-Details of his superlative Saturday, September 1, 2012 wedding
One of Nigeria’s finest comedians and television hosts, Gbadewonuola Olateju Oyelakin, aka Teju Babe Face, finally stepped out of bachelorhood on Saturday, September 01, 2012 at the Chapel of Christ The Light Interdenominational Church, Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, when he exchanged marital vows with his girlfriend, Oluwatobiloba Oriyomi Banjoko in a superlative ceremony.
The wedding which attracted the who is who in the comedy industry started with a traditional wedding on Thursday, August 30, 2012, at 10 Degrees Event Centre, Billings Way, Oregun, Lagos. The reception followed at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Onikan, after the church service. YES International! was there and brings you all the gists and happenstances at the 2-day event…
THE CHURCH SERVICE
9:00AM
The church service started at exactly 9.00am at the Chapel of Christ The Light Church in Alausa. Although, so many people didn’t make it here, Teju came in his gray CL 550 4Matic Mercedes Benz car while Tobi arrived in a cream Taurus Ford.
WHAT THEY WORE
Tobi was all smiles in a flowing gown, beaded ear rings, golden bangles and shoes to match. Teju wore a well cut blue suit, white shirt, stripped white tie and black shoes.
THE OFFICIATING MINISTERS
Popular Lagos pastor and founder of Daystar Christian Centre, Pastor Sam Adeyemi, as well as Pastor Femi Paul of Grace Assembly, officiated. Adeyemi performed the vows aspect while Paul handled the sermon. Pastor Paul spoke from the book of Proverbs and enjoined the young couple to always put God first in all they do.
THE MEN IN SUIT
The likes of Bunmi Davies, Tee A, Holy Mallam, Koffi and others were part of the team. They attracted attention in the church with their dance steps, displays and gesticulations.
10:35AM, THANKSGIVING
The church service ended at 10.35am, with a special thanksgiving by the couple. They left immediately after taking pictures with the officiating ministers. Teju and wife hurriedly left the church for MUSON, with the groom behind the wheels.
THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE OPENS FOR HIM
Teju used his closeness to the Lagos State governor, Raji Fashola, to get him to open a section of the Third Mainland Bridge which is supposed to be closed for repair for him. We learnt he already had a time allocated to him so he could move freely on the bridge which is under construction with his guests.
“I’M RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY”
This should be the right words to describe Teju’s action as he drove his wife by himself after the church service to the reception venue. He decided to do this so that the wife may not be stuck anywhere.
12.20AM, ARRIVAL OF BRIDAL PARTY
Friends of the bride arrived first in their beautiful blue dresses. They were followed by the bridal train who wore blue linen gowns of various designs and the handsome men in suits with some in black and others in brown. Teju and wife entered the reception hall dancing and amidst a standing ovation.
12:35AM, TEE A STANDS IN FOR ALI BABA
Due to the late arrival of the king of comedy, Ali Baba, Tee A stood in for him and did well. A minute silence was first observed for the loving memory of late Prince Jacob Gbadegesin Oyelakin, Teju’s father, who died last year.
11:30AM, YINKA AYEFELE TAKES OVER
Popular crooner, Yinka Ayefele dazzled all with his Tungba rhyhms. He performed alongside Africa’s finest DJ, Jimy Jatt throughout the event.
MILITARIZED BRIDE’S FATHER!
The retired Customs officer was everywhere giving order and making sure that all was well at the reception. He was at alert for the most part of the event.
1.0PM, OPENING REMARKS
Former First Bank MD, Mr. Jacob Ajekigbe handled this aspect. He advised the young couple to put God first in all things and particularly advised Teju never to make his family a subject on his talk show and always keep his wife away from his jokes.
1.10PM, TIMI DAKOLO’S SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
Winner of the first West African Idol, Timi Dakolo performed a specially composed love song for the couple. He left everyone spell bound with his performance.
SENATOR ABIKE DABIRI?
This was the question that was left unanswered when member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa arrived. She came in around 1.15pm and made her way straight to Yinka Ayefele’s band stand to spray him money. Ayefele in turn called her “Senator Abike Dabiri” throughout. And there was no correction whatsoever.
ALI BABA’S EXPENSIVE JOKE
He took over from Tee A as the MC of the ceremony at 2:37pm and immediately swung into action. In one of his many jokes, he told Ayefele to go and join his mates who are competing at the Paralympics in London. According to him, “Your people are in London winning gold and you are here winning money”.
