Lagos: Oto-Awori Agog as Akogun of the Kingdom Gives Daughter Out in Holy Matrimony

By Oluwatoyin Mathnuel

The Oto-Awori community in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State was filled with excitement and celebration on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, as High Chief Kehinde Dawodu-Avoseh, the Akogun of the Kingdom, gave his daughter, Fatima Oluwaninsola, in holy matrimony to Sodeeq Adedayo Abdulrahmon, a native of Osogbo, Osun State.

It was a beautiful celebration of love, peace, and trust. The radiant bride shared with Insight Global News how their journey began at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, where they met as undergraduates.

With a smile, she recalled, “It all started during my university days in Ilorin, and here we are today, tying the knot. Glory be to Almighty Allah. I’m so delighted to have such a humble, kind-hearted, and loving man as my husband.” Oluwaninsola also expressed deep appreciation for her parents’ upbringing and admitted she would miss them dearly.

The groom, Sodeeq Adedayo Abdulrahmon, in a calm and heartfelt response, described their union as destined by Allah. He recounted that their relationship began with friendship in school and blossomed into love. He thanked his parents for their support and became emotional as he wished his late mother, Mrs. Monisola, were alive to witness the special day.

The bride’s elder brother, Olaiwola Musa Dawodu, shared mixed feelings—joy for his sister’s new beginning and sadness at losing the presence of a sister who always cared for the family, especially through her cooking.

Mrs. Adewunmi Dawodu, the bride’s mother, along with Olaiwola, wished Oluwaninsola all the best in her matrimonial journey.

In a brief media chat, the father of the bride, High Chief Kehinde Abimbola Dawodu, expressed his pride and joy. He described Oluwaninsola—a Master’s degree holder—as a dutiful daughter who made him proud. He noted that nothing was too much to give to such an obedient child and admitted he would miss her cooking, having been the family’s go-to chef. The Akogun gave thanks to Almighty Allah for the success of the ceremony and extended special appreciation to HRM Oba Abdulfatai Aromire of Ijora Kingdom for his fatherly guidance and support. He also acknowledged the presence of Oba Oloto of Oto-Awori, other Awori chiefs, and community members.

Dignitaries present at the Nikkah ceremony included former Deputy Governor to President Bola Tinubu during his tenure as Lagos State Governor in 1999, Senator Kofoworola Akerele-Bucknor; High Chief Rabiu Oluwa (Member, GAC); Oba Oloto of Oto-Awori; Hon. Ege Olusegun (LSHA Member); political figures from Lagos State, and relatives from both Lagos and Osun States, as well as from the diaspora.

Other notable guests included The Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo with his spouse, and Chief Ojoifa Awolowo the groom childhood friend , among many others who witnessed the memorable event.