Dignitaries at the occasion
The historic city of Abeokuta came alive on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as dignitaries from across Nigeria converged for the Nikkah ceremony of Faizah Omoteniola Kolapo, daughter of Dr. Yemi Kolapo, Publisher of The Point Newspaper and Iya Sunnah of Egbaland, and AbdulHakeem Jimoh, son of Brigadier-General Olanrewaju Jimoh (rtd).
The event, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Marquee, transformed into a hub of glamour and festivity, drawing an extraordinary line-up of political leaders, royal fathers, military officers, clerics, media icons and celebrities.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, led the roll call of eminent personalities, joined by Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who attended despite last-minute travel disruptions, and former Ogun State governors Ibikunle Amosun and Olusegun Osoba.
Also present were the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola; former Military Administrator of Sokoto State, Capt. Raji Rasheed (rtd); immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Sarafa Isola; and top politicians including Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, represented by senior cabinet members following his father’s passing days earlier.
The ceremony attracted a broad spectrum of leaders—serving and retired generals, senators, business leaders, and an imposing array of clerics from Egbaland, Ijebuland, Remoland, Owu, Gbagura, Ilorin, and beyond.
From the media world, the event recorded an unprecedented turnout: former and serving Managing Directors of Punch Newspapers, Mr. Ademola Osinubi and Mr. Joseph Adeyeye; Secretary-General of the International Press Institute, Chief Raheem Adedoyin; and four past and present presidents of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Top NUJ executives from across the country, alongside leading publishers and media executives, were also in attendance.
The glamour extended to Nollywood, with veteran actor Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), Bimbo Akintola, Fathia Balogun, Toyin Abraham and her husband, Fausat Balogun (Madam Saje), and Doyin Kukoyi, gracing the occasion. Fuji maestro K1 De Ultimate electrified the reception with timeless performances.
In her remarks, the bride’s mother, Dr. Kolapo, expressed pride and gratitude: “I feel super proud that I raised a lovely daughter. My message to them is to live in peace, shut out intruders, love each other and grow together.”
The Emir of Kano, Sanusi II, urged the couple to build their home on love and compassion, while Ambassador Sarafa Isola, who chaired the reception, advised them to build their marriage on mutual respect, patience, and loyalty.
The high-profile ceremony stood out not only for its sheer star power but also for the unity of leaders across politics, religion, business, media and culture, who gathered in Abeokuta to honour Dr. Yemi Kolapo and Brig.-Gen. Jimoh on their children’s special day.
