Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday, expressed happiness at the presence of Nigerians across political divides at his wedding, saying it shows that the country remains one despite political differences.
Oshiomole married his heartthrob Lara Fortes, a Cape Verdian lawyer and model, about five years after he lost his wife to cancer.
“This is something that one is happy about. I am also happy that I have friends across all political divide. The occasion reminds me that across all divides, we have friends and well-wishers,” Oshiomole said.
He described his wife as very “understanding, caring and a loving lady and also expressed joy with his family for the support given to him to remarry.”
“She is very humble, she appreciates the nature of my job and life that I return home late, some times 3am. She understands my weaknesses, she is more or less the mother of the house, the one that has accepted to be the mother of my children.
“I am happy that all my children are at home with her and accept her as their mother even though she is not old enough to be their mother. She has accepted to fill that gap,” he said.
The governor and his new wife exchanged marriage vows at a private marriage registry attended only by family members and a few friends.
Top dignitaries, including President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari and his wife, Aisha, were present at the wedding reception held at the People’s White Hall in the Governor’s country home.
Others include Vice President-elect, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, Speaker of the House of Reps, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal; Cross Rivers State Governor, Liyel Imoke; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Dr Samuel Ogbemudia; former head of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Aliko Dangote; Captain Hosa Okunbor; Femi Otedola; Chief Tom Ikimi; Gen. Charles Airiavbere; Engr.Chris Ogiemwonyi; Bukola Saraki and Minority Whip of the House of Reps, Samson Osagie.
Others are National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Jim Ovia, President of a faction of the NLC, Ayuba Wahab, Gen Tunde Ogbeha, Dr Samuel Ogbemudia, former Governor of Edo State, Prof Osarhiemen Osunbor, former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Peter Obi, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Governor-elect of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Gov Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Chris Ngige, Kenneth Imuasuagbo among others.
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, former Governors Kayode Fayemi, Oserheimen Osunbor, Senator Tunde Ogbeha; Osaigbovo Ogbemudia,Otunba Niyi Adebayo were also in attendance.
Members of the Edo state Executive Council were led by the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Pius Odubu, Chief Judge of Edo state, elected members of the State and National Assemblies and many others.
Parents of the bride, Mr and Mrs Fortes who live in Netherlands were also present at the ceremony, while the Governor’s mother, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole was also present, as well as his children Steve, Adams, Jane and two of his grandchildren.