Love, family and high-profile guests filled the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde were joined in holy matrimony.
The ceremony brought together governors, federal officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and captains of industry to celebrate the union of the two families.
Shekina is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, DSc, OFR, and a niece of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON. Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.
Senator Umahi, who also serves as Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilization and Sensitization of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, led the Umahi family at the event. He was joined by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, CON; and Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion.
In his opening remarks, Governor Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and urged the couple to embrace patience, understanding and tolerance.
With humour, he stressed the permanence of the union:
“I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” Otti told the newlyweds.
The parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude and pride in their children, praying for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in their marriage.
On behalf of the Umahi family, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, presented family gifts to the couple to formally welcome them.
The gathering drew political leaders from across the country. Governors included Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by Deputy Governor Her Excellency Patricia Obila; Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Peter Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Usman Ododo, represented by Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Oyibo; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and Anambra State Governor, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
Prominent industry and public figures in attendance included Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General/CEO of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Prof. Patrick Utomi; Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East).
The Ministry of Works was also well represented, with the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. 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, among others present.
Other members of the Umahi family at the ceremony included Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, and Chief Austine Umahi, Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.
The wedding concluded with prayers, goodwill messages and celebrations from family, friends and well-wishers, who wished the couple a happy, peaceful and enduring marriage.
