Marries Islamic Cleric, Sheikh TIJANI RAJI’s Son
Details Of The 3-In-1 Classy Event
The Alaka Estate event centre which was beautifully decorated in purple and white became a lesser hajj on Saturday, March 7, 2019, as Tawakalt Oluwafunmilayo, the daughter of a top Lagos socialite and an alumnus of the prestigious Remo Secondary School (RSS), Alhaja Sariat Alli hooked her soulmate, Muhammad Akorede, the son of a popular Islamic Cleric, Fadilat Sheikh-Ahmad Tijani Raji in Lagos. You need not be told whose wedding it was as a gigantic banner of the couple welcomed all guests at the entrance of the venue. It was amidst pomp and pageantry that these two well trained Islamic scholars publicly confessed their love for one another and took a bold step of committing their future into the hands of Allah as man and wife. The crème-de-la-crème of the Surulere community were present as top-class Islamic clerics across south-western Nigeria also made it to the venue. The event included Nikkah, engagement and reception. And a duo of City People’s DAMILARE SALAMI and Senior Photojournalist, ABDULRASHEED SANNI were there to give you the behind the scenes as well as highlights of the event. Below are excerpts for your reading pleasure.
AT THE NIKKAH
The beautiful Saturday morning that marked the commencement of the journey of a lifetime between Tawakalt and Muhammad started with the joining together of both lovers according to Islamic rites. At about 11 am, the venue was already filled with guests and the ever punctual clerics who were saddled with the responsibility of joining the intending couple. Clerics from the Ansarul-deen Society of Nigeria were led by Alhaji Chief Imam Busiriyu and others including Alhaji Chief Imam Mustapha Agbayi, AlhajiAteeqNafiu, Alhaji Ahmad Tijani, AlhajiAbdulkabirSuleman, Alhaji Ramadan Agbayi and Alhaji Ismail Gbadamosi officiated during the Nikkah.
COUPLE’S OUTFITS
The groom, Muhammad Akorede and his sweetheart, Tawakalt Oluwafunmilayo were both adorned in white outfits as a symbol of purity. Both were beautifully dressed in simple but classy attire as a way of showing high reverence of the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (PBHM) which they both hold in high esteem.
CHIEF IMAM AGBAYI PREACHES LOVE
Sheikh Agbayi wasted no time in sharing some basic truths with the couple about a true Muslim home. He opened their eyes to the fact that only Allah can uphold them in times of trouble and that the basic tenets of a Muslim home is hidden in living in love, unity, harmony and understanding, citing Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) as a perfect example.
TYING OF THE KNOT
The high point of the Nikkah ceremony was the tying of the knot. Both families had two representatives each who served as witnesses to the tying of the not. The couple was joined together after the cleric tied their hands together using a specially made white attire as a symbol of their journey as man and wife.
COUPLE’S PARENTS ON THE HIGH TABLE
The bride’s parents, Mr Festus Okoh and AlhajaSariat Johnson and the Groom’s parents, Fadilat Sheikh-Ahmad Tijani Raji and Alhaja Mujidat Raji were spotted on the high table with their unique Army Green outfits. It was indeed glamorous as they all sprayed the couple when the clerics called upon them to do so.
ALHAJI AFEEQ NAFIU BLESSES THE COUPLE
The closing session of the Nikkah was marked by the scriptural and spiritual blessings showered upon the couple by one of the clerics on ground, Alhaji Afeeq Nafiu. His long prayer session majorly in Arabic was translated into Yoruba for those who do not understand as the Nikkah was rounded off.
…AND THE TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE BEGINS
Beautiful traditional and secular tunes from the anchor of the traditional marriage rites Alhaja Ganiyat Okunnuga (Alaga Ijoko) ushered the parents of the couple to their reserved seats as the guests awaited the arrival of the groom before the traditional commenced in essence.
TRENDING GROOMSMEM CORNER
Wine was the colour of the members of the groomsmen gang. Although they all looked like Muslim scholars judging by their style of dressing, these young men definitely know how to party as they kept on dancing the most trending steps to the tunes that were oozing out of the DJ’s turntable. They accompanied the groom as he dances down the aisle to be joined to his baby girl in the traditional way, a rite that absolutely completes the Yoruba wedding ceremony. They were eleven in number but their ginger, cheerful noises and spending ability made it look like they were a battalion. Apart from their moral support for their gee, the groomsmen’s corner in the auditorium was a happening place as several other young chaps at the event joined them while they merry and celebrated with their just wedded friend.
WAS THE GROOM DANCING IN?
