By Mumini AbdulKareem
Ayegbami community in Okelele area Ilorin came alive on Saturday as the famous Ilorin blue-eye couple finally held their engagement.
The programme initially scheduled for last week Sunday was postponed due to accommodation issues as Risikat reportedly insisted she will not return to the husband’s parent house after the ceremony.
The programme which commenced at 11:00am was heralded with fanfare amidst singing and dancing from the traditional singers (Benbe) who rendered traditional songs associated with engagement in Ilorin and serenaded the couple with melodious tunes.
The colourful ceremony was handled by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari through the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association under the leadership of Alhaji Abdullahi Salaudeen Babatunde.
Speaking with National Pilot, the bride, Abdulwasiu said, “I am very happy for this event and thank all those who stood in for us beginning for the Emir, all the Islamic organisations and personalities like the wife of the Governor and wife of former senate President. We have learnt our lessons and will build on that. We are now going to be intimate friends, there is not going to be fight anymore”.
Also Risikat told this medium that “Alhamdulillahi, I thank Almighty Allah, the Emir of Ilorin and our father, Emirate and all Muslims organisations, the first lady and wife of Senate President.
“I want to thank all Nigerians and assured everybody that what happened between us before now has been put behind us, we will not allow such to happen again”.
In his response, the father of Risikat used the occasion to thank those who made sure that the couple found happiness again beginning from the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and other well meaning Kwarans too numerous to mention.
The bride’s father, Babatunde Ilyas Olomoyoyo also “thank Allah, the Emir, Emirate youth and all Muslims organisations for standing up for the couples happiness adding that their union was destined irrespective of what anybody would say. He advised them to always put God first in whatever they do.
The National Publicity Secretary of Ilorin Emirate Development Association (IEYDA), Alhaji Muhammed Uthman Jagunma, in his response said words cannot described his joy and happiness for the live of the couple adding that the event signified the essence of the culture of Ilorin which is to promote peace and understanding.
“This reunion is coming on the heels of the disagreement between them which led to their initial separation as prescribed by Islam under the guidance and auspices of the Emir of Ilorin.
“Anybody that wants to assist them can come in and empower the couple to be able to take care of their family and live a normal life of love. We don’t what this issue to be turned into a avenue of exploitation. We very sincerely thank the wife of the Governor of Kwara State, Mrs Olufolake Abdulrazaq, Mrs Toyin Saraki, wife of the former Senate President and all the Islamic organisations like FOMWAN, The Criterion and all others who stood by the couple from day one up till this moment”, he added.
The Amira of The Criterion, Hajia Hawa Tajudeen advised the couple to live in peace and thanked the media for their reportage on the couples. “They Muslim and that is why we should stand for them because Risikat is one of us”, she added.
Earlier in his advice to the couple, Imam Mohammed Jamiu Ajijola Anobi admonished them to let peace, love and contentment reign in their households.
He warned them not to give third party the chance to cause division in their marriage adding that they should consult Allah first in everything they do and be steadfast in the observance of their five daily prayers.
He said the event marks a historic day of joy for both families as they have the privilege of having the Emir of Ilorin solemnise their engagement, describing it as a great blessing.
The Emir’s representative at the ceremony, Sarkin Kakakin of Ilorin, Alhaji Abdulwasiu Gafar, admonished them to tolerance of each other and live a peaceful harmonious relationship.
