The Esan and Kalabari communities witnessed a renewed bond of unity at the weekend as the families of Iyamabo and Datubo converged in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for the traditional marriage of Fred Iyamabo and Victoria Datubo.
The ceremony was formally announced in a statement signed by Jenewari Ntiego Alioma, Secretary, Ogo Elebabene Group of Houses.
The event, steeped in culture and long held customs, featured the Igbe finji ceremony which involved the opening of the box containing the items brought by the groom as it was supervised by the women.
This was followed by the bibi fe ritual, known as the buying of the mouth, during which both families exchanged and tasted assorted Kalabari dishes specially prepared to symbolize unity and acceptance.
A notable aspect of the ceremony was the cultural requirement that the bride must not smile until all expectations had been fully met.
Victoria kept a composed expression until her family, represented by the women, confirmed that all traditional obligations had been satisfactorily fulfilled.
Their loud expression of approval prompted her to display a bright smile, signifying acceptance of the marriage proposal and the gifts presented.
Chairman of the occasion and brother in law to the groom, Prince Tonye TJT Princewill, said the ceremony was more than a marriage between two individuals.
He described it as a reaffirmation of communal harmony which, according to him, is needed now more than ever in Nigeria.
He recalled that a similar event took place twenty seven years earlier when his own family travelled to Benin for his traditional marriage to Rosemary.
He noted that the couple first met in his London home long before anyone imagined how their paths would cross again.
Victoria, fondly called Sandisco by the late King who was Princewill’s father, is also his cousin.
After the conclusion of the rites, guests were entertained with cultural music, the cutting of the cake and prayers led by Deacon George Betts.
The bride’s family was represented by her elder sister, Mrs Eva Dagogo Princewill, and her brothers Eddy Datubo, Will Datubo and Henry Datubo.
The groom’s family was led by the matriarch, Mrs Flora Iyamabo, accompanied by his sisters Caroline Ademiluyi, Elizabeth Uwaifo, Rita Odutola, Florence Iyamabo, Rosemary Princewill and Regina Jemide, as well as his brother Victor Iyamabo.
The event, anchored by Barrister Adaye Duke and Chief Daogigo Amachree, continued well into the early hours of the morning as guests danced and enjoyed traditional meals including the popular boli and fish.