By Samuel Ogude
It is unarguable that there are three basic stages of man’s existence – which are worthy of remembrance and celebration: the day one is born, the day one gets married and the day one dies.
Without further argument, out of the three stages, the one man actually experiences and celebrates is the day he gets married while the day the man is born, it is the parents of the baby, the family and neighbours around that actually know that a baby is born and are happy. The baby only cries to express itself of the harsh environment it suddenly finds itself which is quite different from the warm environment (mother’s womb) which its 9th-month completed that day.
On the day man dies, it is the children, grand-children, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunties, in-laws, and the neighbours that are aware, mourn and celebrate – all things being equal and the dead is lain to rest- unknown to him.
It is against this background (second stage of life – the necessity of marriage) that the family of Comrade Samuel Ogbemuvire and Mrs Ishioma Ogude of Boboroku Jesse (Idjerhe) in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State and Mr. Lugard Oduma and Late Mrs Helen Iroghama Osasere of Oke -Irhue Community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State have to join their children: Ejiro Vivian Ogude and Deacon Justice Osazee Osasere together in holy matrimony. The traditional marriage which took place on the 4th of December, 2025 at Mr. Nesisa Ogude’s Compound, Udu-Urhobo Quarter in Boboroku (Ago) Town Jesse (Idjerhe) in Ethiope West Local Government Area Delta State, saw both families and invitees seated at about 11.00 am for the ceremony to kick off in grandstyle.
In few minutes that followed, the traditional procedures were carried out as both of them were joined according to Urhobo’s law and tradition and now addressed as Deacon and Mrs Ejiro Justice Osasere. The joy of the completion of the entire process which made them couple, was greeted with celebration as music vibrated the air. The couple who were adorned with wine and gold beaded traditional attire, gorgeously marched into reception arena and hit the ground with family members and invited guests as the music rented the air. The fingers of the DJ of the day popularly called Alaye worked on the stereo. The uninvited guests who stood to watch the scene had no choice but joined the dance group.
As music vibrated the air, entertainment of guests went on while family members had their fill in the house. The clement weather made the party last as many invitees wanted the ceremony continue because there were enough food and drinks to fill the stomach just as different group photographs of the couple, couple and parents and well-wishers went on. To mention but a few notable Nigerians from far and near including the immediate past State Council Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and the NUJ Chairman, Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Okpomor Victor graced the traditional ceremony.
Did the ceremony end there? Of course, NO! On Saturday, 6th December, 2025, came the second segment- the white man’s culture- wedding. In the morning of that fateful day, all roads led to Bread of Life Ministries Int., No I, Ebuwa Street, Off Palace Road, Obagie, Nevho- Osa Community, Off Ogheghe, Off Sapele Road, Benin City, Edo State. The invitees who graced wedding at Benin City, Edo State, the land of Culture and Jolly, Jolly according to Edo born music icon, Late Ambassador Osayomore Joseph, became doubled of the traditional marriage in Boboroku Jesse (Idjerhe) as the church was filled to capacity.
It took church traffic officers some skills to manage vehicles parking lot. Great Ministers of the gospel, politicians, academics, who, time failed the writer to identify but the one who must be mentioned is Prof. Jerry Orhue a Senior Lecturer and Dean of Life Sciences University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Edo State and Founder/General Overseer of Grace Vine Chapel International, Benin City.
The officiating Minister and Resident Pastor, Pastor Jolly Omoruyi Owie did not fail to admonish the couple the need to invite God into their marriage as they were about to begin a new home . In his sermon, he told them that marriage is an institution ordained by God. He charged the wife to respect her husband just as the husband should love and protect his wife. His words:” God is the originator and initiator of marriage – that makes it important to go back to God to teach us how to manage our marriage. Nobody can teach you better than God…”
“As husband, love your wife, a woman falls in love with man who shows her love, attention and care. Wife, respect your husband. The wife who doesn’t respect her husband is out of it.”, he stressed. The cleric quoted many portions of the Holy Bible which include John 2: 1-8 to stress the importance of inviting God into one’s marriage for peace to reign and abundant blessings to be in such relationships.
It was after the sermon that the Pastor Owie joined them together in christian way and prayed for both the couple, their family members and the entire congregation. The couple along with their parents and invitees hit the ground again as music vibrated in the air. This time around, it was the instrumentalists of the church that vibrated the air with music and the couple were led once again, to the reception where the family members and invitees had their share of their food and drinks set on the different tables. The dancing continued just as food and drinks went round more for the guests.
There were different group’s photographs: the couple, couple and family members and other well-wishers. The couple expressed gratitude for their parents, the Pastor, the invited guests and others who have made the marriage a success. Did it end here? NO! On Sunday, 7th December, there was thanksgiving in the same church – all to the glory of God. The memory of the marriage would continue to be on those who graced the occasion for the days – now and time to come.