Shockwaves are reverberating across Yorùbáland and the global Yorùbá diaspora following the sudden death of the Baba Ọba (King’s Father) of the famed Oyotunji African Village in South Carolina, USA. The late Baba Ọba, Lukman Arohunfale, a revered socialite and traditionalist, passed away under circumstances already sparking fierce controversy. His death comes just days after he publicly accused the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Akeem Adéyẹmọ Owoade, of allegedly ordering his courtiers to beat him mercilessly during a recent courtesy visit to the Oyo palace in Nigeria. In a widely circulated voice recording, the deceased recounted how what was meant to be a simple homage turned violent. Although the Baba Ọba had reportedly battled ill health in the past year, growing insinuations suggest that the alleged physical assault may have aggravated his condition, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The palace in Oyo recently denied that s...
Tope Alabi who is married to Soji, the couple shares their marital
experiences and why their marriage has lasted this long, see interview below...
For how long have you been married?
We have been married for over 16 years.
How and when did you meet?
Soji: We met around 1994. Then, I was working as a studio engineer
in Lagos. She came for the production of some movie sound tracks. I was
the one producing the sound tracks for her. In 1998, we were working on
her first album, when I proposed to her to be my wife.
Tope, what was the attraction in Soji? Did you marry him because you thought he would be of use to your business?
Tope: No. I believe it was the plan of God for us to get married.
Before he proposed, I never saw Soji as a man that had the standards I
desired. Then, I was a ‘big girl’ in the movie industry. I have had
experiences of many things in life. So, imagine a man, who was staying
in one studio and working at all times! He was too gentle for my liking
and his stature was not encouraging either. But I discovered that God’s
purpose for our life must come to pass. Then, I never knew that I would
be a vessel in God’s hands. I never knew I had His grace in my life. I
never knew God had planned that we would come together and do exploit in
His kingdom. I was just going about producing sound tracks for movies
and I was not into any ministry. Really, I love my husband.
What made you propose to Tope? Did you know she would one day be a celebrity in the entertainment industry?
What made you propose to Tope? Did you know she would one day be a celebrity in the entertainment industry?
Soji: No. I am not God, so how would I have known that she would be a
celebrity someday? We never knew that everything would turn out this
way. But we give the glory to God for His covenant over our lives.
Before I proposed to her, anytime she came around in the studio, I felt
good. She is very lively and honest. But I never knew marrying her would
have been possible. Even at over 16 years of marriage, I don’t regret
marrying Tope. She is my choice forever.
How have you successfully worked with your husband? Are there times you quarrel over business issues?
Tope: For us to be in the ministry for over 16 years now is by the
grace of God. The administration of the ministry has been assigned to my
husband and I don’t poke about at all. Mine is to prepare for
programmes. Whenever he gives the signals that all is set, I am ready.
If there is a need for any material— either for my own use or for the
home— I make a request and he provides. God has been using him
tremendously for me and the ministry. So, at no point in time did we
ever quarrel over business issues. The business isn’t mine but his
(Soji’s).
Is it safe to have a business relationship with one’s wife?
Is it safe to have a business relationship with one’s wife?
Soji: Yes, it is. All you need is an understanding of each other.
That way, everything is on course. There is also a need to understand
God’s word which proffers that two heads are better than one. When you
do, running a business with your spouse becomes very easy.
How do you separate business from marriage?
Soji: We have a management that is in charge of our businesses. Our
concern is the home front. My wife and the children are important. At
home, it is love and how to take good care of them. When we get to the
office, we discuss business.
Do you get intimidated by her fame?
Soji: No, if Tope Alabi is famous, she carries my name along with her; why should I be intimidated?
Soji: No, if Tope Alabi is famous, she carries my name along with her; why should I be intimidated?
Do you get angry at some of her fans who would go to the extreme sometimes?
Soji:Concerning her fans, I know who I am married to and I trust her
to any length. She is a woman of integrity, a woman that fears God with a
deep knowledge of Him.
Tope, Are there times you regret marrying him? Do you experience jealousy from him when you are with your fans?
Tope, Are there times you regret marrying him? Do you experience jealousy from him when you are with your fans?
Tope: No, my Choice is a complete man that knows what he is doing. I
call him Choice because he was chosen for me from heaven and he moves
above any circumstances he faces. So many times, he leaves me alone
with my fans— they take pictures with me and I sign autographs. He would
not mind and anytime they finish with their snapshot, he takes his
property (me) along with him to his house. I respect him for his
understanding nature.
Do you quarrel? How do you settle and who apologises first?
Tope: Yes we do, we talk it out and I will apologise. After a hug, we settle whatever caused it. The husband is the head of his wife. I must confess that God has been so faithful in our marriage and I give all the glory to Him alone.
Do you quarrel? How do you settle and who apologises first?
Tope: Yes we do, we talk it out and I will apologise. After a hug, we settle whatever caused it. The husband is the head of his wife. I must confess that God has been so faithful in our marriage and I give all the glory to Him alone.
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