Chairman of the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) Tony Okoroji has penned an emotional tribute to his wife Queen Mary on their 40th wedding anniversary.
The veteran musician in a lengthy post via Facebook on Sunday, narrated his first encounter with his wife, adding that it was “love at first sight.”
Mr Okoroji said their love affair inspired two emotional songs from his 1979 and 1981 albums.
“It was exactly 40 years ago at St Dominic’s Catholic Church, Yaba, Lagos that said “I do” to my once teenage sweetheart. That was followed by a memorable reception at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island.
“I was 19 and she was 17 when I first met Queen Mary and could not understand how anyone could be so beautiful. She walked gently and spoke softly. It was love at first sight. For 6 years, we were practically inseparable. I was born on December 22 and she, on December 24. It was impossible for the two Capricornians not to get married on that faithful day of November 19, 1983.
“The love affair inspired two emotional songs from me, “Sweet Mary” contained in my 1979 album, “Big-Big Sugar Daddy” and “Oriaku” featured in my 1981 album, “Juliana”,” he wrote.
The former President of Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) went on to narrate how Queen Mary tolerated him and kept their family together while he pursued his music career. He applauded her for being a “great mother” to their ‘wonderful children.”
He wrote: “Have been a first-class husband? Certainly, not! Though love was never lacking in our house, frankly I do not know how she has been able to cope with this restless workaholic for forty years. At first, was I either performing on stage in different parts of the country or producing in the recording studio.
“Each of these kept me away from home many days and many nights. Four and half years after we got married, was elected President of PMAN. PMAN and Intellectual Property advocacy became a significant part of my life and robbed her of a good part of the time she ought to have enjoyed with me. And so came PMRS and COSON! Even at home, I would very likely be found in my study, busy with my laptop, writing or studying at 3.00 am.
I visited Chris Mba in Surulere before he died – Tony Okoroji
I’ve spent a lifetime in the music industry – Tony Okoroji
“As I play back the tapes of our lives, cannot but wonder how Queen Mary has tolerated me and kept our family beautifully together all this long. Our wonderful children have had a great mother who has been there for all of us at all times.”
Okoroji ended his tribute by thanking his wife, their daughter Stephanie, his son in-law Sam and everyone else who have continued to support his family.
“Thank you, Queen Mary for everything you have done for us these many years. Thank you, Stephanie and Sam for your great wishes on this day. Many thanks to the Almighty who has been there for my family through thick and thin. Thank you, our friends and family for your support,” he wrote.
The 65-year-old is currently in Maryland, USA to celebrate his wedding anniversary with his family.
Okoroji’s son Tony Junior and his wife Andrea recently welcomed their first child.
