Celebrity Weddings That Lit Up 2023

January 07, (THEWILL) – For many celebrities and socialites who found love and walked down the aisle with their partners last year, 2023 was replete with colourful memories. Some of the weddings trended because the persons involved had waited for a long time before cupid smiled upon them, while others trended because of the controversies surrounding them.

IVORY UKONU writes on 20 weddings that got people talking in 2023:

Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Mitchel Ihezue

Three years after the death of his first wife, Nnenna, wealthy businessman and politician, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, got married again last week. He tied the knot with a former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Mitchel Ihezue.

Ukachukwu’s five sons and members of his extended family love and adore 32-year-old Mitchel so much that they welcomed her to their family with open arms. To show how much he was smitten with Mitchel, Ukachukwu presented a brand-new Range Rover to her on their wedding day.

Fondly called ‘Ikukuoma’, Ukachukwu contested in the 2023 National Assembly election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, but he lost to Capital Oil boss, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah. Ukachukwu is the Chairman/CEO of SNECOU Group Limited.

Chioma Ndubueze and Henry Chinonso

Former Big Brother Naija Season 7 housemate, Esther Chioma Ndubueze, better known as Chomzy tied the knot with her lover of many years, Henry Chinonso, aka Rich Figo. The traditional marriage took place a week before the end of 2023. While the groom is a real estate consultant, a developer, owner of a car dealership, Chomzy on her part has gone on to become a businesswoman herself with the launch of her makeup line business.

Daniel Ademinokan and Tope Oshin

Against all odds, Daniel Ademinokan gave love a third chance when he quietly married fellow filmmaker and director, Tope Oshin, in Houston, Texas, USA. Daniel’s was initially married to actress Doris Simeon. When the marriage failed, he took their only child with him to the United States to live with another actress, Stella Damasus, who he later married. While it was his second marriage, it was Stella’s third as she was earlier married to Jaiye Aboderin, son to the founder of Punch Newspaper, Olu Aboderin. Jaiye had slumped and died while playing basketball. Stella’s second marriage was to Emeka Nzeribe, but it was short lived.

Daniel’s marriage to Stella fell apart in 2020 due to irreconcilable differences. He allegedly walked out of their marriage and relocated to another state in the US. A few months after their separation, Daniel, also known as Da Bishop, threw shade at Stella, saying that people should not be quick to listen to motivational speakers because the motivator might be the one who needs it more.

On her part, Stella said that she thought the man she married was her soulmate who could do everything with her. Tope, a mother of four, was previously married to screenwriter Yinka Ogun in 2002, but the marriage ended in 2014

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Dwight Uma-Ukpai and Aniekeme Eyo

Dwight Olugu, the son of famous Reverend Dr Uma Ukpai walked down the aisle with the love of his life, Aniekeme Godwin Eyo in a two-day ceremony that had quite a handful of dignitaries in attendance in mid-2023.

Although Rev Ukpai and his wife are from Abia State, they have lived most of their lives in Akwa Ibom State where they also run their ministry, Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association. The traditional and white wedding ceremonies both held in the state with many clerics in attendance, including Ghanaian born Apostle Zilly Aggrey, who officiated at the wedding, and Pastor Ntia Ntia of Full Life Christian Centre, among others.

Not much is known about Aniekeme, but Olugu is the second son of Rev Ukpai and he is being touted as the one who will likely take over the running of the ministry from his father when he retires, being a pastor himself.

Amaechi Okobi and Lolade Fadoju

At 53, the Group Head, Communications and External Affairs at Access Bank Plc, Amaechi Okobi wedded the love of his life, Lolade Fadoju, who works in the E-Commerce Development and Marketing Department of Guaranty Trust Bank, in 2023. The wedding ceremony was a classy one that had only the couple’s close friends and family in attendance. Although married before, Amaechi does have a 16-year-old son from a previous relationship.

Made Kuti and Inedoye Adanne

On November 1, 2023, Omorinmade Anikulapo-Kuti, son of afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti and grandson of late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti got married to Inedoye Adanne at a very private civil wedding ceremony and a very unique reception party that is still being talked about. While Made took after his father and his famous grandfather as an afrobeat singer and saxophonist, his wife is a fashion entrepreneur.

