Son of two-term House of Assembly member in Oyo State and incumbent Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Hon. Bimbo Oladeji, Edward has tied the knot with his wife, Kehinde Makinde.
It was a heart-warming occasion, a celebration of love, blended with faith and tradition held at Balmoral Halls and Event Management, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos State, where the creamy de creamy in the society gathered to celebrate with a woman of virtue and distinguished public servant.
It was an august occasion in the month of October, a wedding that is more than just a union of two hearts, rather a gathering that reflected years of service, friendship, and respect.
Hon. Oladeji played host to top politicians, traditional rulers, community leaders and professionals from all walks of life. Some of them are Senators from Oyo State, Fatai Buhari and Sharafdeen Ali, former First Lady, Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Alao-Akala, wife of former Governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, Member, House of Representatives, Hon. Olamiju Alao-Akala, Speaker and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin and former Speaker and Minority Leader of the 9th Oyo Assembly, Rt. Hon. Asimiyu Alarape.
Also in attendance were Hon. Babajide Adebayo, Hon. Olusola Owolabi, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, Hon. Rasaq Mabaje and immediate past member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Tunde Kazeem.
The Onpetu of Ijeru Kingdom, His Royal Father, Oba Sunday Oyediran led other traditional rulers and community leaders to the gathering.
The ceremony itself was breathtaking—an elegant blend of Yoruba tradition and modern sophistication. The venue, tastefully decorated in green and gold, radiated warmth and top class.
Guests moved between laughter and quiet admiration, exchanging embraces and reliving fond memories with the celebrant who had once served as one of the state’s most respected lawmakers.
During the church service, officiating minister Pastor Adeola Folarin delivered a moving sermon that reminded the couple, and indeed everyone present that marriage is both a sacred journey and a lifelong commitment.
“Marriage is not a bed of roses. It requires daily commitment, forgiveness, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let God remain at the center of your union, no matter the circumstance, and let prayer be your constant companion,” he admonished.
In his brief remarks at the grand reception, Oyo Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin described Hon. Bimbo Oladeji as “one of our own who is a pillar of calm strength and sincerity” whose influence extends beyond politics.
“She’s one of the most respected voices from the 9th Oyo Assembly family. Hon. Oladeji’s journey has always been about service to her constituents, to the state, and now, to the nation through her role at the NSIB.
Seeing her son take this bold step into marriage is not just a family milestone; it’s a testimony of values she’s quietly passed down to the next generation. We celebrate Edward, but we also celebrate the woman who raised him,” Ogundoyin said.
Former Speaker Rt. Hon. Asimiyu Alarape, who spoke briefly with newsmen, also spoke warmly about his former colleague, saying, “Hon.Wumi’s life has always reflected dignity.
Even in the heat of politics and legislative duties, she remained calm, thoughtful, and focused. She was fondly called mother of the 9th Oyo Assembly being the only female lawmaker who distinguished herself in her office.
I’ve always admired her devotion to family, and today, standing here, I see the fruits of that devotion. This is what leadership looks like, not only in governance but in the home and I wish the newest couple in town absolute marital bliss,” Alarape said
Also in his remarks, Hon. Tunde Kazeem popularly known as Arole, who served alongside Hon. Oladeji in the 9th Assembly, maintained that the day brought deep pride and deeper sense of purpose in life.
“She’s one of those colleagues you can never forget. She’s dependable, loyal, and committed to her principles. Her new appointment at the NSIB after the 9th Assembly is fitting, because she’s built her career on empathy and public trust.
And today, watching her beam with joy as a mother, it’s a reminder that beyond titles and public offices, we live for moments like these,” Arole stated.
The traditional engagement earlier on was a vibrant showcase of Yoruba culture, colorful attires, rhythmic and heartfelt prayers from elders.
The laughter was easy and the blessings abundant. The white wedding, in contrast, was calm and elegant, filled with symbolism and quiet beauty as the couple exchanged vows surrounded by their families and loved ones.
At the reception, the celebration reached its peak. The air filled with nostalgic music, the scent of fresh roses, and the gleam of camera flashes as the couple danced under a shower of cheers. Toasts were raised, prayers were offered, and guests spoke of love not as an ideal, but as a living commitment, one that grows stronger through faith and perseverance.
For Hon. Bimbo Oladeji, the day was more of gratitude, part joy, part reflection, and all fulfillment. Having served two productive terms in the Oyo Assembly and now in a vital national role at the NSIB, she stood quietly at the edge of the dance floor, smiling, her eyes following her son and his bride as they began their first dance as husband and wife.
“It’s a beautiful thing, one guest whispered. To see a woman who has served her state and nation with dignity, now standing here to witness her child’s new beginning. That’s the true reward of life.”
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
