Ignatius Soroibe – Guest Writer
A well-known traditional ruler in Imo State, His Royal Majesty, Eze nnanna oparaochaekwe Ebube dike II (the second) of the Ulakwo autonomous community in the Owerri north local government area of Imo State, has said that “traditional marriage is the hallmark of Igbo tradition and, as such, is more recognized in Igbo land than white wedding.”
The monarch stated this on Saturday, January 20, 2024, during the traditional wedding of Miss Claribelle Chiagorom and Mr. Udo Joseph Ugoh Junior, held at the bride’s father’s compound, Mr. Donatus Chiagorom Country Home, Umuekwemmadu, Umuovum, and Ulakwo.
The highly revered monarch pointed out that the last lap of marriage in Igbo land is after the payment of dowry in this order: Ihe ajuju, okalezi, and amala, then the traditional wedding.
The Eze said that he hardly attends such occasions in his village, but that this one is a very special one because of his relationship with the family of the bride. Continuing, he encouraged the couple to “love and tolerate each other and do everything together as one; by doing this, their union will stand the test of time, noting that “marriage is not a bed of roses.”
Meanwhile, the elated father of the groom, Sir Joseph Ugo, expressed his joy and thanked God for the many good things that are happening in his family lately, but regretted that these things are happening after the demise of his lovely wife, Mrs. Comfort Ugoh.
Many dignitaries from Obiangwu, Ulakwo, and beyond attended the occasion, among whom were Mrs. Ugochi Amanze, who stood in for her late mother, Ezinne Mgbechi Ugoh, and her husband, Mr. Amanze, the traditional prime minister of Ulakwo, Nze Wasco, who is also an Owerri-based businessman, and Mr. Christopher Obilor, a former Lagos area controller of Nigeria Statesman Newspapers Ltd.
Others are Chief Fidelis Okere, Mr. Kenneth Opara, who is an Owerri-based hotelier; Mr. Evarest Anuruo, a former staff member of Setraco Construction Company; company; Mr. Stephen Ekeuhie, a retired staff member of Nigerian breweries; Awo-Omamma and his beautiful wife, Mrs. Evangelista; Mrs. Ngozi Nwachukwu, a one-time female leader of Ndom Aladinma; Obiangwu, the popular Umunehi youths led by comrade Derico Njoku; and Mr. Richard Iwu, a former staff member of Bisco Biscuits Lagos, among others.
There was also a galaxy of friends and associates of Mr. Joseph Udo Junior who traveled from far and wide to grace this grand occasion and made it a grade At a traditional wedding, highlights of the occasion include the outpouring of blessings on the bride and the groom after the bride brought the groom to her father, Mr. Donatus Chiagorom, at the successful completion of the usual “ceremonial search of the groom according to the rich Igbo tradition and culture.
Igba ndieze cultural dance by the Umunehi youth’s added color to the occasion, which was characterized by “naira rain” spraying of money.