Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Otti, Elumelu, Others Celebrate Shekina Umahi, Shope Ayinde in Lagos
By Pan Afric Reporters
Governors, senior government officials, political leaders, business executives and other prominent Nigerians converged on Lagos on Saturday to celebrate the wedding of Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde.
The event, held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, brought together distinguished personalities, family members and friends who joined the couple’s families to celebrate their union.
The details were contained in a statement issued by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Shekina, a niece of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, while Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.
Umahi attended the ceremony alongside Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Abia State Governor Alex Otti, who served as chairman of the occasion.
In his remarks, Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and urged the newlyweds to build their union on patience, understanding and tolerance.
With a touch of humour, the Abia governor stressed the importance of commitment to marriage, telling the couple: “I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble.”
The parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude for the occasion, describing their children as outstanding young people who had distinguished themselves through their formative years and adulthood.
They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity for the couple, while wishing them a fulfilling and enduring married life.
The Umahi family also formally welcomed the newlyweds through the presentation of family gifts. The gifts were presented on behalf of the family by HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council.
Other governors represented at the ceremony included Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila; Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai; Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Joel Oyibo; Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Festus Ebea; and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor.
The gathering also attracted prominent business leaders and statesmen, including Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Prof. Patrick Utomi; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement; and Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara.
Others included Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director/CEO of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East).
The Ministry of Works was also represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs.
Members of the Umahi family, including Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates, and Chief Austine Umahi (Anyanwu Igbo), Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board, were also present.
The ceremony provided an opportunity for the two families, their friends and well-wishers to celebrate the couple and offer prayers and goodwill for a peaceful, prosperous and enduring marriage.
