How His Friends Abroad Donated Over 1 Million Dollars
The much talked about traditional wedding between the daughter of the Publisher of Street Journal, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, Segilola and her beau, Samuel, had come and gone but the impression it created cannot be forgotten in a hurry.
Arisekola, who doubles as the Chairman of the Association of Online Media Practitioners (AMPON), and Mogaji Ajenigieye of Oje Ibadan, spared no cost in making the wedding ceremony a mega success.
The party held on Thursday, 19th December 2024, at the Grand Ballroom of Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, had all the trappings of class and panache. It also attracted the who-is-who from all walks of life. Top players in media, business, corporate, politics and social sectors, from Nigeria and beyond, all graced the occasion with their presence. Over 200 guests from different parts of the world stormed the party.
Of course, the massive turnout underscores Wole Arisekola’s powerful connections and philanthropic gestures. The 1,200-capacity hall was filled to the brim with ‘quality’ guests.
In fact, it won’t be out of line to tag the wedding ceremony as the party of the year 2024. Funke Bucknor’s Zapphaire Events did a great job in putting the party together. From the water-tight security to the breathtaking decorations and special effects as well as beautiful ushers, sumptuous meals, top-grade drinks and quality guests, everything about the party was just on point.
What about the paparazzi aspect of the party? The party was well covered. Over 50 media platforms, both traditional and new media, were fully on ground. It’s no exaggeration to say that the party, with the planning generally, and personal effects of the couple and their parents, would cost not less than 300 million naira. All the premium drinks served at the party were shipped in from abroad.
City People’s Dare Adeniran(08057639079) was fully on ground at the party and brought to you some of the behind-the-scenes gists. It was indeed a one-of-a-kind party that could be likened to what is obtainable at Hollywood events. It was a wow experience and one party that has become the talk of the town.
The reception and after party were spiced up with displays by different cultural troupes as well as music performances from renowned artists including Laolu Gbenjo, fuji maestro, Saheed Osupa; Beejay Sax, and DJ Kulet. Their performances created delightful moments to behold. Ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka GCON was the master of ceremony. He was at the top of his game as usual.
Enjoy the exclusive details…
The Wedding
To say that Mogaji Wole Arisekola’s daughter’s wedding was colourful and glamorous would be an understatement. It was such a celebrity-studded party. The wedding ceremony kicked off on Monday, 16th December 2024, with a court marriage at Ikoyi Registry, Lagos. Family, friends and associates, however, converged on Oriental Hotel’s Grand Ballroom for the traditional wedding on Thursday, 19th December, 2024. It was a total shutdown. The traditional rites began with an opening prayer, then followed by the introduction of the two families. After the introduction, a letter of intent was read by the bride’s younger sister, Monisola Arisekola. The couple then proceeded to formalize their union as they exchanged wedding rings. This was followed by a fabulous reception and an after-party. The white wedding comes up later in Ireland.
The Couple’s Grand Entrance to the Reception
The newlyweds really pulled a surprise on guests with their grand entrance at the wedding reception. It was magical, and the most exciting moment of the whole ceremony. The couple, dressed in regal Edo traditional attire, emerged from a Royce Rolls car slowly elevated from an entrapment beneath the stage. They were ushered in with colourful fireworks as they made their way to the beautifully decorated space where their seat was placed.
Meet Mr & Mrs Aisabokhae
The traditional wedding between Segilola Olasubulumi and Samuel Osereme was a celebration of love that showcased elegance and luxury. The bride, like her father, is a practising journalist. She’s a travel and documentary journalist. She’s also a producer who is involved in several projects including the Michael Palin Series. Segilola is a product of City University, London, where she bagged a degree in Law. Meanwhile, her husband, Samuel is equally successful. He’s a Finance expert of international repute.
The Bride’s Parents
Mogaji Wole Arisekolaand his beautiful wife, Chief (Mrs) Morenike Arisekola, are presently the happiest people on earth. They have every reason to celebrate and thank God. Their first daughter’s traditional wedding was a huge success. Family, friends and associates really stood by them all through. It was a payback time for Wole and Morenike Arisekola. They have both done well for their immediate environment and humanity generally. While Wole Arisekola is known to be a philanthropist of note, Morenike on her own has an NGO too. Many lives have been impacted and several souls lifted through her Act of Love Africa foundation.
