As the rhythmic clatter of wheels echoed along the Lagos–Ibadan railway route, a different kind of journey unfolded inside some of the coaches. Nigerian actor Shawn Faqua and his partner, Sharon Ifunnaya, an event planner, made history by exchanging vows on a moving train, marking the first wedding of its kind in Nigeria.

The ceremony took place aboard a train departing from the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Alagomeji-Yaba, Lagos. The coaches, normally a functional passenger compartment, were transformed into a wedding venue, with guests seated at tables, floral arrangements along the windows, a small aisle, and a distinct sense of movement beneath the couple’s feet.

Videos and photos quickly circulated online, showing the train in motion, guests seated, the bride and groom exchanging rings, all of these happening while the train sped past skylines and small towns outside the windows, adding a cinematic touch to the celebration.

A viral clip captures the bride, announcing cheerfully, “Hey guys, we’re getting married on the train!” And Shawn adds with a grin: “First ever! Breaking record!” This light-hearted tone sets the affair apart as a bold idea executed with joy rather than a stiff and strictly formal event.

In a country where weddings often follow a popular route of banquet halls, churches, and lush locations, Shawn and Sharon’s choice stood out for its novelty and playful spirit. Instead of a stationary venue, they chose to literally move. The train symbolised motion, journey, and progress, which can be interpreted as a very clever metaphor for beginning a life journey together.

On top of that, the event subtly highlighted Nigeria’s rail travel, which is still bouncing back. The renovation and revitalisation of train lines, especially those linking Lagos with neighbouring cities, has brought trains back into the public eye. This wedding transformed that infrastructure into a setting for romance and celebration.

The wedding caught social-media attention, both for its uniqueness and the celebrity names involved. On Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, various video clips and images of the couple prompted jokes, praises, and reactions.

Weddings in Nigeria often carry a strong cultural and social load that includes multiple ceremonies (traditional, civil, white, religious), large guest lists, elaborate halls, and aesthetics. But this train wedding offered something different. It didn’t abandon tradition as the couple still held a traditional Igbo ceremony. But it added an unexpected and modern twist to the venue and setting.

This is probably a sign of how wedding culture in Nigeria is evolving. Couples increasingly seek personalisation, memorable experiences, and Instagram-worthy moments that reflect their personality, rather than simply replicating a standard format.

8 May 2021, a Saturday, opened with an event hosted by Taiwo Adebiyi, publisher of Spotlight Africa Magazine, and her siblings in commemoration of their mother’s 85th birthday and witnessed by socialites from Ekiti, her hometown, Ondo, and Lagos.

Madam Rachael Aladekomo Adelusi was born on Monday, 23 March 1936, in Ereguru, Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State, into the family of Late Pa Ogunmilua and Late Mrs Memunat Omolola. Without formal education, she became a foremost aficionado in the garri business, which she learnt from late Mrs Ibitoyo, whom she lived with due to her parents’ financial challenges.

Two striking features of the celebrant, upon close affinity, are her dazzling looks and agility that defy all odds characteristic of octogenarians. At 85, she is tenacious, steadfast, peaceful, loving, amiable, inspirational and energetic. These qualities have, over the years, helped her raise successful children and impact her immediate environment.

Commemorating her 85th birthday was a service held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti, conducted by Canon Francis Bankole, with other officiating ministers, where family members, church leaders, congregants and guests gathered.

The iconic Madam Rachael Aladekomo Adelusi (JP), at the Afe Babalola Civic Centre, University Road, Ado-Ekiti, the venue of the event, received the greatest honour she could ever imagine, as throngs of guests filled the hall to the brim while different hues of canopies were erected to accommodate the overflow of guests.

The celebrant arrived at the venue in a black Mercedes-Benz jeep and was ushered in by family and friends amidst beautiful songs.
Seemingly present at the birthday party were top celebrities from Ado-Ekiti, Akure, Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and overseas were at the party. The attendance list also included reputable party vendors from Ado-Ekiti and Lagos whose engagements added glamour to the event, changing the venue to a mini-paradise amidst elaborate decorations in their baby pink and burgundy outfits and giving life to the event as packaged by Makabis and Bennet, a Lagos-based popular event planner. The high point of the party was the display of the magnificent birthday cake – a three-step beauty clothed in white, gold, and a touch of pink.

Pastor Wale Ojo declared the event open with prayer, after which the Fuji maestro, Adewale Ayuba, delighted the sitting guests with his sonorous voice and both local and continental dishes by Famfab catering and drinks were excellently served by ushers in their black outfits, while Sola Oladele aka Pa Aristo, Niyi Adeyemi aka Alawada and Afolabi Olorunfemi aka Asorogbayi were masters of the ceremony.

