classy one indeed. The event which lasted just one hour was not just exciting, romantic but also gave room for reflection on how beautiful love can be when you are with the right partner.
City People’s DAMILARE SALAMI 07033526688 was present at the anniversary celebration and here he gives you the full details of all that went down, enjoy.
BRIDE STUNS IN BLINGING GREY COLOUR GOWN
As she took a walk down the aisle like a virgin bride, the question on everybody’s lips was ‘has Funmi been really married for 20 years’? the reason for the question was very simple. Funmi had an astonishing look just as if she was getting married for the very first time. To describe her outfit would be a bit difficult simply because it was so gorgeous and the most beautiful at the event. She slayed her well designed grey colour gown with shiny stones in such a way that stood her out from everyone else.
COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS STRICTLY IN PLACE
To say that the event took place during the second wave of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic showed how important the anniversary was to the Olotas. However, they ensured that everyone in at the event adhered strictly to the protocols. The gathering didn’t number more than fifty and everyone wore their face masks appropriately. Let us also quickly tell you that there was no reception party. But food and drinks were well packaged for guests who got theirs at the exit from the already waiting servers.
DEMOLA OLOTA AND MUSIC ARE LIKE SIAMESE TWINS
To say that Demola Olota loves music is an understatement, music to him is life. How do I mean? Every groom on a special day like this would sit just beside his bride to be congratulated and celebrated. But for Demola Olota, he still had to play his music alongside the choir. He was properly dressed like the groom but his saxophone stuck in his hands all day long. At every given opportunity, he would play alongside the choir to make the music complete. Many would have wondered if he was the groom or choir coordinator but the fact that he was seated at the front beside the bride sold him out.
FUNMILOLA TAKES BIBLE READING
It’s always special to be at the forefront on your special day. Walking to the podium to take bible reading brought more smiles to Funmi’s face. She mounted the stage to read from the book of Genesis chapter 2 and she did that with some great level of composure and expertise.
THE CHOIR WAS SIMPLY STUNNING
From hymns to chants and contemporary to traditional worship songs, the choir was topnotch. They were not just talented; they were also very skilled and disciplined. They sang so well that it felt like there was a live band somewhere in the auditorium. They were simply referred to as the Clique Vocals and were ably directed by no one else but the groom himself, Demola Olota.
REV FATHER STEPHEN OBE PREACHES
It was Reverend Father Stephen Obe’s turn to preach and he delivered aptly with real-life experiences. His message centred around ‘the marriage that lasts. He noted that any marriage not built with fasting and prayer may not last. Speaking further about Demola and Funmi, father Obe revealed that the couple is a praying one. He also added that “while I was speaking the bride and groom privately and separately, Funmi told me that she thank God that she married Demola because he is her best friend while Demola also said that their friendship has helped them overcome their differences.
Father Obe concluded by saying that the couple hasn’t come this far to fail, therefore, God will be with them in the remaining part of their married life.
COUPLE RENEWS VOW
It was indeed an atmosphere filled with plenty of emotions and positive vibes as the couple renewed the vows, they took 20 years ago. They were both full of smiles as they expressed deep affections for each other in the presence of God and man. Rings were equally exchanged as a sign of their love and fidelity to one another. Of course, they kissed like young lovers just as it happened in 2001… sweet memories they say never fail; this will linger on for a long time to come.
CONGREGATION TAKES COMMUNION
The Holy Communion is an integral part of Catholicism. It, therefore, marked an important event during the service. Rev Father Felix Onomegeh, Rev Father Stephen Obe and Rev Father Michael Ogunloye were there to serve the congregation as well as the couple.
FUNMILOLA’S SPECIAL PRAYER SONG RENDITION
Did we tell you that Funmilola is also a great singer? Oh yes, she is. Music obviously runs in the vein of the Olotas. She led the choir to take a special prayer song. Her voice was not only bold, it also carried power. This performance was the icing on the cake for the audience.
THANKSGIVING IS SPECIAL INDEED
The thanksgiving section of the programme was the most fascinating simply because it involved every member of the congregation. The parish reverend simply announced that everyone would go out with the couple and dance into the auditorium behind them. Everyone joyfully jumped up and joined them on the queue as the Critique Vocals continued to serenade. It was a beautiful bridal train seeing the couple being led into the auditorium by their children as other family, friends and well-wishers joined the train. Not many who wished that had it, so it was indeed worth the thanksgiving.
DEMOLA AND FUNMILOLA IN BITS
While he was taking his closing remarks, the parish priest talked a little bit about the couple. In his words, he said ‘I have watched Demola and Funmilola Olota closely and in the few times I have spent here, I observed these very important things about them. “They are very spiritual. They love God and the things of God. Their commitment is second to none when it comes to the things of God. “They are servants, they are always ready to serve and are always ready to render services to the body of Christ.
“Their humility is second to none. They are very simple and always associating with high and low in society.
There are still very blissful marriages out there. Faithfulness, commitment and fidelity still work in marriages. These and many more are the life lessons from Funmi and Demola Olota as the enjoy their 20th wedding anniversary. Congratulations…