About Groom’s Parents
The groom, Samuel Aisabokhae is from Benin, Edo State. His parents are Engr. Anthony Aisabokhae and Mrs. Margaret Aisabokhae (Nee Aloghemen). The Aisabokhae family are very prominent and respected. They are all successful too. They were accompanied to their son’s wedding by a good number of family, friends and associates.
The Fabulous Decorations
Zapphaire Eventswowed the guests in all aspects of the party, especially the decorations. The whole venue was transformed into a kind of heaven on earth, creating a relaxing ambience for guests. It was a white and pink affair. The decorations started right from the main entrance of the hall and ran through the lounge, where frames bearing pictures of the couple were hung on the walls with lights. There were also bar chairs and tables placed in the lounge. This is coupled with the exclusive inner decor that comes with chandeliers, props, drapes and colourful moving lights. The couple’s corner was not spared too. It was lavishly decorated.
With Love From The Arisekolas
There is nothing like having a good family. The Arisekolas are wonderful. They are a well-bonded family with great values. The legacy left behind by the patriarch of the family, the late Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao, is well sustained. And that was exactly the scenario that played out during Mogaji Wole Arisekola’s daughter’s wedding. The Arisekolas stood by him. About 13 of them flew in on Tuesday and left to their various destinations the morning after the party. The list includes Yisa Arisekola, Musa Arisekola, Aliru Arisekola, Dauda Arisekola, Olumide, among others. Alhaja Muyibat, one of the wives of late Alhaji Arisekola Aloa, was also at the party.
How Family, Friends Rallied Round Morenike
Chief (Mrs) Morenike Arisekola is a likeable woman. She’s also a kind-hearted person. So, it wasn’t surprising to see people rally round her on the occasion of her daughter’s wedding. Her immediate family, the Iloris, and her friends were highly supportive. They include Mr and Mrs Abimbola Ilori, Mr and Mrs Gbemi Ilori, Mr Olaitan Ilori, Mrs Mubo Fasade, Mr and Mrs Olaolu Adegbite, Mrs Kemi Akinbohun, Mrs Omolola Adekunle, Mrs Toyin Akindele, Doyin Adegbite, Mr and Mrs Oloko, Mr and Mrs Ilupeju, Architect and Mrs Ajayi, Mr and Mrs Dele Adegbite, and Mrs Adeduntan. They all stood by their own, Morenike, and her husband, Mogaji Wole Arisekola.
The Dollar Gifts
Wole Arisekola is a man of many parts. His connection cuts across different sectors and age groups. To some, he’s a mentor while he’s a father to several others. So, it wasn’t surprising for him to have gotten the kind of support and gifts that he received during his daughter’s wedding. His friends abroad created a special account where over 1.6 million dollars have been donated, and that is authoritative. That is huge you would say! That, of course, is the reward of being good. Some of these people are those Wole Arisekola had helped travel abroad in the late 90s.
About Arisekola Girls
Wole and Morenike Arisekola are blessed with four lovely girls. They are all beautiful and highly intelligent. The firstborn of the family is the bride, Segilola. She is followed by Wuraola, Diekola and Monisola. They are all doing wonderfully well in their various chosen careers. Segilola is a journalist, Wuraola is a medical practitioner while Diekola an architect. The last-born Monisola is still in high school.
Wole Arisekola’s Inner Caucus
Mogaji Wole Arisekola has an inner caucus made of vibrant young men that he’s mentoring. Hon. Wale Aganga, Mr. Odusina Oluwagbemiga, aka Mattel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, Dr. Saheed Ige and others are members of this circle. They all rallied round their main man all through the wedding ceremony. They all played one important role or the other. In fact, they were practically on their feets, and made sure all went as planned. Hon. Wale Aganga made a good representation with the presence of the political leaders and top politicians from his constituency. He and Martel are best of friends. They had a good number of their friends who flew in from abroad because of the party.
The Ibadan Connection
The group of friends and brothers of Mogaji Wole Arisekola from Ibadan were not left out of action at the party. They came to honour their own, Wole Arisekola, and his wife, Morenike on the auspicious occasion of their daughter’s wedding. They include the President of the prestigious Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, Omooba Babatunde Ologburo, Chairman, LIBRA BUILD MART, former Oyo South senator, Soji Akanbi, Oyo Central senator, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, a prominent stalwart of Oyo APC and former Chairman of TCTC, Hon. Shina Alabi, Alhaja Tawa Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, ace journalist, Mr. Dapo Falade, P.A to the Oyo State governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, Alhaji Akeem Azeez, among others.
