OLASEHINDE AT 40: WHAT MAKES A MARRIAGE LAST THROUGH LIFE’S STORMS?
What does it take to keep a marriage standing for 40 years despite sickness, heartbreak and life’s unexpected storms? Oluwaseyi Elizabeth Jimoh reports from Akure, where a cleric has unveiled the blueprint behind lasting marriages, declaring that no family is without challenges.
NO HOME IS CHALLENGE-FREE, CLERIC SAYS, URGES COUPLES TO MAKE CHRIST THE CENTRE
What keeps a marriage standing when sickness, heartbreak, financial pressure and unexpected crises test the family? At a time when divorce continues to unsettle many homes, Resident Pastor of GOFAMINT Pacesetters Assembly, Akure, Dr David Babafemi Ilori, says the answer is not a trouble-free marriage but a strong foundation capable of surviving trouble.
Speaking on the topic, “Build to Last,” during the 40th wedding anniversary of Elder Akinola and Mrs Owolola Olasehinde at Goodness Events Hall, Akure, Dr Ilori identified God’s Word, forgiveness and Christ-centred family support as key ingredients for a marriage built to last.
Dr Ilori said the 40-year marriage of the celebrants was a testimony that marriage could still work despite the pressures that often confront families.
“When you see a marriage like this, you should ask questions,” he said.
According to him, the answer lies largely in the foundation upon which a marriage is built, stressing that the quality of a foundation determines whether a home will survive the test of time.
He expressed concern over the rising rate of divorce, saying many people no longer view marriage as an institution ordained by God.
“Many no longer see marriage as an institution ordained by God,” he said, adding that it was disturbing for couples to become proud of changing spouses.
Drawing lessons from Matthew 7:24-27, the Faith leader said couples must build their homes on the Word of God because challenges would inevitably come.
“There is no family without challenges,” he said.
He identified God’s Word, forgiveness and Christ-centred living as essential ingredients for a lasting home.
Ilori explained that offences were bound to occur in marriage, making forgiveness indispensable if couples wanted their relationships to endure.
He also spoke about the importance of a support system, drawing from the biblical principle of the threefold cord in Ecclesiastes 4:12.
For him, Christ should occupy the position of the third cord in a marriage.
“If Jesus is not the centre of your life, he can’t be at the centre of your home,” he said.
The cleric also cautioned singles against entering into what he described as “trial marriage”, urging those afraid of marriage because of divorce cases around them to make Christ the centre of their lives.
Read Also: How Can Couples Build Lasting Marriages?
He said marriage was closely connected with eternity and should therefore not be treated casually.
But behind the celebrants’ 40 years together is a story of trials that tested their faith and commitment.
In a written account titled “The Journey So Far!”, the Olasehindes opened up about some of the most difficult moments they had experienced as a family.
They disclosed that their first son, Oluwaseun Ayokanmi, was born two years after their wedding. However, neurological problems began to manifest early in his life.
The condition continued throughout the 16 years he lived, requiring the family to ensure that he was never left alone because of his restlessness.
For the couple, caring for their son became one of the defining challenges of their marriage.
They also revealed that the family experienced sickness at different times and suffered several miscarriages, describing the experiences as periods of deep heartbreak.
Another major trial came in June 2010, when the husband had to be taken outside Nigeria for emergency back surgery.
The treatment kept the couple away from home for about two weeks.
Yet, amid the succession of difficulties, the couple said they continued to place their trust in God.
They said God did not abandon them through the years of uncertainty, but sustained the family through sickness, loss and other difficult experiences.
They also testified to God’s healing at different times, as well as His protection and provision throughout their marriage.
Much of their married life was spent in Kano State, even though their place of origin is Ondo City.
Reflecting on the journey, the couple described God’s faithfulness as central to their survival through the years.
Their testimony appeared to echo the message delivered by Ilori: a lasting family is not necessarily one that escapes hardship, but one whose foundation enables it to withstand hardship.
For the Olasehindes, after four decades of marriage, the cornerstone remains Christ.
And for the cleric who used their anniversary to challenge couples and singles alike, their story offers a question worth asking: what was built into the foundation that enabled this marriage to stand?
Watch the highlights of the event
