How Lagos Stood Still For High Chief Victor Ikeji

By EPHRAIM NWOSU

A Business Mogul and APC Chieftain, High Chief Victor Ikeji needs minimum introduction.

First and foremost he is a man of the people, not in the context of Chief Nanga the politician, who in Chinua Achebe’s satire is typified as an exploiter of the people’s commonwealth.

However, here is a politician with philanthropic prowess, whose human face to the issues of the day, has helped to advance Appadorai’s Substance of Politics, in terms of who gets what, in terms of the state existing for the individual, not the individual existing for the state, regardless.

Therefore it was not surprising when the High Chief announced his long lost rib has been discovered, there was tumultuous response from far and near. That was exactly what happened when Super High Chief Victor Ikeji and his beautiful  bride Lolo Lilian Nkiruka said their wedding vows on May 7, 2022. It had all the trappings of a society wedding, with the whole of Lekki and Victoria Island virtually standing still for the glorious event.

Proceedings for the day began with a church ceremony at the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki, Lagos. Amidst lively hymns, prayers and praises and an admonition by the priest for the couple to love, respect and seek God always, they said “I do” and thereafter exchanged rings.

Security operatives battled from the church to reception venue to control traffic within the Island. Many sought alternative parking spaces, leaving adjoining streets and roads jam-packed. As news of celebrities at the wedding spread, residents trooped out of their houses en mass to catch a glimpse of their idols. While some were watching, others opted to snap selfies with them.

High Chief Ikeji who holds the revered titles of Onurube Nwanne Agbaloso of Avutu Obowo, Oji Aku Emezi Obodo 1 of Umudike, Kpakpando Umukabia, Kpakpando Ohuhu And Kpakpando Umuahia Gburugburu is a renown businessman, politician and Chairman of Blue Anchorage Limited And Vikej Investment Limited, amongst many other companies, while his Aviator bride is the pretty daughter of late elder-statesman Chief Sylvester Otiji.

The state-of-the-art wedding attracted political stalwarts, top brass in government, captains of industry, business tycoons, elder-statesmen, Nollywood stars and a host of others. It was like a parade of who is who in Nigeria’s politics as they registered their presence in large numbers apparently to show solidarity to one of their own. At the entrance of the reception hall were press photographers and TV cameramen struggling to capture the A – list personalities as they arrive for the wedding reception.

Charismatic former Abia State Governor, now Chief Whip of The Nigerian Senate, Most Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu caused a stir on arrival with a large delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to grace the ceremony, just as members of other political parties such as PDP were not left out in the scheme of things.

Also, prominent among the guests were Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji, The Speaker of The Abia State House of Assembly and his Speaker colleague, Rt. Hon Kennedy Ibeh, The Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, The Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Amara Iwuanyanwu (Mr Capacity), The Honourable Minister of State, Mines and Steel, Dr  Uche Ogah and former Director General, Federal Bureau of Public Procurement, Chief Engeneer Emeka Eze (Chairman of the Occasion).

Others include: His Excellency Ambassador Empire Kanu, Hon. Achor Obioma (APC Chairman, Abia State), Hon. Emeka Atuma, Hon. Emeka Chinedu, Dr Alex Otti (Former MD of Diamond Bank), Mr U.K. Eke (Immediate past GMD Firstbank PLC), High Chief Chris Isiguzo (National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists), Barr. Stephen Nwoga, Hon. Mascot Uzo kalu, Chief Charles Ahize, High Chief Charles Onwuneme and Prince Tony Eze.

Not left out is The Traditional Institution, led by His Royal Majesty, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, Chairman, Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers and his colleagues, HRM Eze Philip Ajomiwe, HRM Eze Uzor Nwosu, HRM Eze Innocent Igwe, HRM Eze Chionye Ngwuli and HRM Eze Godswill Asomugha.

Also, on the roll call are, Apostolic Bob Agbugba (Deputy Chairman, Umuahia North LGA), High Chief Obi Aguocha (The President General, Ohuhu Welfare Union), High Chief Eze Ukelonu (Secretary General, Ohuhu Welfare Union), Ugwumba, Chief Dr. Emeka Nwosu (Former Special Adviser on Media Affairs to Senate president, Mr Nduka Nwosu (former Managing Director  Leadership newspapers and publisher Profit International magazine).

Also in attendance were “Galala” crooner legendary Daddy Showkey, celebrated Nollywood actors, Zubby Michael, Noble Igwe, Peggie Ovire and Chief Temple Ugochukwu Ikeji, amongst others.

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Two of the groomsmen and wedding coordinators, Barrister Gaby Ikeji (younger brother to the celebrant) together with Dr. Chima Anyaso (Abia State Governorship hopeful), signaled the commencement of the big event and introduced popular comedian, Okey Bakassi as MC who held fort perfectly and professionally keeping the show in perspective, while ensuring there was no dull moment all through.

For those who witnessed the event, it was one talk- of- the- town wedding for the royals. The setting was no mean place, as it was held at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, tagged the abode of super rich in the society. The hall was a wonder to behold. Decorated with beautiful flowers, the chairs and tables were well arranged and the ceilings were adorned with chandeliers and chrystal lightings with a grand stage to embellish the grand event.  In fact, it could be mistaken for the famous Bella Luna event hall in Dallas, USA.

The entertainment in terms of choice food and drinks can only be described as mind blowing. Invited guests were all happy with more than enough to eat and drink for a party that lasted late in the night. On the bandstand, the Sugar Band dished out old and new school music, supported by a disc jockey, who set the dance floor on fire with the latest Nigerian pop music that had everybody on their feet. It was a carnival of sorts.

Speaking shortly after the wedding, an elated Chief Ikeji expressed his gratitude to all those who honoured his invitation while disclosing that it was the happiest day of his life.

“it was a huge success. Thanks to you all for honouring our invitation and making our day. Without you today’s occasion would have been nothing. We wish you safe journey back home,” Chief Ikeji said.

He continued:

” I am so excited. Today is the happiest day of my life and a memorable day to always remember. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in our life and I thank the Almighty for making it happen.

“Based on my relationship with God, immediately I set my eyes on Lilian, I knew she is the wife I have been waiting for and she’s worth the long wait. She is really a gift from God. Little wonder my mother named her Ihiechi.”

May 7, 2022 will indeed continue to linger in the memory of guests and relatives who thronged Lagos to witness the epoch making wedding between High Chief Victor and Lolo Lilian Ikeji.