By Ingram Osigwe
In far away Hanover, Maryland, United States of America, it was glamour, glitz pomp and pageantry recently as Ugochukwu Ezenna and Adaobi Nweke tied the knots traditionally, known in the Igbo culture as ngba nkwu nwayi ( wine carrying of a bride).
The array of dignitaries that graced the carnival-like traditional wedding underscored the influence of the couple’s parents in the society. Many of the dignitaries – business associates and partners of the father of the groom flew in from Nigeria and different parts of the world, including Indonesia etc. to identify with, and felicitate him as his son bid bye to bachelorhood.
While Ugochukwu, handsome and unassuming, is the son of an industrialist and captain of industry, Sir Tony Ezenna (Ijele Akokwa), Chairman, Orange Group; Adaobi, a quintessentially beautiful lady, is the daughter of another accomplished personality in the society, Chief Paul Nweke, a professional health worker in the US.
The newest couple was a delight to behold as they intertwined and dissolved into each others embrace during dancing time.
And while performing her first traditional duty as a loyal and submissive wife, Adaobi, with love and affection written all over her, dutifully handed a cup of wine to Ugo signifying confirmation of him as her choice for a spouse. The passionate kisses that followed sent the hall exploding with applause.
Mothers of the groom and bride – Lady Elizabeth Ezenna and Lady Nneka Nweke further enlivened the ambience of the hall with their electrifying dancing steps. Both women later expressed delight that their children found love and comfort in each other.
Among the dignitaries that graced the colourful Igba nkwu were Ekulo Group Chairman, Chief (Sir) Emma Bishop Okonkwo & wife, Lady Ngozi Okonkwo, Chief Felix Ezeamama (Fezel) Nze Agina Onuoha, Attorney Okey Dike & Dr (Mrs) Oge Dike, Barr Chijioke Nzekwe, Mrs Chika Mgbemena, Chief Jeff Ukachukwu, Chief and Mrs KC Obioha (Clear essence), Chief Chika & Luphina Ukaigwe, Chief Ralph Obijiofor, Sir Chidi and Lady Dr Nneka Chiege, Hon Jones Onyeriri and Chief Iju Nwabunike.
Others include Chief Mike Obioha, Dr Chuks Obiesie, Chief Okey Achigbu, Barr Osita Mbamalu, Mr Jonathan Budi Sudharta and Mrs Yulia P Hidayat.
With the traditional wedding done and dusted, Ugo and Adaobi are now set to also seal their union with a Church wedding which comes up next month, August.
– Ingram Osigwe is the media Adviser to Sir Tony Ezenna.
