rom David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Amichi community in Nnewi South Council Area, Anambra State, the home of the Second Republic Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Edwin Ume-Ezeoke was agog weekend when his cousin and an ex-seminarian, Prince Eric Chinedu Ume-Ezeoke picked his heartthrob, former Princess Nikiru Blessing Okechukwu Ibe as a life partner.
The traditional wedding ceremony which showcased Amichi cultural heritage was heavily attended by captains of industry, business moguls, government functionaries, the clergy, and indeed people from all walks of life.
The most popular DJ in town, according to an investigation, and a Master of Ceremony (MC) with his rib-cracking and comic performance were on the ground to ensure there was no dull moment. Two major traditional music bands were also very busy demonstrating their skills intermittently to the satisfaction of traditional music lovers.
After the preliminary stage of welcoming the bride, greetings and reception of the in-laws, kola nut presentation, going through the list to ensure that all items on it were presented, among other things for which Umunna ( the bride’s kinsmen) nodded for approval, it was time to dance.
Dressed in attires that reflected the background of prince and princess, the love birds came up to the stage with the DJ releasing the best number for the moment.
At this time, the Prince had charged and got intoxicated with the music. He stepped forward, moved in a semi-circle, advanced to the Princess who quickly received his hand, drew him to her chest, and then released him. The dance began in earnest.
Momentarily, the bridegroom initiated another dance step that paired him up with the Princess again before they continued to dance separately.
Meanwhile, family members, friends and well-wishers had been busy spreading currency notes of various denominations to appreciate the couple as they danced.
In an interview with the bridegroom after the event, he briefly talked about himself and how he got Nkiru who he described as his happiness.
“The former Speaker, Hon Edwin Ume-Ezeoke is my uncle and His Royal Highness, Alphonsus Oforbike Ezeoke, Igwe Amichi is my first cousin. I’m his Personal Assistant (PA).
“I attended Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu where I had my degree in Philosophy (Second Class Upper).
“I would have been a Reverend Father but some people in my community wrote a petition against me for no just cause. Some members of my community tried to remedy the situation and my innocence was proved but the Catholic authorities refused to reverse it. Well, I have put that behind me.
“One of the personalities who graced the traditional wedding, Chief Cletus Ibeto told me not to worry about that. He said that I might have been dead by now or be a bad priest. He told me that where I’m today is where God wants me to be,” the Prince explained.
Since he was not a Reverend Father, the Prince said he promised himself to marry at the age of 35.
“I told myself that I will get married at the age of 35 years. I’m 35 now. I prayed to God that anyone who will come into my life at 35 will be my wife. I met my wife in October last year and since then we have been best of friends.
“Everybody has shortcomings, she has, I have but I must tell you that I have found my happiness. I was told in my dream that she is my wife. That happened after having a conversation with her when we met, ” he said.
He said on behalf of his nuclear and extended family members he showed appreciation to Chief Cletus Ibeto for gracing the occasion. He said he was exceedingly thankful to him. Others he appreciated were Prince Chinedu Orizu of Orizu Motors; Obinechendo, the Nnewi Crown Prince; Prince Jude Osumuo, President, Nnewi Chamber of Commerce; Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu; Dr Akukwu Nsoedo; Sir Jeff Okeke; Chief Nnemmanwu Ume-Ezeoke; committee of friends, Ndi Obiagu and all his siblings, friends and well-wishers for the successful outing.
Commenting on the traditional wedding, Igwe Oforbike Ezeoke said he blessed Eric who he described as his son and his wife. He prayed for them and wished them a successful marital life.
“Eric is my son. The blessing of a father to a son is my blessing to him. The marriage will be successful. I will help in whichever way to make sure it’s successful, ” he said.