Lagos witnessed a star-studded red carpet on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as Nollywood celebrities gathered for the premiere of Folagade Banks' film, A Mama Deola Wedding Story, the first instalment in a new franchise directed by Femi Adebayo. Attendees, including Toyin Abraham, Kate Henshaw, and Mo Bimpe, embraced the 'White Wedding Couture' dress code, transforming the venue into a bridal runway.
Celebrities Embrace the Bridal Theme
The event drew a who's who of Nollywood, with stars like Osas Ighodaro, Hilda Baci, Lateef Adedimeji, Mercy Aigbe, Rotimi Salami, Shaffy Bello, Bukky Wright, Omowunmi Dada, and Kie Kie all arriving in stunning white-themed outfits. The red carpet featured dramatic gowns, sculptural designs, and pearl-heavy couture, with each celebrity offering a unique interpretation of the bridal brief.
Toyin Abraham arrived in a sophisticated white bridal-inspired look that drew immediate praise from fans online, who dubbed her 'Mummy Ire' and 'Alhaja' for her polished appearance. Veteran actress Kate Henshaw also stood out in a white beaded dress paired with a contrasting brown flower bouquet, complete with lace, pearl accents, and a flowing veil, looking every bit the radiant bride.
Couples and Icons Make a Statement
Mo Bimpe and her husband, Lateef Adedimeji, fully committed to the couture theme, with Mo Bimpe choosing an elegant white gown that highlighted graceful lines and soft romance. The new mother of triplet boys generated strong online engagement with her soft glam and confident presence. Mercy Aigbe brought her trademark drama in a striking white ensemble that immediately turned heads and sparked conversations, proving once again why she is considered a fashion icon.
Bukky Wright, both a cast member and a major industry figure, looked radiant in a sophisticated bridal ensemble with refined details that balanced classic purity with her signature poise. Shaffy Bello kept things classic and commanding in a structured chapel-white dress, with minimal accessories allowing the pure white fabric and elegant cut to shine, earning praise as one of the most refined interpretations of the theme.
High Glamour and Creative Interpretations
Osas Ighodaro served high-glamour in a brown-and-white floral-detailed gown featuring a dramatic long train, with sparkling accents catching every light. Content queen Kie Kie went pearl-heavy and sculptural, with intricate pearl detailing across a structured gown, embracing the couture brief with playful energy that made the outfit highly shareable.
Omowunmi Dada delivered sleek modern perfection with an embellished white gown and a chic birdcage veil, her clean look and vintage-inspired veil creating a polished, camera-ready appearance. Record-breaking chef Hilda Baci added crossover appeal with a sleek, sculpted look that was fresh and fashion-forward, generating massive interest from her huge following.
Behind the Scenes of the Franchise
Beyond the fashion, the premiere offered a first look at what Folagade Banks described as one of his most ambitious productions yet, a full-length franchise built around his beloved comic character, Mama Deola. The film's centrepiece wedding sequence, between lead characters Demilola and Femi, involved more than 600 cast members and took roughly 20 hours of continuous filming to shoot.
The film features a star-studded cast including Shaffy Bello, Toyin Abraham, Bukky Wright, Akin Lewis, Erica Nlewedim, Omowunmi Dada, Rotimi Salami, and veteran actress Idowu Phillips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow. With the red carpet setting such a high fashion bar, A Mama Deola Wedding Story promises to be as significant a cinematic event as it was a fashion moment.