An Array of Cultural Displays
There were different cultural troupes who entertained guests at Wole Arisekola’s daughter’s wedding. Famous chanter of Yoruba panegyric, Sulaiman Ayilara Aremu, popularly called Ajobiewe gave a good account of himself as usual. Apart from Ajobiewe, there were about four other cultural groups from Ibadan. They include the female chanter Bukola Edu and her group, and the Ayanyemi traditional drummers group, among others. The cultural displays weren’t unexpected. Wole Arisekola is an Ibadan man to the core. He cherishes Yoruba culture and tradition so much. Besides, he’s an Ibadan Chief. He’s the Mogaji of Ajenigieye, Oje in Ibadan.
Ajenigieye Family Was Fully Represented
The Ajenigieye family of Yemetu-Oje, Ibadan were fully on ground. Not only did they come to the party but also dressed in their own Aso-Ebi. They were led to the wedding ceremony by Elder Segun Ojo and his wife, and Sheu Dauda Raji.
Role Call
Some of the high-flying celebrities at the party are former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who chaired the occasion, alongside his wife, Chief (Mrs) Olukemi Mimiko, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, Senator Gbenga Obadara, Prof Akin Osuntokun, Ovation publisher, Basorun Dele Momodu, Hon. Olawale Aganga, Mr Odusina Oluwagbemiga, aka Mattel, Gbemisola Fagbemi, Folake Akinrutan, Adebolu Adeniyi, Omooba Babatunde Ologburo, Chairman, LIBRA BUILD MART, popular Ibadan-bases auto dealer, Mr. Segun Okeowo, popular Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing, Uriel Oputa and Bimbo Thomas and Alhaja Tawa Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, who also stood in for her husband, who, due to unavoidable reason, couldn’t make it the party.
The list also includes royal personalities such as Onitire of Ikate, Oba Lateef Adams; Olori Sekinat Elegushi, among others.
Others are the Oyo-born career diplomat, and State Chief of Protocol to President Bola Tinubu, Ambassador Victor Adekunle Adeleke; Chief A.A. Aribisala (SAN), former Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on political matters, Balogun Akin Osuntokun, C.E.O of Harmony Gardens and Estates, Dr. Abdullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa, aka Saheed Ibile, successful businessman and Lagos socialite Yomi Allen Odutola, former Managing Director of NNPC Shipping, Alhaji M.K Ibrahim, Dr. Bisi Olatilo, Dr. Bola Awani all the way from Dublin, Dr. Itunu,
Alhaja Muyibat Arisekola Alao, Musa Arisekola Alao, Yisa Arisekola Alao, Aliru Arisekola Alao, Dauda Arisekola Alao, and Olumide.
We also have on the guests list the likes of Dr. Sola Adeduntan, the immediate past C.E.O of First Bank Plc, and his beautiful wife, Mrs Nike Adeduntan, MD of Parallex Bank, Olufemi Bakre, Tulcan Energy Chairman, Dr. Tayo Adiatu, C E.O of Petrocam, Patrick Ilo, Secretary and Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Olayemi Anyanechi, Barr. Akeem Agbaje, President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, former Oyo South senator, Kola Balogun, Oyo Central senator, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, Senator Soji Akanbi, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Afolabi, Mr Bosun Otedola, and wife, Mrs. Yinka Otedola, Ronke Adeyemo, the representative of Irish Embassy; Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim, EFCC Director, Bawa Kaltuogo, DIG Owolabi, CP Abibo, Mr Sola Akindele and his adorable wife, Taiwo and Kehinde Omotoso.
The list also has on it the likes of former Ondo State Liaison Officer, Toyin Aladegbami, the senator representing Ife Central, Olubiyi Ajagunla, Ambassador Kunle Adeleke, Alhaji Akeem Azeez, P.A to Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, M.K Ibrahim, Miyu Tanico from BBC World Service, a renowned pharmacist, Mohammed Ahmed Alkali, Zakari Yau Na Dabo; mother of the former Lagos State governor and former Minister of Works, Barr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, Mrs Cecilia Lara Fashola; foremost educationist, Chief (Mrs) Bola Doherty MFR, Barrister Shalewa Onele, among others too numerous to mention.
