Former President Olusegun Obasanjo joined other dignitaries to grace the church wedding of President Goodluck Jonathan’s foster daughter, Inebharapu and her husband Simeon, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, yesterday.
This is even as President Jonathan has advised the couple to learn to solve their marital problems themselves without involving third party, including their parents as the challenges faced in their times are definitely different compared to today’s challenges.
Obasanjo arrived the venue with Dr. Andy Uba and some other aides before the commencement of the service.
He was ushered into the hall amidst standing ovation and took his seat at the VIP section.
Obasanjo’s introduction during the service also attracted a loud applause from the congregation.
In his vote of thanks at the service Jonathan specially recognised Obasanjo’s presence.
The President urged the couple to embrace the virtue of endurance, and they should not bring their problems to him as he has a lot on his plate to handle.
In his sermon, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh, noted that although marriage as an institution was ordained by God, it had been having problems from the beginning with Adam and Eve.
He urged the couple to keep the vow they made before God so that they can attract the blessings therein to themselves.
While describing jealousy as positive in marriage, he said it was also a defensive mechanism God had placed in marriage to preserve it.
Okoh urged the couple to always forgive each other no matter what, warning the couple against keeping diary of offences for each other.
The Cleric noted that although money is important in marriage, the bride and groom were not joined together as business partners.
He urged them to allow the love of God to rule their home, instead of money.
“Money must not rule your marriage. Allow the love of God to rule your home. Let God have the final say, not money. Your marriage should be based on scriptures and not your certificates which are just gifts from God,” he said.
Okoh also used the occasion to again kick against same-sex marriage which he described as sinful, artificial and shameful.
He said God instituted the original marriage and called on man to follow it in his own interest.
He added, “We must obey and adopt the original marriage if we want to continue in the presence of God. There must be Adam and Eve, anything else is an aberration.
“We encourage young people to reject that new introduction of young men marrying men or women marrying women.
“Marriage was ordained for fellowship, friendship and companionship. You must be best of friends, companion and fellowship together.”
At the reception which held at the International Conference Center (ICC), the chairman, Senate President, David Mark, who represented Vice President Namadi Sambo urged the couple to properly define each other roles in the home so as to avoid conflict.
“Any man whose marriage is successful today it is because the husband has allowed the wife to take the minor decision in the house and he the major decision. If there is a football match in the house, if your husband’s team is losing and your team is winning and your husband is boasting that his team will will, encourage and support him, that is a major decision.
“Simon give your wife your pay cheque that is a minor decision if you want your marriage will succeed.
“Ine, when you pray for your husband to meet your needs your marriage will succeed.
Those present here today are to bear good witness that this marriage will succeed. I prayed for a fruitful marriage”.
The the reception was emceeed by Frank Edogo of ‘Who Wants to be a Million” and Helen Paul, a presenter of Jara on African Magic.
Music was supplied by Kola Sax, popular international gospel Art, Ron Konely did a special love song titled “You are my everything”.
Hip pop Art Kecee also played during the couple’s dance.
Other dignitaries who attended the service included the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Governor Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom; Governor Jonah Jang (Plateau); Governor Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa); Gobernor Lyel Imoke (Cross River; Governor Gabriel Suswam )Benue); former Governor Peter Odili; and Chief Edwin Clark.
Others were members of the National Assembly, ministers, top government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry and members of the diplomatic corps among others.
Clergymen present included Pastor Enoch Adeboye; Bishop David Oyedepo, Archbishop Sam Amanga, and Pastor Paul Adefarasin among others.
