By Agene Akhere, Benin
It was glitz, glamour and a list of who-is-who in the country as Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the weekend exchanged marital vows with his heartthrob, former Miss Iara Fortes. The governor and his bride had signed the dotted lines at a private marriage registry, attended only by family and a few friends at his Iyamho Residence, Benin after which top dignitaries in the country were led by the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, to the wedding reception held at the People’s White Hall in Oshiomhole’s country home.
Who-is-Who at Wedding Reception
Apart from Buhari, other top dignitaries who also graced the ceremony included the Vice President-elect, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo.
APC chieftains were led by its National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, some governors and governors-elect across the country.
Senators Bukola Saraki, Domingo Obende and a host of others and Senators-elect from across the country were also in attendance. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Bello Tambuwal, led members of the House of Representatives and incoming ones to the wedding reception. Also at the event were captains of industry who included President Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr. Jim Ovia, Mr. Femi Otedola, Captain Noggie Meggisson and Captain Hosa Okunbor.
Royal fathers were not left out as they attended the ceremony in their large numbers. The Oba of Benin was represented by high-ranking palace chiefs, which included Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin Kingdom. The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, former Governors Niyi Adebayo, Kayode Fayemi and Oserheimen Osunbor as well as Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Osaigbovo Ogbemudia were also in attendance.
Top military brass including Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Auchi, Brigadier-General MJ Abel, were also in attendance. The Director-General of the State Security Service was represented by Engr. Joseph Oworuya while Mr. Bello Bakori, Director, SSS Edo State, was also at the ceremony.
Parents of Bride Flew in From Netherlands
Parents of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Fortes, flew in from their home in The Netherlands to attend the ceremony while the Governor’s mother, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole, was also in attendance.
The Governor’s children- Steve, Adams, Jane and two of his grandchildren were also on hand to show love and support for their father and his wife. The Governor’s marriage is coming about five years after the painful death of his first wife, Clara Oshiomhole, following a protracted battle with cancer.
The delectable Iara, a lawyer by profession and top model, is from the Cape Verde Islands. The chairman of the ceremony, General Yakubu Gowon, said the Governor’s wife completes and complements him.
He admonished the couple to show true love and have patience in their dealings with one another.
