Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, led prominent Nigerians that converged on Ibadan on Saturday for the wedding of the daughter of former Interim National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bisi Akande.

The high octane event, which took place at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, also attracted other state governors from the South West, including Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); and Mr Rauf Aregbesola (Osun).

Also in attendance were the wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi; a former Governor of Osun State, Mr Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed; Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Nuhu Ribadu, among others.

Osinbajo in his remarks at the event, admonished men to see their wives as 'help meets' and not 'help mates' in order to command mutual respect and love.

He advised the couple, Wuraola and Olawale Solabi to love each other unconditionally and to allow God to reign supreme in their home, stressing that companionship was the aim of marriage.

He said, “The major reason why God ordained marriage is for man and woman to find a partner to spend the rest of his or her life with. It’s a journey to be enjoyed and not to be endured. Therefore, I want to urge men to be alive to their responsibilities as the head of the home.

“Men are supposed to see their wives as help meet and not help mate. When I say help meet, it means she will fill the gap where there is need for it and not that you should abdicate your responsibilities for her.”

Ajimobi urged the couple to be good companions, adding that long lasting marriages were those built on love and godliness.

He said, “Marriage can only work when the wife submits totally to the husband while the husband is also expected to always listen to advice from his wife. Mutual and reciprocal gestures will make your marriage to last.    

“Always endeavour to settle your differences without external influence. Don’t share your problems with a third party; be it friends or parents", the governor councelled.