The guest lounge of Parrisona Hotel in Anthony Village, Lagos, was the venue for the wedding. Chief Yesufu Olaleye, an Ifa priest from Ekiti town sat one of the many raffia mats ready to preside. Alhaji J.K Braimoh was in attendance as the best man. By 1300 hours, the groom, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, watched the colourful procession of 22 "queens" enter the room. Shortly after, 5 more brides joined the first set to make 27 in total.
The multitude of well-wishera and curious fans that had turned up at a different venue to witness Fela's wedding two days ago were not in attendance on this Monday. On that Saturday, the initial wedding day, Chief Ajanaku, another IFA priest, had been set to oversee the ceremony. However, just before the wedding commenced, Mr Tunji Braithwaite, Fela's lawyer counselled that the planned multiple-marriage would be in contravention of the extant law, since Fela was still married to Remi. Fela complied.
Nevertheless, on Monday 20 February 1978, Fela went ahead to fulfil his desire and destiny. The ceremony started with consultation and supplications to Eledumare(God) through IFA divination. The traditional symbol of marriage were set out between the groom and the IFA priest: honey for sweet life, kolanut connoting togetherness and Orogbo symbolising long life.
Music rocked the whole of Lagos.
Unknown Soldier
Coffin for Head of State
Sorrow, Tears and Blood
