On Saturday, 15th of May, 2021, the Olunla Agbodere & Olu of Itori Egbaland, Oba Abdul-Fatia Akorede Akamo gave his daughter Adeyinka Akamo’s hand out in marriage to the Adeyanju family.
The day started with the grooming of the Royal Court Event Center in Itori. Grabidel Events team took their time in setting up the hall as they went from climbing all ladders to scrubbing the hall to help it fit for the event. As expected from a royal wedding, the event hall looked extraordinarily beautiful with all the elegance of a royal abode. Oba Abdul-Fatia Akorede Akamo was also not left out in ensuring that all was set and perfect for his princess. He went through with all the process as he had some of his chiefs including Chief Tolulope Abike Olowolagba, the Yeye Bewaji Okin of Itori land were around to help. Guests began to arrive in their numbers dressed in the burnt orange aso-ebi including the matching cap and ‘gele’.
The event started with the Engagement Ceremony. The activities included the presentation of bridal gifts and Conjugal agreement from the both families. The “Alaga” representing both families came together to eulogize Oba Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo the Olu of Itoriland as the father of the bride and other monarchs present. The groom’s family was later invited in with songs and dancing in the Yoruba dialect, after which the groom was ushered in, dressed in a royal blue cap and sky blue flowing agbada. Prince Adebayo Adeyanju came in dancing with his friends by his side after which he was asked to sit and wait for his soon to be wife. During this activity, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egba-land walked in with his entourage.
After this, Princess Adeyinka Abidemi, the daughter of Oba Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo the Olu Itori and Olori Mufuli Akamo danced in, like the princess that she is. She was accompanied by her friends dressed in pitch color aso ebi. Princess Adeyinka followed all that was requested of her by the ‘Alaga’ and finally danced to sit by her husband after the wedding rings were exchanged. The reception ceremony followed immediately after. The reception ceremony started with the dancing in of the newlyweds alongside their friends, it was a joyous activity as guests stood up to dance with them.
The couple dance was a romantic and beautiful moment for Prince and Princess Adeyanju as they held hands and danced to the rhythm. The cake cutting activity was co-ordinated by the Baba Alaje of Itoriland. Chief Adewale Adeshina (Wale Saranda). He was called upon to admonish the new couple. He acknowledged the presence of all the Obas in attendance. He recounted his marriage, using it as an example, in advising the couple. He also advised the couple to tolerate each other and also wished them well in their new journey together.
As the event went on, other chiefs from Egba Land also arrived honoring the Olu of Itori as they all stop to pay homage to him. The wedding of Princess Adeyinka Akamo and her heart-rob Prince Adebayo Adeyanju will for long be the talk of Itori Land………..
THE ROYAL PRESENCE
The Olu Itori, Oba Abdul-Fatai Akorede Akamo is surely loved by many monarchs and chiefs, as they stormed the wedding ceremony of his daughter Princess Adeyinka Akamo. This wedding did not go without the presence of monarchs like the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Oba Saburee Babajide, the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Taofeek Biobaku Alabalabi of Abalabi, Princess Toyin Kolade and many other highly exalted kings.
The chiefs all over Egbaland and its environs came in their huge numbers to witness this Holy Matrimony. Some of the chiefs in attendance were Chief Sikiru Bakare, the Otun of Itori, Madam Abike Olowogaba, the Yeye Bewaji of Itori, Alhaja Fausat Anike, the Iyalode of Itori Land, Alhaja Riswat, the Iya Ibiye of Itoriland, Chief Adewale Adeshina, Babalaje of Itori, Oluwo of Itori and many others. The Baales also were not missing at the event as the presence of all the Baales was felt at the ceremony.
THE OLU ITORI OF ITORI’S FIRST ATTIRE
Oba Akamo is a very stylish Oba. And he stole the show that day with his sartorial elegance. In the morning of the event, Oba Abdul-Fatia Akorede Akamo, the Olu of Itori land being known for his exquisite fashion style was seen at the event venue dressed up looking very young and vibrant. He wore a white designer polo shirt with a matching white jeans. His feet were adorned with the famous Nike sneakers. He topped his outfit with a white face cap. The Olu of Itori looked forever young.
THE STAR GUEST ARTISTE
The royal wedding was put into a jubilating mood as Aare Shina Akanni popularly known as the Scorpido of Fuji music grabbed the microphone. He started his performance by paying homage to all monarchs at the event before praising the newlyweds. As a son of the soil who hails Kemta in Abeokuta, he spiced his performance with the prestigious Egba language and eulogy to the Olu Itori.
ATTIRE OF THE DAY
The royal wedding was not left out in the 2021 top ‘aso-ebi’ colours. The hall looked beautiful as the ‘aso-ebi’ sparkled at every movement. The female guests had on a burnt orange sequence net lace, while male guests had on an orange plain Senator material and a multi pattern cap to match, other guests had on a beautiful looking brunt orange Ace Wax Ankara. Guests from the Adeyanju family had on white lace material with burnt orange cap and ‘gele’.
MIND BLOWING ENTRANCE OF THE ALAKE
The entrance of the Alake of Egba land will leave a mark in the heart of everyone. It was an entrance that carried so much respect and elegance that befits a king. All activities were brought to an abrupt pause as the sounds of trumpet could be heard from outside the event hall, announcing the entrance of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland. All guests and monarchs stood up to show their respect as the Alake walked in with a long queue of kings, chiefs, prince and princesses, while Oba Taofeek Biobaku Alabalabi of Abalabi, Olori Olabisi and other monarchs walked by his side.
His entrance was met with the bowing of guests as the ‘alaga’ eulogized the Alake of Egba-land while on her knees. The Alake was taken to his sit, set beside the Olu of Itori as they all exchanged pleasantries. The Alake respected the Covid-19 protocol has he kept his nose mask on throughout his stay, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo the Alake of Egba-Land is truly a leader to be emulated.
YEYE ABIKE JAGABAN CO-ORDINATES THE PARTY
The popular Abike Jagan who is also the Yeye Bewaji of Itori Land and one of the most loved and cherished chiefs in Itoriland showed her love and support for Princess Adeyinka Abidemi Akamo through her activities at her wedding reception. Abike Jagaban despite her high status was seen ensuring that all needs were met and all guests were happy as she moved around meeting guest. This is no surprise as she is loved by everyone.
OLORI OLABISI AKAMO, PRINCESS TOYIN KOLADE & CO. DAZZLE
The fashion statements of some of the royal ladies could not be ignored as they kept heads turning their way, as they walked in. Olori Olabisi Akamo was the first to be spotted as she stood out in the burnt orange ‘aso ebi’. She had her royal beads well set on her neck and wrist as she went about honouring dignitaries. Princess Toyin Kolade also gave a grand entrance as she walked in with her entourage dressed in expensive white lace and white ‘gele’ to march. She also had on her beads and jewellery to compliment her dashing look.
The ever-stylish Abike Olowogaba the Yeye Bewaji of Itoriland stood out in her burnt orange ‘iro’ and ‘Buba ‘aso ebi’. As expected, she stunned in her beautiful royal bead.
