FATE

94 - Traditions

Third Person POV

7 months later

22nd December, 2022.

According to Igbo traditions which have been passed from generations down to our own generation, there were seven processes involved. The first was iku aka n'uzo (introduction), iju ajuju (investigation), ihu isi nwanyi (follow up visit), ego isi nwanyi (dowry negotiations), igba nkwu (wine carrying ceremony), idu ulo (preparing the bride for her new home), imata ulo di (bride's family visiting her new home to ensure that she is well taken care of).

In Lilly's home town, the home of Chief Chinedu Johnson, in the village of Akaboezem, Uruagu town, Nnewi North local government area, Anambra state Nigeria, something was about to happen.

Today was Lilly's igba nkwu ceremony. Her introduction had been held back in Lagos. The dowry was also going to be paid today.

The front yard of the Johnson's country house was the venue of the ceremony. Canopies were set, chairs arranged and the decoration on point. Of course, the Johnson's outdid themselves, as they were the ones to sponsor the traditional marriage. There was a court for the couples, which included a couple cushion, housed their cake and the dance floor. There were two rows, on the right and left, facing each other. Then a little way in the middle. The one for the right, was for the brides family and the left, the grooms family.

Inside the house, while the  venue was still being set up, the dowry payment was going on in the living room. Only the groom, his parents, uncles and kinsmen (umunna) plus the brides parents, brother and kinsmen (umunna) were allowed to get present, according to traditions.

The Daniels provided everything on the list which included three big gallons of palm wine, ten cartons of malt, five crates of Heineken and gilder each, three cartons of star Radler, for the umunna and father. They also brought two goats and one cow, two bags of rice, two bags of beans, fourty tubers of yam, a full basin of onions, five large stock fishes head, for the umuada and mother. Jewelries specifically for the mother of the bride, three different lace materials, four George wrapper, and three high target ankaras, also for her. Lemuel also provided five pair of shoes, a make up kit, two big travelling boxes and two pairs of wristwatches specifically for the parents.

Talk about the Igbo people being extra.

This was nothing for the Daniels to provide, they had more than anyone could imagine.

And guess what, the bride price was just a sum of fifty thousand naira. So cheap! Right. I mean parents of these days now understand that their daughters are not for sale.

Once all the processes of ime ego were completed, the two families exchanged pleasantries. The two fathers even greeted themselves, using their akupe.

Imediately after this, the igba nkwu ceremony began with the arrival of guests. The umuada arrived first, followed by the chiefs (ndi ichie) who were well dressed in their native isi agu attire, beads, walking stick and okpu ozo. Some other group of men arrived wearing the okpu agu. The youths of the community also arrived, then friends and well wishers.

Once the groom arrived with his entourage and family, the parents of the bride went out, to greet their in-laws. They also offered them special seats A family member was called upon, Mabel, to present kolanut and drinks. Everything done, just as traditions demand.

Before the opening prayer, the live band had already began to play traditional music, the dj was present too.

When both families were sure that guests had arrived enough for the occasion to begin, the Mc took over and announced that it was time for opening prayers.