In a colourful blend of two cultures, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, got married to his new wife, Wuraola Obanor, from Edo State, at a traditional marriage held in Benin, the Edo State capital.
The wedding rites was performed in the traditional Benin culture at the residence of the bride on Ewere Street, Etete, in Oredo Local Government Area of the state.
Although the monarch was not physically present, he was, however, represented by his father, HRH Omooba Oluropo Ogunwusi.
The grand event was attended by relatives, dignitaries and friends from the Ife dynasty and the bride’s family, many of whom were dressed in white and purple attires.
Among the dignitaries present at the traditional wedding were the Lawarikan of Apoje, Ife Kingdom, Oba Ademola Ademiluyi; the Arode of Ife, High Chief J. A. Awe; the Lowate of Ife, High Chief Adebowale Olafare and the Waasin of Ilare, Ife Kingdom, High Chief Olasode Akinropo.
Wuraola was presented to the Ooni’s family by her father, Mr. Williams Obanor, at about 12:30pm, after her bride price was paid in the presence of her family.
In accordance with the Benin wedding rites, supervised by the Esogban of Benin Kingdom and other chiefs, she was placed on the laps of the Ooni’s father, after seven counts.
She was also presented with gifts from her immediate family, including a local mortar, broom and a pot, while traditional dancers from Benin and Ife entertained the guests.
The father of the bride described the wedding as a historic event in the family of the Obanors.
“I feel very happy. When you get a good thing in life you must be grateful to God because this is all the work of God. I never thought it could so because I never thought that, one of these days, I will become very close to the Ooni of Ife. Now that it has happened, I feel grateful to God. So, I wish her a happy married life.”
He also urged his daughter to live peacefully and in harmony with her husband.
“My message for her is that she has to be very polite, obedient and understanding, believing much in God and whatever she needs she will get it. If you have any problem with your husband don’t let a third person to hear of it; go to him and both of you should resolve the problem together amicably,” Obanor said.
“We have a lot of gifts for her. But in Benin, we don’t believe in giving a car or cash. We have what goes by tradition. That is, we have the local mortar, broom and the pot. These are some of the things we normally send and at least a box of cloths,” he added.
The two families and the guests later proceeded to Edo Hotel on Okada Avenue, Benin, for a grand reception awaiting the arrival of the new bride and the monarch’s father were driven to the venue in a limousine.
The event chaired by a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro, who thanked the guests for their presence.
Journalists were, however, barred from covering the reception by a stern looking female usher and a police orderly to the family of the bride, who insisted that only guests and media institutions with the invitation card would be allowed into the hall.
But it was learnt that the event was graced by personalities from all walks of life, including members of the National Assembly and government officials from Osun and Edo States. – Punch.