Speaking glowingly about the celebrant, Chief Ogunojo Ogundare Aduloju described her as a humble, generous and loving woman.

Babatope Abayomi Adebiyi, a Lagos-based business tycoon and chairman, St. Jacobs’ Hotel, Akure, is a name that repeatedly resonated throughout the event. King Jafil, as he is fondly called, is the husband of Taiwo Adebiyi, otherwise known as the celebrant’s son-in-law. People not only came from across Nigeria to the event but also from far and wide, especially from overseas. The USA, the UAE, the UK and Turkey were ably represented by Messrs Olumide Adakeja, George Akande, KC and I. K. Adeyanju.

Equally represented at the party were top female socialites whose different styles made deafening fashion statements. On this list were Regent Omotunde Adelabu, Erelu Folu Iginiga, Princess Kemisola, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Cofie, Hon. Tosin Aluko, Erelu Tolabo Ajibade, Princess Adelanke, Chief (Mrs) Arije among others.

Also at the occasion was Chief Ajayi of Little by Little Photography. The affluent chief from Iworoko-Ekiti chaired the occasion alongside his lovely wife, Mrs Hadizat Ajayi and was instrumental in the livening up of the grand event.

Other VIPs on the guest list include Barristers Adedipe (SAN), ex-Ondo lawmaker, Tunde Oguntuase and Tunji Lawal and Dayo Ajayi, MD/CEO, Lexshield Properties Limited, Honourables Olu Araoyinbo, Fawekun Abiodun and Tunde Osanyitolu, Chiefs Tokunbo Asheer Lawal, Commissioner for Environment, Ekiti State, Chairman Hilmart hotel, Chief Idowu Olanrewaju, Princess Iyabo Okemeyin, CP Babangida Yisa, Colonel Ajepe, Tosin Agbebi, Goke Olatunji, Niyi Okeya, Busayo Lawal, Mrs Bolaji Egbeyemi- Olagbaju, Ekiti State Deputy Governor’s daughter, HRM Peter Idiniga and wife, Prince Akintade Olayisade and Bolu Iginiga, Ewi-in- Council, Deaconess Adakeja Funke, Mrs Ogunsakin Modupe, Chairman West Park Hotel Mr Rasaq Oseni, among others.

It was indeed a memorable event.

Ado-Ekiti witnessed an outpouring of tributes as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to honour the life of High Chief Oluwasesan Ogunremi, the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti and a respected leader of the traditional warlord chiefs in the kingdom.

The funeral began with a Christian wake and service of songs at the open grounds of St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, before proceeding to the deceased’s compound in the Idolofin axis of the town for the main service. The ceremony, attended by top figures from within and outside Ekiti, featured prayers, thanksgiving, and eulogies in recognition of the late chief’s contributions to his community.

Following the service, Chief Ogunremi’s remains were interred at his residence, accompanied by hymns and tributes from relatives and well-wishers.

A reception later took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, where guests—including family members who travelled from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany—were entertained with a lavish banquet. The event featured a performance by renowned gospel and highlife singer Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, while veteran emcee Olushola Oladele, popularly known as Pa Aristoe, anchored the proceedings.

The gathering attracted prominent personalities such as Mr. Babatope Adebiyi (King Jafil), Mr. Goke Olatunji, Regent Omotunde Adelabu, Hon. Abiodun Fawekun of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, members of the Ewi-in-Council, lawmakers, politicians, business leaders, and artisans.

Born on February 7, 1929, to Mr. Williams Akomolafe Ogunremi and Princess Abigail Ogunremi in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Ogunremi began his education at St. George’s Primary School, Agere, before moving to Lagos for electrical training. He later founded the well-known Micho Electronics and worked with business figures such as Chief Lawrence Omole and Chief Ajanaku in Ilesha.

He married his first wife in Ilesha, where the ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In 1970, he returned to Ado-Ekiti and established Micho Motors, expanding his business interests into the automobile sector. His ventures took him across Europe, including Austria, Brussels, Italy, and Germany.

In July 1988, he was installed as the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti by Oba George Adelabu, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. He became widely known for hosting the Udiroko Festival at his Okeilaja palace, a major cultural event that drew indigenes and chiefs before culminating in celebrations at the Ewi’s Palace. He later served as commissioner of the Ekiti State Electricity Board during the administration of Governor Adeniyi Adebayo.

Until his passing, Chief Ogunremi remained an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti. He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.