Much Ado About Marriage Venue
By
Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq.
The recent public discourse surrounding Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s decision to hold his daughter’s wedding ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been rife with misplaced criticism and political undertones. As someone who has had the privilege of giving two daughters away in marriage, I understand the pressures and intricacies that come with such decisions.
Marriage is not a unilateral decision; it involves multiple parties whose opinions are significant—especially the couple whose union is being celebrated. While parental influence is important, the ultimate decision often rests with the couple. Weddings, at their core, are personal celebrations, not political statements.
Many factors contribute to the choice of a wedding venue, ranging from convenience and accessibility to the preferences of the bride, groom, and their families. In the case of Governor Oyebanji’s daughter, Ibadan was a logical and personal choice.
The bride’s mother, a respected academic at the University of Ibadan, has professional and social ties to the city. Both the bride and groom were raised in Ibadan, where their families have deep-rooted social networks. With both mothers being senior lecturers at the University of Ibadan, the city offers a sense of familiarity and convenience for all parties involved. This decision reflects careful consideration, not a rejection of Ekiti State or its people.
Critics argue that the wedding should have been held in Ekiti State to boost the local economy. While this is an understandable perspective, it overlooks the personal and practical realities that influenced the decision. Weddings are primarily family affairs, and it is unreasonable to impose political considerations on such personal milestones.
The suggestion that every action of a public official must carry political implications is misguided. Governor Oyebanji has consistently demonstrated his dedication to Ekiti State’s development through policies and initiatives that go beyond personal events. Hosting the wedding in Ibadan does not diminish his commitment to the state; rather, it highlights his ability to separate his public responsibilities from private family matters.
Some critics have pointed out the potential economic benefits of holding the wedding in Ekiti, such as patronage for local hotels, caterers, and vendors. While such benefits are valid in theory, the economic impact of a single wedding is limited. Economic development requires sustained structural changes and investments, not one-off events.
Governor Oyebanji’s leadership focuses on creating long-term opportunities for the people of Ekiti. His decision to prioritize family considerations over political optics demonstrates his principled approach to governance. Hosting the wedding in Ekiti for the sake of political applause would have been easy, but he chose to prioritize what mattered most: the comfort and convenience of his family and guests.
Governor Oyebanji’s decision underscores the importance of prioritizing personal values over political expediency. By holding the wedding in Ibadan, he reaffirmed that family considerations, practicality, and personal comfort should take precedence over public perception.
The criticism leveled against him is both unfair and misplaced. Weddings are deeply personal occasions, and decisions surrounding them should not be subjected to political scrutiny. Governor Oyebanji’s choice reflects a balanced approach, putting family first without compromising his unwavering commitment to Ekiti State.
Rather than politicizing a private family event, critics would do well to focus on Governor Oyebanji’s tangible contributions to Ekiti’s development. His leadership exemplifies the ability to make principled decisions, even in the face of misunderstanding. This is the hallmark of true governance—staying focused on what truly matters while ignoring unnecessary distractions.
Let us celebrate Governor Oyebanji’s dedication to Ekiti and respect the personal nature of his family’s decisions. After all, leadership is not about conforming to every public opinion but about making decisions rooted in integrity and purpose.