The couple met in school where Made was Inedoye’s school father. After parting ways post-secondary school, they rekindled their relationship through Facebook seven years later. In 2018, upon Made’s return to Nigeria, their romantic journey officially began, emphasising the significance of their shared history.

Celebrating three years of love, the couple chose to get married on their relationship’s anniversary in a symbolic gesture of commitment, showcasing growth, resilience and enduring love. Made, renowned for his music talent, found a harmonious melody in his relationship with Inedoye, marking the commencement of a new chapter in their shared journey.

Omashola Oburoh and Britnee Malin

In a beautiful ceremony, former Big Brother Naija housemate, Omashola Kola Oburoh, popularly known as Sholzy, married his long-time girlfriend, Britnee Malin, a South African. The wedding, which held in the last week of December 2023, was a joyous occasion that brought together family, friends, and celebrities from the entertainment industry.

Omashola, known for his charismatic presence in the BBNaija ‘Pepper Dem’ season and the ‘All-Stars’ edition, had welcomed a son a few months before the wedding. The couple chose to celebrate their special day with a traditional wedding and church ceremony on the same day.

David Adeleke and Chioma Rowland

Nigerian music sensation, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, and his wife, Chioma Rowland, exchanged vows in a secret wedding that caught the public by surprise. The whirlwind marriage was influenced by the urgency to adhere to Igbo custom and tradition. The Igbo tradition, which is deeply rooted in cultural norms, presented a unique challenge. The couple recognised that Ifeanyi, their late child, couldn’t be buried as an Adeleke unless the bride price was paid in accordance with Igbo customs.

Davido’s father, Adedeji Adeleke, played a pivotal role in the swift nuptials, driven by his desire to see the lovebirds officially united. The influential music star’s father took it upon himself to persuade Chioma and her family, navigating the delicate situation.

Reports suggest that Chioma initially harbored reservations about committing to the singer. However, Davido, fueled by a restless determination to keep their love intact, was unwavering in his desire to marry Chioma. After heartfelt pleas and negotiations, Chioma’s family eventually agreed to formalise the union by accepting the bride price. The culmination of this cultural journey marked not only a union of two hearts but also a commitment to honour and preserve the rich traditions that define their heritage.

Patrick and Funmi Doyle

On December 14, 2023, veteran Nollywood actor and broadcaster, Patrick Rupherford Doyle, former husband of actress Ireti Doyle embraced the end of the year on a joyous note by uniting in matrimony with the love of his life, Funmilayo. Patrick expressed his newfound love and shared his excitement about the upcoming chapter with Funmilayo on social media.

Expressing his gratitude for this divine gift, the ace broadcaster and actor conveyed his feelings of blessing to be engaged to Funmilayo, eagerly anticipating a shared future with her.

He poetically described Funmilayo as the commander of his heart, and their love was hailed as a testament to resilience. His marriage to Funmi is his third as he had previously tied the knot with his first wife, Rosamund Ndidi, who passed away after battling sickle cell anaemia in 1999. His second marriage to Ireti produced a child as Ireti already had a child from a previous relationship.

Chukwuemeka Okoye and Chioma

Big Brother Naija’s former housemate, Chukwuemeka Okoye, popularly known as Frodd, embarked on a new chapter in his life when he tied the knot with his fiancée, Chioma, in a private wedding ceremony held in February 2023. Frodd, who gained fame during the All Stars season of Big Brother Naija, shared the extravagant nature of his wedding, disclosing that the celebration came with a hefty price tag of N30 million. The revelation offered a glimpse into the scale and significance of the event, marking a momentous occasion in Frodd’s personal journey beyond the reality show.

Tosin Ajibade and Temi Otedola

Nollywood actress, Temiloluwa Elizabeth Otedola, the third child of billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, secretly tied the knot with Oluwatosin Oluwole Ajibade, a singer, songwriter and record executive, popularly known as Mr Eazi.

Despite coming from an affluent background, the couple surprised everyone by choosing a unique and creative approach. Rather than opting for a traditional form of celebration, Temi and Eazi documented the wedding through a music video titled ‘Legalise.’ This unconventional choice provided an intimate and artistic glimpse into their special day, showcasing their love story in a manner that resonated with individual styles and personalities.

