ODD WORLD

ODD WORLD: WOMEN CONDUCT TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE.

It was joy unspeakable for the Family of Evangelist Thomas Oru in
Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State as their Son,Steve
Oru,A.k.a,Dr. Dray, marries former Miss Stephanie Omongbale Daughter
of Mr.Sunday Omongbale of Ubiaja in Esan West Local Government Area of
Edo State and Maternally from Chief Johnson Ariidaregoari Jim Jack of
Abonnema,Headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers
State on Saturday December 7,2013 at Living Faith Church(Winners
Chapel)in Okuru Edokia Community,Abuloma Road,Port-Harcourt,Rivers
State.
In a message titled"understand the convenant responsibility in
marriage" Pastor Peter Obulor described charged the couple to build
their marriage on the foundation of God Almighty noting that any
marriage that does not depend on God will never stand the test of
times. The cleric who described marriage as the idea of God to bless
mankind also adviced the groom to always pray,apply wisdom,protect and
provide for his family,show continous love as well as exhibit
understanding noting that whatever happens in his family,he will be
held responsible as the head of the family. Pastor Obulor who drew his
texts from Gen 2:18 and Ephesians 5, adviced the Delectable Bride to
be submissive and show respect to her hubby as well as be a home-maker
and a prayerful woman for her marriage to succeed.
Guests were later treated to a lavished reception held at Okuru-Ama
Community field,Okuru,Edokia Community Abuloma,Rivers State.
Earier,the Groom,Steve Oru led Members of Late Mr.David
Emonigho,Sir&Lady Bubu,the Oru Families,friends and relatives to
Abonnema Community where the traditional marriage ceremony took place
on Thursday December 5. High points of the event was the cutting of
their wedding cake.
Unlike other ethic nationalities, the traditional marriage ceremony
of the Kalabari people to which Abonnema Community was conducted by
women. In an exclusive interview with our Correspondent,Chief Ellias
Korubor said the traditional marriage ceremony which is popularly
referred to as "babifeh" is in three stages namely;1.Aigberemi(she is
with me ie, a form of introduction) 2.Egwaah(study the character of
the woman) &3.Eyaah(complete marriage). Chief Korubor explained
that,While the first stage(Aigberemi) is usually done with few bottles
of drinks and little money,the second stage(Egwaah) ninety percent of
the bride price is expected to be done with items like bags of
salts,bottles of wines,box of clothes and certain amount paid as the
dowry. The third stage (Eyaah) is the final stage of the marriage
ceremony where the expected to fulfill all other rights traditionally.
The Kalabari Chief said Abonnema which is the Headquarters of
Akuku-Toru Local Government Area,Rivers State was founded by the
following Kalabari Warriorss;Chief Young Briggs(Chief  Inikeiroari
Iso-Owu briggs)Chief Ekine Manuel,Chief Otaji,Chief Owukori
Manuel,Chief Jack,Chief Young Jack,Chief Boy Whyte,Chief Black Duke
etc in 1882.
Abonnema is one of the 23 LGA's  and one of the 33 villages of that
made up the Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State.
He decsribed the Kalabari people as peace loving and hospitable noting
that their economic main-stay is fishing,trading and exporting of
crude oil.