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By Funsho Arogundade
The plush Otunba Tunwase Court in the ancient town of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State heaved Saturday August 30 as the family of late banking godfather, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun played host to the crème of Nigeria social establishment. The atmosphere reeked of joy and celebration as Michele Oluwafeyisayo Balogun, the first granddaughter of the late founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) tied the knot with her lover, Imeyen George Akai.
The bride, Michele, is one of a set of twins of Bolaji Balogun —Otunba Subomi Balogun’s first son. Bolaji is the co-founder of Airtel Nigeria, Chairman of Unilever Nigeria Plc, former Chairman of Lafarge Africa and MD/CEO of Chapel Hill Denham. The bride’s mother is Kemi Balogun, the only daughter of renowned playwright and poet, Frank Imoukhuede, and younger sister to Access Bank co-founder, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.
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Michele’s knight in shining armour, Imeyen, is the son of business magnate Anniediong Eyo Akai and Ifueko Iyabo Akai. An alumnus of both the University of Ottawa and Stanford Graduate Business School, Imeyen is an engineer with many years of experience working with top multinationals including Shell Canada and Guvnor Oil & Gas. He also serves as a director at Akai Farms Ltd, a family-owned agribusiness. Thus, the nuptials was a rite that brought together relatives and associates of the Balogun, Aig-Imoukhuede, and Akai families to celebrate the union of Michele and Imeyen in Ijebu-Ode.
The traditional engagement saw the bride in full bloom. It was a tradition redefined with Michele choosing a regal blend of coral, champagne and soft gold —a palette that speaks of legacy, strength, and elegance. Each layer of her hand woven Aso-oke made by the famous Couture By Tabik was finished with delicate embroidery, crystal accents, and soft pleats that moved like poetry. From the ornate sleeve drape to the sculpted Gele, Michele’s look was crafted to honour culture and celebrate the woman stepping boldly into her next chapter.
