The auditorium of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Ambassador District, Sasha, Lagos had hardly opened than cheerful faces - worshippers and guest of Otunba Femi Davies and his wife, Olori Dupe, a niece of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi - trooped in to fecilitate with the family on the Thanksgiving/Naming of a bouncing baby girl, Alice Ifeoluwa, after 16 years of marriage.
Their love journey commenced on October 19, 1991 and four years later, November 23,
1995, Otunba Femi Davies and his pretty sweetheart, Olori Dupe, a niece of the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi,
consummated their union.
After the wedding the couple, like others, began expecting the fruit of the womb
soonest, but that was not to be.
Days passed as were months and years yet there was no sign of pregnancy. Then,
anxiety set in.
As usual, their pastors and the congregation prayed regularly, medical
practitioners exhausted their arsenals, all to no avail.
There was pressure on Olori Dupe from some of her husband's relatives to allow him
marry another wife saying Ori omo lo n pe omo waye (meaning a child from
another woman could be a blessing to her).
But her husband, rejected the idea insisted that marriage is not all about child
rearing alone. The rest is now history.
God then went on to fufil His promise in their lives by bestowing a bouncing baby girl named Alice Ifeoluwa to the patient couple on August 21.
When the couple entered the auditorium of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC),
Ambassador District, Sasha, Lagos penultimate Sunday, it was all joy.
Olori Dupe could not hold back tears of joy rolling down his cheeks. Her special
praise-song was rendered in an emotional laden voice.
The whole church went into wild jubilation, dancing to the soul-inspiring songs
rendered by the church choir.
Dupe looked radiant in purple lace Iro and Buba with headgear while her husband
shone in a flowing Agbada, a cap and shoe to match.
The church cleric, Pastor Mathew Olusola continuously charged the congregation with
"Praise the living God" while thunderous Halleluiah!!! followed.
Pastor Olusola described the couple as a good example worthy of emulation by the
members.
He thanked God for their lives.
“
Throughout the trying period, their faith did not wane. They continued to pray,
waiting and hoping for God's blessing. It is a great lesson for all of us that God is still there to do at anytime he wills," he said.
Chief Executive Officer, Strategic Alliance Insurance Brokers Limited, Alhaji
Oladotun Amoo congratulated the couple.
"I am very delighted to be here. The couple are wonderful, very humble, supportive and kind. I have known Otunba since 1994. He has been a generous man and humane person. He is a person that I will do anything for," Alhaji Amoo said.
He urged those looking for the fruit of the womb to take a cue from the couple and
be patient.
"Otunba has the capacity to marry another wife, but he realised that would not Olori’s.
him a baby. I laud his perseverance and guarantee. I wish the baby greatness in
life and be a source of blessings to the Davies family," he said.
Vice-Chairman, Lagos State University (LASU) Ikorodu Campus, Mr Dipo Arigbede said the
delivery called for a big celebration.
He described the couple as loving.
“They put their faith in God and see what the Lord has done in their lives. It
is another testimony for us that God has a plan for everybody," he said.
Olori Dupe's cousin, Francis Aladeyi described the development as a surprise to the
extended family.
"Throughout the period, except they told you about their predicament, the union was ever strong. I haven't seen in my life the typ of the love exhibited by this
couple,” he said.
Dupe thanked the guests for sharing in their joy.
She singled out her husband for the undiluted love and care shown to her throughout
the trying period.
"I have not seen a man like him in my life. He kept encouraging me to believe in
God. There has never been a time people reported him for infidelity. I thank
him and will continue to love him for the rest of my life because he is such an
amazing person," she said.
