Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, attended the wedding of Cross Okonkwo, a former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) housemate, and Chinonso Onyebuchi, held in Abuja on Saturday. Atiku, who referred to Cross as his “godson,” shared his reasons for attending the event, reflecting on the strong personal bond between their families.
Atiku’s Personal Connection to Cross
Atiku, in a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), explained that he had attended the wedding immediately after returning from Ibadan, where he had participated in the National Opposition Summit. He praised the occasion as an opportunity to strengthen the ties between his family and Cross’s.
“Yesterday, upon my arrival from Ibadan after the National Opposition Summit, I proceeded directly to the wedding of my godson, Cross Okonkwo, and Chinonso Okonkwo, here in Abuja,” Atiku wrote. He went on to express his well-wishes for the couple: “The occasion provided yet another opportunity to reflect the strong bond between our families. I wish the couple a very happy and fulfilling married life.”
The Wedding: A Star-Studded Event
The wedding ceremony was a star-studded affair, attended by several BBNaija alumni, including Neo Akpofure, Saga, Maria Benjamin, Liquorose, Erica Nlewedim, Sheggz, Mercy Eke, and Ilebaye Odinaya. The presence of these former housemates added a touch of glamour to the celebration, making it one of the most talked-about events of the year.
Cross and Chinonso’s Journey to the Altar
The couple’s journey to marriage began with their engagement last year, followed by a traditional wedding ceremony in January. Their civil wedding, which was held at the Ikoyi registry in February, officially made them husband and wife.
Cross, whose real name is Ikechukwu Okonkwo, rose to fame during the 2021 BBNaija “Shine Ya Eye” season, which was won by Whitemoney. He returned for the 2023 BBNaija “All Stars” edition, where he finished as the fifth runner-up. Since then, Cross has maintained a strong presence in the entertainment industry.
The Significance of Atiku’s Attendance
Atiku’s presence at Cross’s wedding highlights the deep personal connection between the former vice president and the BBNaija star. It also reflects Atiku’s commitment to nurturing relationships within the entertainment industry, where his influence continues to resonate.
As both an influential political figure and a mentor, Atiku’s support for Cross and his marriage further emphasizes the value he places on family ties and personal connections
