Most Expensive Nigerian Celebrity Weddings of All Time
In Nigeria, weddings are more than just unions of two hearts; they are cultural celebrations, social spectacles, and, in the case of celebrities, showcases of wealth, influence, and style. Over the years, some Nigerian celebrity weddings have transcended mere celebrations, becoming legendary events remembered for their opulence, grandeur, and unforgettable moments.
From fairy-tale weddings hosted in European castles to traditional ceremonies attended by presidents and dignitaries, Nigerian celebrity weddings reflect a unique blend of tradition and modern extravagance. Below, we explore some of the most expensive and iconic Nigerian celebrity weddings of all time.
1. Fatima Dangote & Jamil Abubakar (2018)
When the daughter of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, got married to Jamil Abubakar, son of a former Inspector General of Police, the wedding was destined to be extraordinary. Their multi-city wedding spanned Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, and Lagos.
The Fatiha (traditional Islamic ceremony) in Kano was attended by dignitaries, including President Muhammadu Buhari and prominent business moguls. The Lagos reception was held at Eko Convention Centre, transformed into a fairy-tale hall. The wedding hashtag #Famil2018 trended globally, symbolizing the scale of attention the event attracted. Everything from couture outfits to top-tier musical performances ensured that this union would forever be remembered as one of Nigeria’s most extravagant weddings.
2. Folarin Alakija & Nazanin Jafarian (2017)
This wedding could rival European royalty. Folarin Alakija, son of Folorunsho Alakija—one of Africa’s richest women—married Iranian beauty Nazanin at the historic Blenheim Palace in England.
The wedding reportedly cost about £5 million. Guests were treated to marble dance floors, a marquee custom-built for the reception, and décor featuring one million white roses. The wedding cake itself was a towering 12-foot masterpiece. International artist Robin Thicke performed live, and A-list celebrities graced the occasion. It remains one of the most lavish Nigerian weddings ever held abroad.
3. Zahra Buhari & Ahmed Indimi (2016)
When the daughter of then-President Muhammadu Buhari tied the knot with Ahmed Indimi, heir to a billionaire oil fortune, Nigeria witnessed another blend of wealth and tradition.
The celebration, spread across Abuja and Maiduguri, featured a “royalty” theme with exquisite traditional outfits and designer accessories. One highlight was the exchange of luxury gifts, including jewelry and designer handbags said to be worth millions of naira. This wedding wasn’t just about two families; it symbolized the union of political and economic powerhouses in Nigeria.
4. Yusuf Buhari & Zahra Nasir Bayero (2021)
Another presidential wedding that shook Nigeria was that of Yusuf Buhari, son of Muhammadu Buhari, and Zahra Nasir Bayero, daughter of the Emir of Bichi.
The ceremony took place in Kano, drawing politicians, monarchs, and foreign dignitaries. A presidential wedding committee was set up to manage logistics, and private jets reportedly flew in VIP guests. Beyond the glamour, the wedding highlighted Nigeria’s tradition of combining cultural heritage with modern elegance.
5. Veekee James & Femi Atere (2024)
Fashion designer Veekee James ensured her wedding was as stylish as her career. Dressed in a $30,000 pearl-and-diamond-encrusted gown, she captivated the fashion world.
Her traditional wedding in Lagos showcased vibrant Nigerian fabrics, music, and dance, while the white wedding featured Hollywood-style glamour. With celebrities, influencers, and high society in attendance, her wedding stood as a celebration of love, fashion, and opulence.
6. Rita Dominic & Fidelis Anosike (2022)
Beloved Nollywood star Rita Dominic’s wedding was a true cultural and modern blend. The Imo State traditional wedding was rich with Igbo heritage—colorful attire, cultural dances, and regal displays of tradition.
The couple later hosted a fairy-tale white wedding at a 900-year-old abbey in Yorkshire, England. Rita stunned in multiple designer gowns, each more dazzling than the last. This wedding resonated deeply with fans who had followed her career for decades, making it both a personal and national celebration.
7. Banky W & Adesua Etomi (2017)
Known as Nigeria’s “wedding of the decade,” Banky W and Adesua Etomi’s marriage was straight out of a romantic movie—literally. The couple starred in the hit film The Wedding Party before tying the knot in real life.
Their traditional wedding in Lagos blended Yoruba and Edo cultures, while their white wedding in Cape Town, South Africa, looked like a destination romance film. With four outfit changes for Adesua, celebrity guests, and breathtaking scenery, the hashtag #BAAD2017 dominated social media for weeks.
8. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu & Cynthia Obianodo (2016)
Television personality Ebuka, famous for his stylish fashion, and Cynthia, daughter of billionaire businessman Chief Vincent Obianodo, had a glamorous wedding that reflected their high-society status.
The bride wore Vera Wang gowns while Ebuka stunned in custom Mai Atafo tuxedos. Multiple outfit changes, a lavish cake, and a honeymoon abroad rounded out the celebration. The event cemented Ebuka’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s best-dressed men and added another unforgettable chapter to the country’s celebrity wedding history.
9. Tiwa Savage & Tunji Balogun (2014)
When Nigeria’s queen of pop, Tiwa Savage, married music executive Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun, it was a showbiz wedding for the ages.
Their traditional wedding in Lagos was a colorful display of Yoruba culture, but it was their Dubai white wedding that truly stood out. Hosted in Armani Hotel at the Burj Khalifa, the glamorous event attracted top Nigerian entertainers and international guests, setting the standard for destination weddings among Nigerian celebrities.
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10. Stephanie Okereke & Linus Idahosa (2012)
Actress Stephanie Okereke’s wedding in Paris remains one of the most talked-about Nollywood weddings. The event featured a boat cruise, fireworks, and an iconic Elie Saab wedding gown.
The ceremony was held at a historic castle, complete with a romantic backdrop that rivaled any fairy tale. The combination of European elegance and Nigerian star power made it a wedding that is still referenced today.
11. Davido & Chioma (2025)
One of the most recent grand weddings belongs to superstar singer Davido and his longtime partner, Chioma Rowland. Their celebration began in Lagos and later moved to Miami, where 1,500 guests attended at Mana Wynwood.
The Havana-inspired theme, multiple couture outfits (including custom looks from Alonuko and Tom Ford), and energetic performances, including a Hora Loca segment, made it a global spectacle. Beyond the luxury, the wedding carried an emotional undertone, with Davido dedicating moments to their late son, Ifeanyi. It was both glamorous and deeply moving—a true cultural export of Nigerian love and resilience.
Why These Weddings Stand Out
- Cultural Grandeur – Nigerian weddings are storytelling platforms, rich with heritage, dance, and fashion that reflect a couple’s roots.
- Celebrity Influence – These events dominate social media, trending worldwide and sparking discussions about love, luxury, and lifestyle.
- Fashion Statements – From diamond-encrusted gowns to agbada embroidered in gold, the outfits alone become style milestones.
- Economic Impact – Beyond the couples, these weddings boost industries like fashion, event planning, catering, and media.
- Global Appeal – Whether in Paris, Dubai, or Miami, Nigerian weddings prove that love and culture can travel the world.
Quick Snapshot
| Couple | Year | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Fatima Dangote & Jamil Abubakar | 2018 | Multi-city wedding, dignitaries, Eko Convention Centre |
| Folarin Alakija & Nazanin Jafarian | 2017 | £5M Blenheim Palace wedding, Robin Thicke performance |
| Zahra Buhari & Ahmed Indimi | 2016 | Jewelry worth millions, luxury gifts |
| Yusuf Buhari & Zahra Bayero | 2021 | Presidential committee, private jets, Kano ceremony |
| Veekee James & Femi Atere | 2024 | $30,000 pearl gown, fashion-focused wedding |
| Rita Dominic & Fidelis Anosike | 2022 | Imo traditional ceremony + UK abbey wedding |
| Banky W & Adesua Etomi | 2017 | Lagos traditional + Cape Town white wedding |
| Ebuka Obi-Uchendu & Cynthia Obianodo | 2016 | Vera Wang gowns, Mai Atafo suits, luxury cake |
| Tiwa Savage & Tunji Balogun | 2014 | Dubai destination wedding at Armani Hotel |
| Stephanie Okereke & Linus Idahosa | 2012 | Paris castle, fireworks, Elie Saab gown |
| Davido & Chioma | 2025 | Miami mega-wedding, 1,500 guests, couture fashion |
Final Thoughts
Nigerian celebrity weddings are more than nuptials—they are cultural showcases, fashion runways, and business opportunities rolled into one. Each one tells a story of love, heritage, and status, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable moments.
As Nigerian stars continue to shine globally, one thing remains certain: when it comes to weddings, they will always raise the bar higher.