People were unable to tell whether the groom was dancing or just jugging into the auditorium while the anchor ushered him to meet his parents-in-law. It was obvious that Muhammad Akorede is not a very good dancer but the activities of his friends overshadowed that simply because they covered for him so well.
FRIENDS OF THE BRIDE NOT LEFT OUT
The traditional party fun would not be complete if the mention is not made of the outstanding friends of the bride. The words on everyone’s lips was “so Alhajas too slay?’ when the beautiful friends of the brides took their shine even better than their male counterparts while they accompanied the bride into the auditorium for the traditional marriage. Instead of having the local talking drummer do the beats for them, the bride’s friends opted for the services of the DJ who had been waiting so eagerly to serve some cool and trendy wedding tunes.
SURULERE LG CHAIRMAN WAS PRESENT TOO
One of the highpoints of the traditional marriage was the gallant entry of Hon. Tajudeen Yusuff Ajide, the Chairman of Surulere Local Government who came with a sizeable entourage. Hon. Ajide quickly took his space on the high table as he enjoyed and partook in the fun of the day.
COUPLE’S STUNNING TRADITIONAL ATTIRE
Did we tell you that the couple looked so stunning in their lilac colour traditional outfits? Yes, they did. The groom, Muhammad Akorede looked like he just bagged a chieftaincy title as he was adorned in a beautifully designed and well embroidered Agbada while the bride, Tawakalt Olufunmilayo wore a very outstanding look after she changed into the second outfit of the day.
TOP CLASS COMPERE, PRINCE ADE SQUARE ANCHORS RECEPTION
It was not too difficult to identify the MC from the crowd as he mounted the podium. Popularly known as MC Talkerchief, Prince Adeshina Adedokun is a petite but multi-talented young man. His dance skills stood him out at the event, needless to talk about his oratory prowess and ability to carry along his vast audience irrespective of their tribes and religion. MC Talkerchief became the life of the event immediately he was handed the microphone and a led a non-boring reception to the pleasure of the couple, their parents and the guests.
THE SKY BLUE ASO-EBI GANG
One group that stood out with running arounds and making sure that all guests were well taken care of was the sky blue Aso-Ebi gang. These are the siblings of the groom. They were everywhere attending to the needs of everyone such that virtually no one was left unattended to.
VANESSA SLAYS WITH HER FRIENDS
Yes, Vanessa, the bride’s only sister made a huge impact with helping out with many of her mother’s guests but beyond that, she also had time to slay with her friends and the couple. Her stunning outfit made a huge impression on many at the event.
IT’S THE GROOM’S FATHER’S BIRTHDAY TOO
The wedding had many side attractions and one of them was the fact that it was the groom’s father’s birthday. He is a popular Islamic Cleric. Alhaji Fadilat Sheikh-Ahmad Tijani Raji is an educationist and the founder of Raji Islamic Arabic School which spreads across Lagos.
BRIDE’S MOTHER & HER CLIQUE
Let us also tell you that if there was any outstanding guests gathering, it was the bride’s mother and her silver colour Aso-Ebi. They lifted the spirit of the event with cheers and obvious support for Alhaja Sariat. Even when she got engaged with other things as the event demanded, these this of special guests covered up for their beloved friend.
RECEPTION HIGH TABLE
Did you know that the Chairman of the event is the CEO of a top tech company in Sagamu? Let’s be the first to tell you that Sheikh Nurudeen Shittu who chaired the event is the CEO of ZALRAB Tech and chief missionary of ZARLAB Society International. Other members of the high table are Ilyas Ademola Afolabi, Alhaja Lateefat Nee Raji, Sheikh Sideeq Rohees Daola.
MRS AFOLABI ADEOLA OMORINOLA SPOTTED
Many may not know her before the wedding but she was obviously everywhere and helping out too. Mrs Afolabi Adeola’s company catered to the party but apart from that, she is also a very close friend to the groom’s father. She was one of the most significant faces at the event.
MEET THE RSS ALUMNI
We would have mentioned to you that Alhaja Sariat is an alumnus of Remo Secondary School popularly known as RSS. She belonged to the 81/82 set. Some of her old school mates were also present to rejoice with her and her daughter on a special day. They include Bimpe Bello, Sikiru Alamu, Olumide Onimole, Titi Fadoju Adedoyin, Yinka Erinle, Barr. Abiodun Owoseni, Soga Otelaja.
Others are Rashidat Shittu, Mosun Adesanya, Yemisi Osindeinde nee Obadekun and Fuad Ajakaye.
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