The much expected solemnization of the holy matrimony between Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson and her Edo born lover, Prince Odianosen Okojie finally held amidst tight security.
The ceremony kicked off with an elaborate traditional wedding on Friday, August 26, at the home of the bride’s parents at Isashi, in Iba local government area of Lagos state, attained momentum on Saturday, August 27 at the expansive Loveworld Conference Centre of the Christ Embassy church, Oregun, Ikeja Lagos where they finally exchanged marital vows to the admiration of friends, family members and colleagues.
But the success of the ceremony which initially seemed like a mission impossible when Okojie’s estranged wife, Lovely raised an alarm, claiming her marriage to the Edo prince was still valid, was not without prizes to be paid as its organization placed guests at a great disadvantage.
The guests, invited and uninvited, were made to bear the brunt of the fallouts of the ensuing drama as they were rudely searched, queried, pushed and shoved at will, while the unlucky ones were outrightly prevented from getting into the venue of the reception. Even at Christ Embassy church, where an invitation was not needed, guests were verbally screened and those found without good reasons for attending were turned back, members of the church were not spared from this treatment.
The church ceremony which started with praise and worship peaked at 12.10 pm when news filtered in that the soon to be wedded couple had arrived the church premises.
The groom arrived from Villa Sophia Hotel, Omole, while the bride arrived from Protea Hotel, Maryland.
At exactly 12.17 pm, the groom, and his best man Kenneth Kadiri made their way into the LCC auditorium decked in smartly tailored cream embroidered three piece suits, accompanied by friends, all in black suits, white shirts and purple bow ties.
The bride, adorned in flowing ivory gown made her colourful entry with her maid of honour, Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, they were accompanied by two fully armed and battle-ready mobile policemen. Her star studded bridal train made up of Empress Njamah, Waje, Queen Nwokoye, Goldie and Chika Ike all decked in purple and gold dress made by David’s Bridals.
The bride was given out by her father, Chief Johnson, paving way for the officiating minister, Pastor Tom Obiazi, to perform the marriage ritual. After this, he pronounced Mercy and Odi man and wife. Thereafter, the couple signed the marriage register and proceeded to celebrate their union in a moment of thanksgiving with friends and family members.
To say the ceremony was accompanied with pomp would be an understatement as the couple did not fail to flaunt their new status for all to see.
The two arrived the church in two white Hummer Limousines with registration number: Lagos ER 606 APP and the second with a customized number: Island Limo.
Their journey from the church to the10 Degrees reception venue was more dramatic as the exotic wonders on wheels that conveyed them were escorted by two horse riders, scores of siren blaring police escorts and a convoy of cars which caused a traffic logjam along Billings Way in Oregun.
At the gate of the reception venue, guests, tired of waiting in the hot sun, tried to push their way in, but were dispersed with tear gas by the overzealous security men, claiming they were working on instruction. Worse hit were photo journalists who were pushed and shoved at will.
The security in place at all the ceremonies was very frightening, causing many to wonder whether all that was to keep Lovely in check. Quite a number of thugs were seen hanging around, despite the fact that security agents, men of the Nigerian Police Force and Naval Officers were on ground.
Mercy Johnson’s eye catching wedding gown, reportedly imported from the United States of America, allegedly cost a whooping $10,000. The cost of her wedding ring was not immediately ascertained but YES International! scoop has it that the precious article purchased from Samuels Jewelers, New York, cost a good sum in foreign currency.
The couples beautiful cake was baked by Cakes n’ Cream. Planning was done by Royalandmark, who also decorated the reception hall. Mercy’s make up was handled by Unveil.
The wedding was anchored by AY. Jimmy Jatt was on the wheel of steel. Live music was provided by The Ebony band. Catering was done by Munchies and Villa Sophia.
A couple of her colleagues like Shan George, Tricia Eseigbe, Muma Gee, Lola Alao, Anita Joseph, Emeka Ike, Arinze Okonkwo, Francis Duru , Ghanaian actor Majid Micheal and a host of others where there to celebrate with her.
more pix and blow-byblow account of the white wedding to come soon...watch out!
