The traditional marriage ceremony between Taiwo Cole and actress/comedian Wofai Ewa, which took place in Ugep, Cross River State, has sparked varied reactions.
The prominent Cole family of Victoria Island, Lagos, has publicly disowned the union, stating they were unaware of the marriage plans and did not give their consent or support.
In a statement released by the family patriarch, Kunle Cole, the family declared that anyone claiming to be a new member of the Cole heritage through this marriage is not recognized or accepted.
The statement also warned that all publications and documents circulating about the marriage should be disregarded.
According to the statement, the family declared that they were unaware of the marriage plans and did not give their consent or support.
“This serves to notify all acquaintances, family and friends that the Cole family of Victoria Island, Lagos, are not aware of any marriage ceremony of our son,Taiwo Olakitan Cole; neither did we grant permission nor support in this regard,” the statement read.
It continued, “As such, person(s) parading themselves as new members of the Cole heritage by virtue of this purported event, are not known nor accepted by the family. All publications and documents being circulated about this are to be disregarded.”
Despite this, the couple took to their Instagram pages to share photos from the ceremony, with Wofai expressing her joy and gratitude for the love and messages received. Her post read, “I found my happily ever after, and I said yes!! Chai!! Love is sweet o. Thank you guys for all the love and messages.”
The controversy has sparked a debate on social media about the importance of parental consent before marriage.
While some argue that it is crucial to have parental approval, others believe that love is enough to marry without consent. Netizens have taken to social media to share their opinions, with some saying that the couple’s happiness is all that matters, while others believe that family approval is essential.
@Olayinka_joel wrote, “Besides in the Yoruba culture you cannot take a unilateral decision like this. The issue isn’t about the age gap or whether the Cole family is “old money” or not but rather the brazen disregard for established customs and norms.”
@Lanre_Ogunlana said, “Baba Cole clearly state that he is free to marry anyone but the Cole family did not approve of the marriage. It’s simple. Let them enjoy their marital bliss. She didn’t marry the Cole family. She married Taiwo.”
@Mr Awesome wrote, “The audacity and wokeness of this social media generation is irritating. Damn! I WILL NEVER GO AHEAD WITH A MARRIAGE MY PARENTS WITHDREW THEIR BLESSINGS FROM. I can not raise kids that cannot visit their grand parents. NEVER!.”
A Facebook user, Rita Uzoh said love is not enough for marriage. She wrote,” I won’t advice anyone to marry into a hostile family, time will come.when love won’t be enough.”
Another user, Falaye Gidi Ayomide said, “Getting married to a nice person is not enough..If the family is not accepting you..just run for your life.only your partners love won’t be enough on the long run.”
In his reaction an X user, @OluAyoola7D wrote, “The way he is looking at her. The Cole family should forget this son of theirs. This one is gone. Wofa don carry this one. We are all joking about this and or making light of the reality of marrying into a family where you don’t have their blessings.
Okay o. Yoruba will say a child does not know diabolical herbs he calls it vegetables.
I wish them well.”
Another X user, @trendwithhola called for on Wofai Ewa to amicably settle the matter noting that marriage is a sensitive issue. She wrote, “This Cole Family of Victoria Island should go and settle their matter amicably without disturbing our peace on social media. Marriage is a very sensitive matter that must be handled with wisdom. Wofai Ewa Fada should carry awón agba agba to meet her in-laws. That it worked for Prince Harry and Meghan doesn’t mean it would fly same way. In Africa, you don’t just marry the man, you marry the family. The Cole Family should soften the pedal either, they can’t always dictate. That she’s 38 or they are wealthy shouldn’t be the factor here. Iré óóó!!! – Taiwo Cole x Wande Cole”.
@static_typing wrote. “I laugh. You better not carry this mentality of your love for the woman is the only thing that matters and go and marry into a wrong family. Thats when you will understand that getting married is not just about marrying a woman but marrying a family.”
Chigozie Emmanuel Uche wrote, “With all this heat and fuel scarcity you volunteerly add family in-law wey nor like you.”
In a contrary opinion, @ItzRealcollins said family consent does not determine a long lasting marriage. He wrote, “Awwwww what a beautiful couple. The funny wofai and the prestigious young man from the Cole family. Leave social media for jobless people and focus on each other. Na by family??? People wa carry family along marriage still da crash… Don’t let anyone deny you your happiness.”
