Oguta, Nigeria – End of year activities in the natural lake town of Oguta in Imo State Nigeria usually attract thousands of indigenes who participate actively at events during the Christmas and New Year holidays. For the Oputa family, it was a great time to celebrate the wedding of their daughter, Olivia to her lover; Ugo Okere. The white wedding which held in Owerri was followed by a night traditional marriage hosted at the home of Justice Oputa in Oguta.
Traditionally, the most senior member of the family hosts such ceremonies which is characterised customary rights and the joining of township groups such as age grades. It’s also a time for the presentation of gifts by the grooms family and the acceptance by the brides family. The payment of dowry also marks a significant part of the night event. On this occasion, the brides father humbly returned the dowry stating that it was not customary to sell his daughter, The statement was followed by applause, handshakes and and exchange of drinks, kolanuts and aligator pepper. The couple later dance home at midnight accompanied by the brides age grade.
by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa Nigeria
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