[Couple Spotlight] “Love made in Bodija market,” How the Adegokes turned sour first-time encounter to sweet, happy union

This is not your regular love at first sight encounter. It started on a rocky ground and wouldn’t have headed anywhere meaningful if both had not decided to look past it. 

As expected of any busy market scene like Bodija, a suburb in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, sellers doing everything possible to attract buyers to their stand. Buyers as well doing everything to be attended to first.

It was in this chaotic atmosphere that Mr and Mrs Adegoke met. And trust me, it was a messy encounter. Both felt cheated and wanted to be attended to first, so a sort of argument broke out. On realising how petty that must have felt, Mr Adegoke apologised and a proper conversation that laid the foundation of a lifetime journey began.

It’s been 15 years of that market meeting and 11 years of lifetime journey for these love birds.

Join me as they happily unpack memories from the Bodija market meeting years ago

 

1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?

Mr Adegoke: We met at Bodija Market in Ibadan, and honestly, it didn’t start nicely. I had gone to buy some items, and there was confusion about who was next to be attended to. She insisted it was her turn, I felt it was mine, and before we knew it, we were arguing in front of the seller.

Mrs Adegoke: I remember that day so well. The market was crowded, and everyone was trying to rush. I had been standing there for a while, so when he stepped forward, I felt he was trying to skip me. We exchanged words, and I was already annoyed.

Mr Adegoke: After a few minutes, we both realised it was just a misunderstanding. I apologised, and we ended up laughing about how serious we looked while arguing. That moment broke the tension, and we started talking properly.

 

2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?

Mr Adegoke: After we became friends, I saw how hardworking and focused she was. She had a clear vision for her life, and that impressed me deeply.

Mrs Adegoke: For me, it was his humility. Not every man would apologise the way he did that first day. Over time, I saw that same humility in how he handled situations.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Mr Adegoke: We’ve known each other for 15 years.

Mrs Adegoke: And we’ve been married for 11 years.

 

4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?

Mr Adegoke: We don’t allow routine to take over everything. Even in Lagos where life is busy, we still create time for ourselves.

Mrs Adegoke: We also keep our friendship alive. We talk, laugh, and sometimes remember how everything started in that market.

 

5. How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?

Mr Adegoke: I still joke about how she “fought” me in the market the first day. It has become part of our story.

Mrs Adegoke: I always remind him that he almost lost his chance because of that argument .

 

6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?

Mr Adegoke: In the early days, we reacted quickly. Now we take time to understand each other first.

Mrs Adegoke: We’ve learned that not every situation needs a heated reaction. Calm conversations go a long way.

 

7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?

Mr Adegoke: Her strength. She handles responsibilities with so much grace.

Mrs Adegoke: The way he still apologises sincerely when he’s wrong. That humility hasn’t changed.

 

8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?

Mr Adegoke: Relocating from Ibadan to Lagos was a big adjustment for us.

Mrs Adegoke: It came with new pressures, but we supported each other and grew through it together.

 

9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?

Mr Adegoke: Be willing to grow together.

Mrs Adegoke: Don’t let small misunderstandings destroy something that could be beautiful.

 

10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?

Mr Adegoke: Unexpected.

Mrs Adegoke: A beautiful story that started with a misunderstanding.