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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Vicar of Christ Bethel’s Anglican Church, Empire Ground, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, Revd (Canon) Olufemi Akodu, has emphasized that marriage is not man-made, but divinely ordained.
According to him, it was God who first instituted marriage by creating Eve from Adam’s rib to be a helper to him.
Revd Akodu made this statement on Friday, July 18, 2025, during the Solemnisation of Holy Matrimony between former Miss (Princess) Adeyinka Adewale and Mr. Adeshina Olabiran at Christ Bethel’s Anglican Church, Ilaro-Yewa.
Quoting Genesis 1 and Chapter 2, Revd Akodu stated, “God says it’s not good for a man to live alone. Marriage is a mystery when two people come together and become one entity. It was designed for companionship – for two individuals to assist one another. Marriage is a God-instituted union through which humanity continues to multiply.”
He added that God does not desire to bring vagabonds into the world and that marriages should reflect God’s intention, especially within Christian churches.
The cleric emphasized the importance of God’s presence in any marriage.
Revd Akodu advised the new couple, Mr. and Mrs. Olabiran, to ensure Jesus Christ remains the foundation of their union. “Let Jesus Christ be permanent in your home”, he urged.
The Vicar reminded the bride that her husband is the head of the home and should be respected and supported.
“Sarah always called her husband ‘my Lord.’ A good wife must always complement whatever the husband provides”, he said.
In the same vein, he encouraged the groom to love his wife genuinely. “A good husband must give his wife attention whenever she needs it.”
Revd Akodu also offered prayers for homes going through trials, asking God to restore peace and unity where it has been lost.
Speaking at the reception, the Father of the Day, Prince Adetunji Adewale, advised the couple to build their marriage on mutual respect and unity.
“Always pray together. Do everything in agreement. Inform each other before taking decisions”, he counseled.
Drawing from personal experience, Prince Adewale acknowledged that disagreements are inevitable in marriage.
“If I tell you there wouldn’t be disagreement among you, I wouldn’t be telling the truth. I have more than enough experience in this institution”, he said.
Quoting a Yoruba proverb – “Are maja kan ko si, be si ni aja ma re kan ko si” – he emphasized the importance of forgiveness and tolerance.
“Never go to bed without forgiving one another. Don’t allow a third party into your marriage, and never transfer the love meant for your spouse to your children.”
Prince Adewale, an octogenarian urged the couple to raise their children with one voice and purpose. “Many broken homes today result from not following God’s way in marriage”, he said.
He concluded with a prayer for a blissful and enduring marital life for the couple.
The wedding reception, which took place at the ASUP Hall of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, was graced by dignitaries from far and near.
Among those in attendance were members of the Recreation Club, Ilaro, where the bride’s father – Prince Adeniyi Adewale (Bonje) is an active member and currently serves as Financial Secretary.
Also present were members of the Adewale Dynasty, led by the Olori Ebi (Family Head), Prince Adetunji Adewale; the groom’s parents and extended family; members of the Ogun State Customary Court Judges; and several other notable guests.