2:42PM, CUTTING OF THE CAKE
The cutting of cake was handled by Tee A. He asked the couple to cut the cake whenever they heard him mention zero. This was done amidst applause from all the guests.
3:15PM, RMD’S TOAST
Richard Mofe Damijo proposed the toast to the new couple. He promised to expose Teju whom he sees as a son any time he does anything bad.
3:30PM, THE FIVE MINUTES’ KISSING
The couple had a very long kiss as ordered by Tee A. Tobi nearly got suffocated during the kissing session.
BOUQUET WINNER TO WED IN OCTOBER
Very unique. The young lady that triumphed here will have her own wedding in October. She gladly announced this after the catch and a photo session with the couple.
WHO HANDLED WHAT
Funke Bucknor-Obuthe’s Zapphire Events was the event planner. Finesse Events did the decoration while KSquare provided security. Taryor Gabriels of Lagos provided the bridegroom and his men’s suits, Bonix handled drinks and the cake was baked by Cakes by Tosan. Quartz Photography and Shola Animashaun were the official photographers, Mai Inspired made the bride’s dress, shoes and accessories as well as those of the maids. Licious provided the dessert and La Bash the cocktail. Saheeto supplied finger foods while Leke Adenuga Concept provided support on cake and the bride’s makeup was by BMPro.
MR. OLAWALE BANJOKO (Bride’s father)
‘God brought them together’
Can we meet you?
My name is Olawale Banjoke. I am the bride’s father. A retired senior Customs officer.
How do you feel today giving out your daughter in marriage?
I’m a happy man because I am able to witness this occasion today.
How would you describe Teju?
Both of them are my children. It was God himself that brought them together, so nobody can separate them. I repeat, nobody on earth can do it because God knows why He has decided to join them. All we have to do is give them time to enjoy their lives.
What is your advice to them?
They should be conscious of their behaviours in the public and also put all their deeds into the hands of God. They should be prayerful.
What is your wish for them today and always?
I wish them the best of what life can give.
MRS. OLAWALE BANJOKO (Bride’s mother)
‘I wish them goodluck in their various endeavours’
How would you describe your daughter, Tobi?
She is a very good girl and I love her so much. She stood by me when I was very sick and took very good care of me. I pray that God should be with them.
What is your opinion about her choice of career as a model?
I love it because I believe she would do well in it. I personally adviced her to continue with it, that she has my support and blessings.
How would you describe your new son, Teju?
Teju is a very nice boy and I love him so much.
When she brought Teju home as the person she wanted to marry, what was the first thing you told her?
I love Teju and I simply gave my blessings to their union.
What is your wish for them?
I wish them goodluck in their various endeavours.
What is your advice to them?
I want them to always see themselves as one and not allow friends into their home.
What do you do for a living?
I am a full house wife.
OLORI GBADEGESIN OYELAKIN (Groom’s Mother)
‘My advice to them is to move closer to God’
How do you feel today?
My joy knows no bounds because I am blessed and my God has done gracious and wonderful things for me and my family.
How would you describe your son?
Right from his childhood, he has been a blessed child and I know he would continue to be because I believe in him.
What is your advice to them?
My advice to them is to move closer to God who is their creator.
What is your wish to them?
My wish for them is that God should make them continue to succeed in life and have long life and prosperity so that they would do this type of thing for their own children and children’s children in Jesus’ name.
What do you do for a living?
Right now, I’m a house wife.
PRINCE OYELARAN (Rep. Teju’s Father)
‘God should bless Wonuola and his wife’
You represented Prince Gbadegesin Oyelakin, Teju’s father. Who are you to the family?
I am Prince Oyelaran. I’m currently based in the United States of America. Teju’s father, Prince Oyelakin and myself grew up together from infancy and had always been together. Both our children are of the same age and they have been a source of blessings to us.
How do you feel today witnessing this?
It’s a privilege for me to be alive to see the success of my friend’s son. Just like the Yoruba adage (Bi ogede baku, omo re ni nfi ropo). If a man dies, he lives his son behind to carry-on. Jacob Gbadegesin Oyelakin is alive today and has been blessed with the remedies for immortality in terms of his children and we know that God will bless Wonuola and his wife so that they can continue the tradition.
What is your advice to them?
They should always cultivate friendship. Love one another and love God so that all the blessings can be added unto them. They are both adults and should know how to manage themselves. I know love is not easy, but they should cultivate love.
Your wish for them?
I wish them long life, prosperity, success and happy children to continue in tradition that has been handed over to them.