Lola Omotayo and Peter Okoye of P-Square officially became one on Sunday November 17, 2013 after a traditional marriage that took place at the beautiful The Ark Event Centre in Lekki, Lagos. The event was witnessed by colleagues, politicians, family members, friends and fans. YES International!’s GBENGA SHABA was there and noted these happenstances.
THE ARK
A big white tent designed with a red, white and silver apparels was the venue of the star-studded wedding. It was beautiful by The Wedding Guru. Beautiful roses with bottled orchids were everywhere. It was indeed a beauty to behold. With everything looking bright and beautiful.
HEAVY SECURITY EVERYWHERE
From the gate to the entire compound, KSquare and Golden Event Security guards were positioned everywhere. They mounted two security points, checking invitation cards of every guest before being ushered in. And a red carpet which was decorated with silver poles will thereafter lead you into the tent.
WHAT THE USHERS WORE
The pretty and sexy ushers wore yellow dresses with free flowing skirts and well positioned accessories, which made them to look beautiful.
BILLIONAIRES’ CLUB!
Peter Okoye showed where he belongs with the long list of billionaires that graced his wedding. The richest man in Africa and Chairman of Dangote group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was there. Alhaji Sayyu Dantata of Mrs Oil was also there. The richest woman in Africa, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija; River’s State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, former Presidential Aide, Timi Alaibe, Obioma Liyel-Imoke, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and a host of other politicians, business moguls, captains of industry, and others were equally there.
NOLLYWOOD WELL REPRESENTED
One notable thing about Nollywood practitioners is their rallying support for those that matter in the entertainment industry. The likes of Genevieve Nnaji, Funke Akindele, Mike Ezuruonye, Rukky Sanda, Osita Iheme and Chinedu Ikedieze (Aki and Paw Paw), Susan Peters and many others all attended.
A-LIST ARTISTES TOO
The likes of sensational singers, Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Iyanya, M.I, Ice Prince, Dr. Sid, Sasha, Lynxxx, Timaya, Eva Alordiah, Phyno, J Martins, KSB, Banky W and Kcee were among the notable artistes that graced the event.
EMMANUEL ADEBAYO SHOWED SUPPORT
Togolese football star, Emmanuel Adebayor, showed a lot of support for the music star. In fact, he was among the groom’s men with his well cut grey caftan. Dancing to various African tunes from his favourite artistes, he looked very, very happy.
PETER LED THE WAY
Peter’s twin brother, Paul Okoye, along with the groom, led the way as they prepared for the marriage rites. Peter appeared joyous, smart and handsome in his maroon outfit, paired with a white attire and the red Igbo chieftancy cap. His groom’s men wore smart grey attires made in various shapes.
WHAT THE BRIDE WORE
Looking pretty and on-point, Lola wore three fabulous dresses, possibly to represent her Yoruba culture, Igbo (her husband’s) and another emerald-studded green dress.
THE BRIDAL TRAIN
The bridal team dressed in stunning gold and navy blue aso ebi with shoes to match. They led the way during the arrival of the beautiful bride.
LOLA AND PETER
Lola & Peter. That was the inscription on the couple’s cake. The wondrous cake came with various designs of traditional offerings like palm wine and coral beads which made it look lovely.
GBENGA ADEYINKA COMPERED
Popular comedian and talk show host, Gbenga Adeyinka, was the MC for the day. The energetic man who has done well for himself performed creditably well, alongside the two alagas who directed the affairs during the engagement ceremony.
THE PROSTRATING STARS
The engagement ceremony was done according to Yoruba custom and tradition. Starting with the groom’s family presenting a proposal letter, stating their intentions to marry from Lola’s family. The bride’s family accepted, then the groom and his friends came in and were ordered to prostrate for the bride’s parents as Yoruba custom demands, before they were prayed for by both families.
KSB REPRESENTED THE TWINS
Gospel singer, Kenny Saint Best, represented the twins in the house when they were called upon to share the podium with Peter and Paul. The gorgeously dressed singer made her way to the front to share the table and chair with the couple.
CAMERON OKOYE TOOK CENTRE STAGE
The couple’s first child, Cameron Okoye, was also actively involved in the event. He stood side by side his father as he performed the traditional marriage rites of his mother.
THE SEAL OF LOVE
This was performed immediately after the cutting of the engagement cake. The bride fed her husband first and the husband also reciprocated. Then, a passionate kiss.
AT THE RECEPTION
The couple changed into their Igbo attires for the reception while guests were savouring cold wines, spirits, juices and soft drinks, which adorned each table. Lola wore a pink blouse, emerald and pink wrapper, with her ichafu. She held a well decorated fan, while Peter who was full of smiles, opted for a red cap, red coral beads and so on.
RAVE OF THE MOMENT
Flavour, who recently won the award for the Best Musical Video at the Nigerian Music Video Awards, thrilled the guests with the rendition of his latest hit, Ada Ada. But, at the event, Flavour changed the name to “Lola Lola” to rhyme with the bride’s name.
OTHER ARTISTES THAT PERFORMEDED
Kingsley Okonkwo, aka K-Cee, performed his hit track, Limpopo. Banky W performed his hit song, Yes/No. Pregnant dance queen, Kaffy, also got on stage to dance when Peter came to the podium to sing their monster hit, Personally. J Martins performed Olomi. Iyanya was on stage too. He performed some of his hit tracks: Your waist, Kukere and Sexy Mama. Rapper Phyno also performed Ghost Mode while ladies’ delight, Lynxxx sang Fine Lady.
WHERE IS DON JAZZY?
That was the question on the lips of guests as sensational singer, Tiwa Savage came on stage to perform her latest collaboration with him, Eminado, without the producer, (Don Jazzy) who also featured in the song.
JUDE OKOYE WAS NOT THERE!
Jude Okoye is the elder brother of Peter and Paul as well as their producer and manager. It was surprising that he didn’t show up at the wedding ceremony which raised suspicion that all may not be well with the Okoye brothers. In fact, people are already rumouring that he deliberately boycotted the wedding, because as the eldest of the Okoye brothers, he was supposed to be the first to wed before his brothers or better still, that his brothers.
THE ORGANISERS
The bride’s makeup was done by Banke Meshida-Lawal of BM|Pro, who also owns Coral Reef Jewellers. She did the same for the bride’s mother. Her hair was by Sari for Sari’s Signature. The fabrics and Aso Ebi she wore came from by Foradora Fabrics. Ngozi Akintujoye and Omorinsola Arodundade of Perfect Coordinators handled the wedding. The pair is gradually becoming the toast of celebrities at high-profile events in Nigeria. DJ Obi was on the wheels of steel. Libran Eye was the official photographer, together with internationally acclaimed Kelechi Amadi Obi Studios. Videography was handled by Idea Robot Productions while Hamptons, Kemabom, Elshaddai Catering and Ahuoma Kitchen made sure everyone was well fed. 12 Baskets and Demo Small Chops handled the small Chops. Drinks were from Bonix and K’s Drinks while cocktail was handled by Elles Ice Box and Eventi Cocktails. There were also Sweets by Fara and Zara Sweets; Frozen Yoghurt by Sweet Kiwi, Shawarma by Cappulo Shawarma and the chair covers came from Aa Events Services.