To My Brother Motolani Owolabi and His Beautiful Wife Ibukunoluwa Owolabi
Its 8:38pm in Cork City. After a bottle of wine and a earful of Olando Julius’ “ololufe” , I have decided to put down all of my intentions towards my brother Tolani and His Wife Ibukun in writing.
Sometimes you meet a person and you just click — you’re comfortable with them, like you’ve known them your whole life, and you don’t have to pretend to be anyone or anything. Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything.” The two statements above describe Tolani and I.
Tolani and I met the very day I walked into Bowen University. Ours was a bond formed by nature. Two jolly friends bound together only by their desire to acheive and strive to be better people. I have decided to publish my best man’s speech just because I want it to stick in memory forever. I love you bro and I am happy you met Ibukun and both of you have decided to spend the rest of your lives together.
Ladies and Gentlemen, for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Joel. Some of you know me as OJ or even to some others, Asiwaju. As the best man I would like to say a few words.
I hope you’ve all had a lovely time so far and will continue to enjoy the day and evening as it unfolds. I won’t take up much of your time and I know that Tolani will be pleased as he has a short attention span at the best of times!
I know traditionally the best man is meant to recount humorous or even risqué stories about the groom. Please rest assured that I have no intention of embarrassing Tolani on this most sacred of days. Well, perhaps later on in the bar! But for now, I would like to simply honour the love that brings us all here today.
Tolani and I have been friends for a bit over ten years. Over that time, we have grown to be brothers. In this rollercoaster that we call life, we have shared the best of times, and of course, sometimes the most sorrowful. I know him better than most and I can honestly say, that since Tolani met Ibukun, he has never been happier.
The happy couple met on 4th July in Colorado, at a party hosted by Ibukun. Of course, a day of celebration in the United States and one which I shall never forget. I clearly remember Tolani ringing me and saying “OJ, I think I have met my future wife.” What did I know? I was a masters student in England at that time.
He knew instinctively that this was lady was special and I can still recall the excitement in his voice when he told me. Since then we have all got to know Ibukun and in a similar way, she has enriched our lives too.
It is said that a flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love. I have witnessed Tolani blossoming and thriving in these past few years. Ibukun, you have been so supportive of my brother. You are caring, warm and generous. I feel blessed to know you. I am so happy that you, my friends, are now married and will face the future together, with hope and courage.
Ibukun, you will know that your husband is an incredibly hard worker. He’s a man dedicated to achieving his ambitions and being the best he can be. I am proud of what he has become and also what great potential he has for the future. I have no doubt that as husband and wife you will build on your individual strengths and become a powerful partnership.
I wish you both a lifetime of joy and happiness together, and may this day be the beginning of many special memories you look back on in years to come as husband and wife.
I would like to end with this quote by novelist Emily Bronte: “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” Let’s celebrate two souls that have found each other. So, please raise a glass to the happy couple. To Ibukun and Tolani.
To my brother Tolani and his beautiful wife Ibukun, I love you both so much. Thank you for giving me a priviledge of being a part of such a beautiful occasion. I will keep you in my prayers and you both have nothing but all the best wishes from myself. May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door.