Kehinde Otolorin and Stephanie

Standup comedian, Otolorin Kehinde Peter, popularly known as Kenny Blaq, entered the blissful realm of marriage, sharing a heartwarming snapshot that captured the joyous moment with his elegant bride, Stephanie, on September 2, 2023.

In contrast to the trend of extravagant and headline-grabbing celebrity weddings, Kenny Blaq chose a more discreet approach to celebrate his union with Stephanie. The comedian opted for an intimate revelation and in his own way, chose to showcase the beauty of their special day with a touch of refined simplicity.

Umenwa Ekene and Ifeanyi Alex

Nollywood actress, Ekene Umenwa, officially wedded filmmaker Alex Kleanson in a breathtaking ceremony on Saturday, November 4, 2023. The union was the culmination of their love story, following a joyous traditional wedding in Anambra State where the couple was embraced by the warmth and support of their loved ones. The stunning white wedding ceremony showcased the elegance and beauty of their commitment, adding another chapter to their journey as partners in life.

Leo DaSilva and Maryam Laushi

Former Big Brother Naija housemate Leo Dasilva tied the knot with his beloved Maryam Laushi. The couple sealed their union in a traditional wedding ceremony held in Kaduna State on November 11 2023, marking a significant milestone in their journey together. Leo and Maryam’s engagement earlier this year set the stage for this joyous occasion and their love story continues to evolve since Leo rose to fame on season three of the reality show in 2018.

Temilade Remi Adeoye and Olawale

Socialite Temilade Remi Adeoye bade farewell to the spinster’s club as she tied the knot with her lover, Olawale, in a private yet vibrant ceremony in October 2023. A clothier and fabric vendor under her business brand name, Temiladyofkwamuhle, she combined both her introduction and engagement ceremonies on the same day, followed by her civil wedding the next day.

Radiant on her wedding day, Temi, a single mother to a pre-teenager, added another layer of joy as she is already expecting a child. The celebration marked not only the union of two hearts but also the joy of expanding their family in the near future.

Adeleye Adeshile Kuti and Atinuke Yusuf

Nollywood actor and United Kingdom-based nurse, Adeleye Adeshile Kuti, embarked on a new chapter of his life by tying the knot with his friend and lover, Atinuke Yusuf, two weeks ago. The civil wedding ceremony took place in Lagos, with plans for their traditional and engagement ceremony scheduled for a later date in the UK.

Calm and popular, Adeleye found love with Atinuke, an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast and wellness coach. Before relocating to the United States, Atinuke was the founder of Danzefx, a fitness house in Lagos, where she organised various celebrity workout and fitness events. Their journey from being friends for a long time, dating back to their youth, culminated in a beautiful union that spans continents and celebrates their shared history and enduring connection.

Alula Okposo and Time Idiaghe

Alula Okposo, the daughter of the late gospel singer, Sammie Okposo and Gloria Ibru of the Ibru dynasty, recently celebrated her wedding to Time Patrick Idiaghe in a heartwarming ceremony. The joyous event unfolded on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the picturesque Ibru Garden in Victoria Island, Lagos. Amidst the scenic backdrop, Alula and Time exchanged vows, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The celebration of love and commitment echoed the essence of family and unity, bringing together friends and loved ones to witness the union of these two hearts.

Jack Neko and Favour Obieze

Nollywood actor, Chukwunekwu Okweye, fondly known as Jack Neko, embarked on a new chapter in his life by marrying his beloved, Miss Favour Obieze, in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government of Anambra State. The love story unfolded when Okweye encountered his future wife while attending a friend’s church at Enugwu-Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. Over the course of about a year, their love blossomed, leading them to the joyous occasion of marriage. Favour, the bride, expressed her happiness as the culmination of their journey of love reached its climax. She offered prayers for a successful and fruitful marriage journey, marking the beginning of a shared life filled with love and companionship.

Mustapha Abacha and Safa Saleh Geidam

It was a confluence of tradition and power about two weeks ago when Mustapha, one of the sons of late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, wedded his bride, Safa Tijjani Saleh Geidam. The ceremony held at the Mohammed Ali Mosque, Old GRA, Maiduguri, Borno State. The wedding, observed under the auspices of Islamic rites, was a ceremony that exemplified the intricate tapestry of Nigerian social hierarchy and political camaraderie. Distinguished figures in Nigeria’s political space honoured the Abacha family with their presence. The guests include Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State and other prominent Nigerians.