E Jerry's Daughter, Obehioye Anegbe Weds Israel Ogunshakin, Amidst Display of Two Traditions
By: Oriaifoh Godwins
On Friday, the 21st June 2024, the family of Engineer Jerry Anegbe Itemezi, of Efandion Quarters in Uromi, Esan North East local government area of Edo state, gave their daughter, Obehioye Anegbe out in marriage to Israel Ogunshakin, son of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Ogunshakin of Iyayu quarters, Idoani, in Ose local government area of Ondo state.
The traditional wedding rites that held at Uromi, at the home of Mr. Peter Anegbe Itemezi, the eldest brother to the father of the bride, was more like the marriage of Esan and Yoruba cultures as displayed by the showering of praises (Oriki, in Yoruba language) on the groom by the groom’s father and his aunt, while the Esan tradition and culture, was also displayed in the attire used in adoring the new couple even as the Igbabonelimin, and Asonogun dancers were on ground to display what only the Esan nation knows how to do best.
In his short, but very ‘loaded’ sermon, that he titled, “The Blessedness of Marriage”, Apostle Orokpo said; “…the reason why many give up easily in this marriage institution, is because, they do not know the blessings attached to marriage, such as favour; Proverbs: 18:22; Exponential power, Deuteronomy: 32:30; Earthly rewards, Eccl: 4;9-12".
Again, he said; "...marriage that are conducted and lived according to biblical principles makes your abode the habitation of God’s blessings, Psalm: 133:1-3”
Finally, quoting Ephesians 5; 22-28, Apostle Orokpo gave two formulas for sustaining peace in the home, as; wife’s total submission to her husband, husband’s total and unconditional love for the wife; and Ephisians 5:18-21, they should be both continually filled with the holy ghost.
After the solemnization rites, the reception of guests followed immediately with lots and lots to eat and drink.
Speaking with Esan Magazine, the father of the groom, Pa Alfred Ogunshakin, expressed his joy, saying; “…for me, my son coming to marry here in Uromi, Edo state, is like homecoming, because, we of the Iyayu quarters in Idoani, Ondo state, migrated from Benin in 1920, to settle in Idoani; Today, is homecoming for us. Glory be to God that my son is coming back home, and to a lovely home, to take a bride”.
The groom’s mother, Mrs. Ogunshakin, a native of Badagry in Lagos state, also spoke with Esan Magazine. She expressed her joy saying; “it is a thing of joy, and I give glory to God that kept me alife for me to witness this glorious day. My wish and prayers for Israel and Obehi, is for them to go back to Canada and multiply in all areas of their lives….”
On her part, the bride’s mother Mrs. Jerry Eiyegbenin Anegbe. Said; “I am very glad to see my daughter getting married today. As she goes to her husband’s home, my prayer is that, God will bless her, endow her with love, respect, tolerance to be able to live peacefully not only with her husband, but also with the family of her husband; and may God give them the grace to make their home the home of Christ, and I pray that the love of Christ will never depart from them and the children that will come, in Jesus’ name….”
Admonishing the couple at the wedding reception, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Patrick Anegbe, who is also an elder brother to the father of the groom, advised the bride that her beauty should not be just for the day so that she will always be attracted to her husband, as every man wants to see his wife neat and beautiful.
Advising the groom, he said; “…so Israel, you are the head of the family, it is your responsibility to keep and protect your wife at all time. Sometimes, your wife may do what you don’t like, please, don’t expose her to the public…”
“…your duty is to provide for her; that makes you the head of the family…”
Chief Anegbe also advised the couple to be prayerful and ensure that God comes first in everything they do, saying, a family that prays together, lives together. He prayed for good health, children and all round success for the union, saying; “...and above all, I pray that this marriage will be blessed with the fear of God, so that you will live and bring up your children in a good Christian home…”
Miss Stella Aiyegbenin, a sister to the bride, and the Chief bridesmaid, prayed that God will be with them in this matrimonial journey, that the favour of God will never depart from their homes, that their children will be a blessing to them and to the world.
The best man, Mr. Sheriff Lawal, who is also based in Canada, wished the couple a happy and peaceful marriage. “…I pray that, this marriage bear lovely fruits; and may God enlarge their coasts beyond their imagination”.
Expressing his gratitude to God for finding a wife, and the successful ceremony, the groom, who described his wife as ‘super generous’, and a supportive woman, said; “…I think I have a calling upon my life, I know I am going to bless many nations, and I need a woman that can key into that vision. Those are the super qualities that I see in my wife…”
“my in-laws are awesome, they are super friendly. My father in-law, and the entire family were very supportive all through the time of the planning of this marriage ceremony to date. May God bless them…”.
The groom described his mother in-law as a woman that goes straight to the point and always ready to support in every way possible.
The bride, Mrs. Obehioye Ogunshakin, described her husband as a kind man with a kind heart saying; “he is one of the kindest people I know; secondly, he lives by examples and wouldn’t expect you to do something that he would not do. He is very patient with me, and very respectful, and I must add that, he is more generous than I am. These are the striking qualities he has…”
“I am very grateful to God and I am glad that I met this wonderful man”.
Chief Agbator, the Okwesangbe of Ebelle Kingdom, the Chief Executive Officer of Chosen Hotels, and a Kano based business man, is one of the dignitaries that graced the occasion. Chief Abgator said; “it is a great joy when your daughter is being given out to marriage. I have come to celebrate with my friend who is marrying out his daughter today”.
“as we have done this for them, I pray they equally grow to mature in the marriage and also do same to celebrate their children’s marriage as well. I wish them a very good and prosperous marriage blessed with children and abundance of money to take care of their children….”
Eminent personalities from different walks of life, including Bishop Mathew Okpebholo, the Managing Director, Ray Royal Construction, Justice Acha, Alhaji Musa Isiwelle, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chieftain, Chief Agbator, CEO, Chosen Group of Hotels, Hon. Kingsley Ehigiamusoe, former member, Edo state House of Assembly, and former Deputy Chief of Staff to Edo state Deputy Governor, Hon. Moses Obakpolor, the Chief Protocol Officer to Edo state Governor and Mr. Peter Iwelomen, the Publisher, Esan Magazine and the Correspondent Magazine
Others include, Reverend Professor Robert and Rev. Mrs. Ruth Ebuade, Rev. E.O Irabor, Rev. A. A Edomwonyi, and a host of other men of God.
The old boys Association of Esan Grammar School, Uromi, were also well represented to felicitate with one of their own, Engr. Jerry, the father of the groom.
Shedy Entertainment, DJ, and Evangelist Naomi, a gospel artist, supplied the music.
Comments
Post a Comment