Encomium
With introduction on Sunday, August 3
On Sunday, August 3, 2014, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa’s daughter, Koko kicked off her marital journey with the introduction of her would-be husband, Mr. Chimaobi Shawcross Obioha Jnr.
Held at Senator Ita-Giwa’s palatial home (Bellavista Towers), Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, the forum was for the groom to formalize his intention to marry Koko in accordance with their culture.
ENCOMIUM Weekly was there for the brief traditional ceremony that started around 3pm and ended in the evening…
THE OPENING PRAYER
The opening prayer was said by His Royal Majesty, Dr. Etim Okon Edet, paramount ruler of Bakassi and chairman, Cross River State Council of Traditional Rulers.
THE GODS APPEASED
With the demand of eight bottles of hot drinks granted by the husband-to-be’s relations, it was time to appease the gods and ancestors of the Bakassis with the pouring of libation by His Royal Highness Etubong Bassey.
THE INTRODUCTION PROPER
The highlight of the occasion was the formal presentation of Chimaobi Obioha’s request to marry Koko. Delivered in a letter to her family through Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, who represented the Obiohas, his request was promised a favourable acceptance.
HRM DR. OKON EDET RECEIVED GROOM’S APPLICATION
It was His Royal Majesty himself, Dr. Edet, who received the groom’s application to marry Koko from Ambassador Mbadiwe. Interestingly, the applicant was told he had to write at least thrice before he would be finally accepted by the bride’s people. That was before Mama Bakassi came into his rescue.
MAMA BAKASSI INTERVENED
On the issue of the groom writing more letters, the would-be mother-in-law Senator Ita-Giwa also known as Mama Bakassi informed her people that he had passed through a lot and now knows what he really wants. In response, HRM, Dr. Edet assured the Obiohas, that their son should expect a favourable response.
THE LAVISH DINNER
Expectedly, Chief (Senator) Florence Ita-Giwa treated her august guests to a lavish dinner. The official caterer was the wife of former MD/CEO of defunct All States Trust Bank, HRM Ebitimi Banigo.
In fact, the woman of means (that’s Senator Ita-Giwa) played a perfect host as she provided variety of local delicacies, cuisines and choice drinks for her esteemed guests.
ROLL CALL
A very private ceremony, it was mainly attended by close family members of the would-be groom and Senator Ita-Giwa’s people.
They included: Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, Mrs. Evelyn Shawcross Obioha, Arthur Nwandu, Ogbuagu Emeka Okwuosa, Prince Engineer Walter Eze, among others from the groom’s side.
Chief Great Ogboru also graced the occasion. From the would-be bride’s side were HRM, Dr. Etim Okon Edet, the paramount ruler of Bakassi, Cross River State and HRH. Etubong Bassey. Senator Ita-Giwa’s friend, Hajia Abbah Folawiyo also witnessed the occasion.
ABOUT CHIMAOBI SHAWCROSS OBIOHA JNR. AND KOKO ITA-GIWA
From Arondizogu, Imo State, Chimaobi Shawcross Obioha Jnr is a businessman. Koko Ita-Giwa just finished her masters. They have been dating for a while.
-UCHE OLEHI and pix by GODWIN ONEMAECHI
