Historic Royal Nikkah Unites Ghanaian and Nigerian Royal Lineages in Finland
A historic royal Islamic marriage (Nikkah) has brought together two distinguished African royal lineages, symbolizing a shared commitment to cultural heritage, diplomacy, education and sustainable development.
The ceremony united Alayeluwa His Royal Majesty Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Ayokanmi Matemilola, Oluyalo-Otileta VII, Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Nigeria, and Her Royal Majesty Olori Cecilia Naadensua Matemilola, also known as Mputu Hemaa Nana Abena Enyimba II, Development Queen Mother of the Abura Community in Cape Coast, Ghana, at Ummah Moskeija in Helsinki on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The event attracted members of the Royal Household, traditional leaders, diplomats, academics, entrepreneurs, business executives, development professionals and invited guests from Finland, Ghana, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and Germany. Organizers described the occasion as a celebration of faith, mutual respect, family values, cultural heritage and international friendship.
Her Royal Majesty Olori Cecilia Naadensua Matemilola hails from the distinguished Adjumako (Ajumanku) Dawurampong Royal Family Lineage of Ghana through her paternal ancestry. She is the daughter of the late Pastor Samuel Nii Teiko Quarshie, a Ghanaian political figure who served as Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and was widely recognized for coining the political slogan "Ehe Edzo Bodoo." Her maternal roots trace to the renowned Kumoji Ocansey Family, which has contributed significantly to Ghana's healthcare and traditional leadership.
Beyond her royal heritage, the Ghanaian queen mother has dedicated her career to education, diplomacy, humanitarian work, women's empowerment, youth development and cultural preservation. She is the Founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Ceci Educare Oy and the visionary behind the Nordic Africa Business Forum and the Prestigious Global Awards, initiatives aimed at promoting partnerships between Africa and the Nordic countries.
His Royal Majesty Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Ayokanmi Matemilola also brings extensive academic and professional experience to the throne. Before his enthronement as the 14th Olowu of Owu Kingdom in 2022, he established an international career as an engineer, professor and petroleum industry executive after earning a doctorate from the University of Cambridge. Since ascending the throne, he has championed education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, humanitarian service and sustainable development through the Oba Matemilola Oluyalo-Otileta VII Foundation.
The Nikkah was officiated by Chief Imam Sheikh C. Fataax Cumar Sh. Muuse, who prayed for Allah's blessings, guidance and protection for the newly married couple. The Royal Household also expressed appreciation to the leadership of Ummah Moskeija for its hospitality and support in hosting the ceremony.
One of the ceremony's defining moments came when Her Royal Majesty Olori Adijat Bamidele Matemilola, the first wife of His Royal Majesty, warmly welcomed the bride and offered her blessings. According to the Royal Household, the gesture reflected the values of unity, dignity, mutual respect and harmony that characterize the Owu Royal Household.
Among those who participated in the solemnization were Nana Brainoo, who served as Wali for the bride; Mr. Emmanuel Boadi of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), who served as Godfather; Prince Musa Matemilola; Oluwo Gabriel Gboyega Aramide; and several witnesses and dignitaries representing diplomatic missions, international organizations and the private sector.
The Royal Household said the marriage represents more than the union of two individuals, describing it as the coming together of the historic Owu Kingdom of Nigeria and the Adjumako (Ajumanku) Dawurampong Royal Family Lineage of Ghana. It noted that the union reinforces a shared commitment to education, humanitarian service, cultural preservation, diplomacy and sustainable development while strengthening collaboration between African traditional institutions and international partners.
As Their Royal Majesties begin their married life together, they have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that expand educational opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, empower communities and strengthen partnerships between Africa and the international community. The Royal Household concluded the ceremony by expressing gratitude to Almighty Allah, family members, friends and well-wishers for their prayers and support, while praying for a marriage blessed with peace, wisdom, prosperity, good health and a lifetime of service to humanity.