+ As Princess Nma Appolus Chu Weds Ajirioghene Ilaye
On Saturday, May 22, 2021, the serene Eleme community in Rivers State, came alive when revered monarch and King of Okori and Oneh Eh Nchia X, HRH Dr Ambassador Appolus Chu JP, played host to prominent dignitaries during his daughter Princess Nma Appolus Chu, got married to her heartthrob Mr. Ajirioghene Ilaye.
Notable among the guests who graced the event were; Hajia Aisha Buhari, wife of the president, Nasiru Gawuna, the Deputy Governor of Kano State, HRM Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru, the Amayanabo of Nembe Kingdom and chairman, South South Monarchs Forum, HRH Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, Shehu Usman Chindo Yamusa III, the Emir of Keffi, Senator Andrew Uchendu, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman, Governing Council, University of Port Harcourt, and many other dignitaries. They also took turns to offer royal blessings and prayers for the newly-weds.
The traditional wedding ceremony took place at the King’s Court in Ogale Eleme, and it turned out to be a seasonal community carnival. The Ekpa Osila marital rites are usually reserved for first daughters in parts of Eleme, Ogoniland. It features various traditional functions and cultural displays from the maidens of Eleme kingdom and other cultural dancers across the country.
The event began with series of activities prior to the traditional wedding ceremony. As tradition demands, the beautiful princess, being the first daughter of the family, walked to the stream to fetch water and visited the market to buy food items for her mother as well.
The ceremony also witnessed the exciting age-long traditional rituals, which are required to enable the king give out his daughter in marriage.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the close of the event, the beautiful bride, Princess Nma Appolus Chu described Eleme tradition as a beautiful exercise she would wish to experience over again. She expressed gratitude to God for enabling her to marry her fiancée, as this is a fulfillment of her dreams.
According to Princess Nma, “Eleme tradition is a very beautiful one and I believe that it will be a culture that will last till eternity. I’m very happy to marry my husband, Ajirioghene and I thank God for making the event a successful turnout. I know that it is going to be a good journey for us”
The groom, Ajirioghene Ilaye, who hails from Delta State, revealed that what attracted him to his wife was her humility and uprightness. He promised to love her unconditionally for the rest of their lives.
In his words “What really attracted me to her was her humility. She is very humble and very straightforward. These and other qualities were what really got me attracted to my beautiful wife. I’m promising to love her for the rest of my life. I pray to God to give us the grace to live together till we are very old. By the grace of God, we will live to see our grand children and great grandchildren.”
On his own part, the groom’s father, Chief Engineer John Ilaye, thanked God for the successful marriage of their children. He prayed to God to bless their union with all that they need to enjoy a happy home.
Also speaking, the Okori and Nchia Royal Queen, HRH Rev. Mrs. Grace Appolus Chu, expressed happiness and gratitude to God for the marriage, as this is the expectation of every mother to give her daughter’s away in marriage.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the marriage certificate to the couple. This was performed by Hajia Aisha Buhari, the wife of President Mohammadu Buhari. She was represented by Honourable Justice Kaabiru Dabo, a member of the Federal House of Representatives.
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