The Bride, Wuraola Otiti Obanor on the lap of the Groom’s father, Omooba Oluropo Ogunwusi

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

The mutual relationship between the Ife and Benin Kingdom was rekindled on Saturday when the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, took Miss Wuraola Otiti Obanor as his new Olori after the payment of bride price.

The ceremony which held at the house of the bride’s father, located at Ewere street, off Powerline, Etete, Benin City, attracted dignitaries from across the country and beyond.

Following the payment of the bride price, Olori Wuraola was presented to the Ife royal family at about 12.40 pm when he was seated on the lap of the father of the Ooni, HRH, Omooba Oluropo Ogunwusi, after seven counts in accordance with Benin tradition.

Oba Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife

Among dignitaries present were; HRH, Oba Adebayo Adedini (Asoya Ile-Isoya Ife), Oba Ademola Ademiluyi (Lawarikan of Ife kingdom), John Obayuwana (uncle of the bride), High chief J.A. Awe (Arode of Ife), High Chief Adebowale Olafare (Lowate of Ife), High Chief Olasode Akinropo (Waasin of Ilare, Ife kingdom). Others are Chief David Edebiri, the Esogban of Benin; HRH Idu Akenzua, the Enogie of Oghobaghase; HRH Anthony Osagie, the Enogie of Umegbe; HRH Eghosa Aimwansoba, the Enogie of Evbobuike; mother of the Ooni, Madam Margaret Ogunwusi; Alfred Eghobamien; and  Chief Kingsley Inneh.

The Bride, Wuraola Otiti Obanor , left

Commenting on the marriage ceremony, a Benin palace Chief, John Ihama, the Ihama of Benin Kingdom, said; “It is very good marriage we are doing here today. We are giving our daughter out to the Ooni of Ife today. We are very happy. We will take it to royal home from royal homes as well.”

Speaking to journalists shortly after the ceremony, father of the Bride, Mr. Williams Obanor, who expressed joy in giving his daughter out in marriage, wished his daughter a happy married life.

“I feel very happy. When you get a good thing in life, you must be grateful to God because this is all the work of God. I never thought it could be so because I never thought that one of this day I will become very close to the Ooni of Ife. Now that it has happened, I feel grateful to God. So, I wish her a happy married life.

Father of the bride, Mr. Williams Obanor, addressing journalists

“My message for her is that she has to be very polite, obedient, understanding, believing much in God and whatever she needs she will get it. If you have any problem with your husband don’t let third person to hear of it, go to him and both of you should resolve the problem together amicably.

The elated in-law to the Ife Kingdom, sent his daughter away to her matrimonial home with traditional gifts in accordance with Benin tradition.

He said; “We have a lot of gifts for her but in Benin we don’t believe in giving a car or cash. We have what goes by tradition, that is we have the local mortal, broom and the pot. These are some of the things we normally send and at least a box of clothes.”

The dignitaries later converged at the royal reception ball held in the premises of Edo Hotel, Okada Avenue, GRA, Benin, chaired by Mr. Femi Pedro. The bride rode there in  a cream Limousine.

Pedro, former deputy governor of Lagos,thanked the guests for honouring the Ooni’s invitation but said the Ooni was too big for him to advise on marital matters.