Elizabeth and Samuel weave a story of tradition, unity, and forever at the crossroads of Kogi and Edo.”

In a celebration that blended with tradition and commitment, Elizabeth and Samuel embarked on the sacred journey of matrimony today.

With the blessings of their parents, Mr. & Mrs. Reuben Abubakar from Olamaboro, Kogi state, and Reverend Friday Ihensekhien from Esan East, Edo state, the couple’s union was sealed in the warmth love and cultural richness.

The traditional marriage unfolded at the residence of Mr. Reuben in Angwan Pete Jaji, setting the stage for a day filled with joy and cherished moments.

Amidst a backdrop of warmth and regal presence, the father of the bride, Mr Abubakar, joined by esteemed royal fathers, extended heartfelt gratitude to Barr. Samuel Ihensekhien Jnr. In a solemn acknowledgment, they commended his bold step in seeking their daughter’s hand in marriage. With a blend of wisdom and affection, they seized the moment to impart valuable advice to the groom, emphasizing the importance of good conduct and tender care for their beloved daughter. As prayers echoed in the air, the collective wishes for a harmonious union resonated, invoking God’s choicest blessings upon this sacred journey of love.

In a poignant interplay of fatherly role, Reverend Friday Ihensekhien and other family members, not just as the father of the groom but as a symbol of spiritual guidance, warmly received Elizabeth into the embrace of the matrimonial journey. His gracious acknowledgment of the sacred administration mirrored not only the intertwining of two families but the convergence of faith and love.

With a fatherly demeanor, Reverend Ihensekhien entrusted Elizabeth into the care of his son, Barr. Samuel. In this symbolic act, he extended not only a physical handover but a spiritual benediction, promising to watch over and nurture the union that was unfolding before them.

As he handed Elizabeth to Barr. Samuel, Reverend Ihensekhien spoke words that resonated with a father’s commitment, assuring to take good care of her. In this harmonious blend of fatherly role and spiritual blessings, a foundation was laid for a union that sought not only earthly companionship but one anchored in the enduring values of care, devotion, and shared faith.

In a poignant display of cherished tradition, the father of the bride Mr Abubakar stood with unwavering conviction as he reclaimed the bride price, a symbolic gesture that resonated with the profound belief that his daughter was never meant for sale. This time-honored ritual, deeply rooted in their community, transcends material transactions, emphasizing the priceless nature of love and family bonds. As the coins changed hands, it marked not just the return of valuables but an affirmation that in the sacred union of marriage, the essence of their daughter’s worth cannot be measured by any currency.

The second phase of the marriage which marked the outdoor appearance of the bride and groom in the public was preceded with a spiritually charged prayer by Prophet Sanctus from the Light of Christ Liberation Ministry, widely known as the Alter of Liberation, who kick started the second phase of the traditional marriage with profound blessings and sacred invocations of the Trinity. The revered prophet. prayed for the couple to embark on their matrimonial journey under the unction of the Trinity.

Amidst this spiritual embrace, dignitaries, including Chief Patrick Eholor, took center stage to extend heartfelt congratulations to the couple. Chief Eholor, a man of few words but great influence, conveyed his warm wishes in a succinct speech that echoed with sincerity. His brevity added a touch of eloquence to the celebration, encapsulating the essence of joy and camaraderie that characterized the moment.

As the traditional marriage unfolded, the amalgamation of spiritual blessings and heartfelt congratulations by Chief Eholor set a tone of unity and celebration, marking the beginning of a union fortified by both divine grace and well-wishing.

In a delightful interlude during the celebration, the air was filled with joyous anticipation as the couple stood in a cherished tradition of cutting their cake. The ceremonial knife, held by the mother and daughter entwined with promises, sliced through layers of sweetness, symbolizing the shared parental joys they would encounter in their marital journey.

However, what unfolded next was not merely a customary feeding exchange. In a heartwarming deviation from the norm, the bride, Elizabeth, took the lead in feeding her mother. This act, laden with symbolism, radiated a profound expression of love, bridging generational ties and emphasizing the enduring bond between a daughter and her mother. The crowd bore witness to a moment where tradition met innovation, encapsulating the essence of family connection and reciprocal affection.

As the sweetness of the cake lingered on palates, the unspoken narrative of love, respect, and intergenerational unity unfolded, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who witnessed this unique and touching segment of the matrimonial celebration.

The wedding celebration reached its climax with a spirited display of dancing steps that mirrored the rhythm of joy pulsating through the venue. Elizabeth and Samuel, surrounded by jubilant friends and family, moved in harmony, their steps narrating a tale of newfound union and shared happiness.


The atmosphere transformed into a spectacle of love as the air became adorned with currency notes. In a heartwarming tradition, guests showered the dancing couple with a cascade of notes, each note symbolizing not just a gesture of celebration but an offering of well-wishes for a prosperous and abundant life together.

This money rendition, a vibrant expression of communal joy and goodwill, added a crescendo to the festivities. The dance floor transformed into an art of colors and sounds, with every step and every fluttering note weaving a narrative of love, prosperity, and communal celebration. As the night embraced the echoes of joy and music, Elizabeth and Samuel’s traditional marriage became not just a union of hearts but a jubilant symphony of love that resonated far beyond the dance floor.

As the sun set on this auspicious day, the echoes of vows exchanged and blessings bestowed lingered in the air. 9news Nigeria was on hand to provide due diligence for the traditional engagement.

Meanwhile, the Church wedding slated for tomorrow 3rd February, 2024, at St Peter’s Military Cantonment, Jaji, Kaduna state, will add spiritual touch to the union. In the embrace of tradition and devotion, this union promises to be a testament to enduring love and shared dreams

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About Francis Xavier 183 Articles
Editor/Political analyst and 9News Nigeria Abuja correspondent.