While there has been some Yoruba-Igbo controversies of recent, a royal wedding between these two tribes hosted in Igoba community, Ondo State, shows that love indeed knows no tribal boundaries, writes AMAECHI OKONKWO.
The traditional marriage ceremony of the Eze Enyinnaya Williams and Omowumi Ajayi was long-awaited. It took the serene Igoba community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State by storm, leaving heartwarming and memorable moments for posterity.
It was all pomp and celebration as the traditional nuptial ceremony brought together two different major tribes and languages, as well as some big names in government, business, and the Diaspora community.
Indeed, Nigerians from different walks of life gathered in the Southwest community to celebrate the unique union of two cultures in Nigeria, the Igbo and Yoruba in a merry ceremony, aptly described as a royal wedding of cultures.
Set against the exciting backdrop of Yoruba scene, the ceremony was not just a union of two people but a beautiful fusion of two distinct cultures, exemplifying unity, love and the blending of families across traditional boundaries.
The ceremony was accentuated by the display of arts tinged with the vibrant hues of traditional Yoruba attire, with Omowumi, the bride, radiating in meticulously designed outfits that paid homage to the rich Yoruba traditional cultural heritage.
The couple’s attire was a harmonious blend of gold and silver, representing royalty. There was a lavish display of the Yoruba regal Aso-Oke fabric and the Igbo Isi-Agu attire, in the coming together of two cultures through marriage.
As the couple stepped out in matching outfits, with Omowumi dazzling in a breathtaking beaded attire, exuding elegance and radiant beauty, Eze Enyinnaya added a royal touch to his regalia, together highlighting their unity and making a powerful statement of their commitment to each other.
The opulent decor in and around the venue of the ceremony, added to the grandeur of the event, creating a perfect backdrop for the couple’s special day.
Omowumi made her grand entrance, dancing elegantly with her bridesmaids and other traditional dancers. This dance was performed with a deep respect for both cultures’ heritage, creating a seamless blend that was both meaningful and cheering.
Without doubt, it was a regal ceremony as Eze Williams, a renowned engineer, came with various royal dance troupes from his homestead, where he was recently chosen as the traditional ruler of Oha-Osieke ancient kingdom in Abia State.
It was indeed a union beyond cultural boundaries, as the traditional wedding was more than just a celebration of love; it was a powerful statement on the beauty of cultural fusion.
The couple had to come home to their roots from the United Kingdom to embrace their shared future, and by that gesture set a magnificent precedent for cross-cultural unions, proving that love knows no boundaries.
Omowumi, the bride of the royal father, is a nurse trained in London. She and the Eze had been joined in holy matrimony in England, 14 years ago, but they needed to be traditionally certified and celebrated in the bride’s home community.
The traditional ratification of their marriage on Saturday, August 17, was a prelude to the crowning of Eze Williams as the traditional ruler of Oha-Osieke, an ancient kingdom in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State.
Eze Williams and Omowumi Williams will be crowned as Ohazurume the first and Ugoeze of Oha-Osieke kingdom.
Speaking at the marriage ceremony, a former deputy governor of Ondo State, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru, described the union as incomparable, noting: “It is a day that the Lord has made and it is marvelous in our sight. The husband and wife are from Abia and Ondo states, making it a unique combination. In my own family, I have such cross-culture marriages. I have three daughters married to people from the eastern states.
“My prayer is that they will live happily and enjoy the fruits of their marriage. I encourage people to marry from any part of the country as long as they are united by love.
I pray that they should live in peace and be shielded by God Almighty.”
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Uganda wished the couple a fruitful marriage and enjoined them to respect all traditional and Christian matrimonial rites to raise a happy and blissful family that would sustain a royal legacy.
Father of the bride, Pastor Michael Ajayi, said that it was a remarkable day which will not be forgotten in a hurry, “because our children that married overseas have come home to give us our traditional rights by paying the dowry. The dowry is a debt every suitor owes the family of the bride.
“In the presence of my family, kinsmen, friends, and my in-laws from Abia State, I give out my lovely daughter, Omowumi, to her heartthrob after all traditional rites had been met and certified in line with the customs of the Igoba community.”
According to the bride’s father, all the traditional rituals that distinguish the Yoruba betrothal ceremony were studiously observed, with the Eze from Abia State giving them their due before formally requesting the bride’s hand in marriage.
The groom, Eze Williams, said that the traditional marriage ceremony was one of the happiest days in his life.
He remarked: “I am very happy and grateful to God Almighty for making it possible for today to come to fulfillment. This traditional marriage has brought people from different cultures and different parts of Nigeria together. It has shown that as Nigerians, we can live in harmony as one people.
“Marriage is all about being patient and tolerant because no one is perfect. We live by the grace of God and inter-cultural marriages like this one helps to strengthen the unity of this country.”
The bride, Ugoeze Omowumi Williams, described the traditional marriage ceremony as fantastic. She said that the feeling and joy were indescribable. She affirmed that tolerance is king in any marriage, noting that wives must realise that their husbands are the heads of the family.
The president of Oha-Osieke Women Association, Mrs Felecia Emmanuel, said that women from Ugwunagbo, Oha-Osieke community came to rejoice with their royal father at his traditional marriage.
She said: “We are happy to be associated with the couple, Eze Ohazurume 1 and his lovely wife. We will guide and direct our wife so that she will live in peace with her husband and enjoy her marriage.”
Distinguished guests who graced the occasion included the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ambassador Omolade Oluwateru; traditional rulers from Yoruba land and Abia State. There were a host of traditional rulers, including the Nso 1 of Mbaso Amasaa, His Royal Majesty Eze Chris Ajuzie, the Eri Miri, the second, His Royal Highness Eze Bright Ibezim.
Other prominent dignitaries in attendance included respected personalities from government and business circles, including Chief Eze Akoma, Prime Minister of Oha-Osieke, Chief Jacob Aguomba, executive Secretary of Oha-Osieke Council and representatives of the Akparanta and Otuka families from the greater Akwete House of the Ndoki Clan, South East of Abia State.
As the festivities drew to a close, it was clear that this was not just a union of two people but a celebration of unity, diversity, and the enduring power of love.
Eze Williams and Omowumi’s commitment to blending the Igbo and Yoruba cultures showcased the perfect harmony that can be achieved when two hearts and cultures come together.
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