It was a convergence of political heavyweights, business moguls, and traditional rulers in Lagos on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde tied the knot in a glamorous ceremony at RCCG Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1.
Shekina is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, and niece of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi. The groom, Shope, is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde
The wedding drew governors, lawmakers, captains of industry, and top government officials from across Nigeria to celebrate the union of the two prominent families.
Governors Lead Dignitaries
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, who also serves as Deputy DG, Infrastructure of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, led members of the Umahi family to the ceremony.
He was joined by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion.
In his remarks, Governor Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and urged the couple to embrace patience, understanding, and tolerance.
With humor, he added: “I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble.
In separate remarks, the parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude and joy at witnessing the marriage of their children.
They praised Shekina and Shope for distinguishing themselves through their formative years and into adulthood, describing them as outstanding young people who had continued to make their families proud.
They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in their marriage and wished them a fulfilling life together.
The Umahi family also formally welcomed the couple with the presentation of family gifts.
On behalf of the Umahi family, the Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, presented the gifts to the newlyweds.
Other governors present included Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by Deputy Patricia Obila; Enugu Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai; Kogi Governor Usman Ododo, represented by Deputy Joel Oyibo; Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Commissioner Festus Ebea; and Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by Commissioner Law Mefor.
Industry Leaders, Senators in Attendance
The event also attracted leading figures from business and public service.
They included Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Prof. Pat Utomi; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, DG of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, former Chief of Naval Staff; Oliver Alawuba, GMD of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii of Orient Global; and Chief Ifeanyi Okorie of Rock Results Group.
From the Ministry of Works were Minister of State Bello Goronyo, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman Senate Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman House Committee on Works, and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways.
Other dignitaries included Barr. Chioma Nweze, SSA to the President on Community Engagement, South East; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN; and Chief Austine Umahi, Chairman of Aminu Kano University Board.
Family Blessings
Parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude and prayed for God’s guidance, peace, and prosperity for the couple, describing them as outstanding young people who have made their families proud.
The Umahi family formally welcomed the couple with presentation of gifts. HRH Eze Laz Umahi, Chairman of Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, presented the gifts on behalf of the family.
The ceremony ended with prayers, goodwill messages, and celebrations as guests wished the newlyweds a happy and enduring marriage, according to a release on Sunday by Francis Nwaze,Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media).
