Encomium
The families of Prince Henry Omorodion, the Odunonaba of Benin Kingdom and Elder Bright Inegbeniki, became one as their daughter, Helen, and son, Francis, staged their traditional marriage at Henry Omorodion’s family house, Chris Alli Crescent, Abacha Estate, 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos. Reception followed at Ruby Gardens, Lekki, Lagos expressway, beside Oando Mega station.
ENCOMIUM Weekly had a chat with the couple and family members:
‘We have been friends for long’
– HELEN INEGBENIKI, bride
How do you feel today?
I feel so excited and happy. It’s a day I have been waiting for. I’m so happy.
What can you say about your husband?
My husband is a wonderful person and a perfect man for me. He is caring, selfless, loving and kind.
How about your education background?
I studied Business Administration at the University of Benin.
Tell us how the journey started?
In fact, it’s a funny story but we thank God today. We have been friends for long. We travelled together severally, then we became friends, lovers, husband and wife.
How did he propose to you?
No, I don’t want to talk about that. It’s private.
How romantic is your husband?
Of course, my husband is very romantic and funny.
How many children are you planning to have?
Three children. We already have two.
‘SHE HAS GOOD MANNERS AND HIGHLY DISCIPLINED’
– High chief, Francis Inegbeniki, groom
How do you feel today?
I feel very happy and lifted. Today is one of my happiest moments. Today, I’m married to my wife that I really love, the woman in whom I found love, peace and joy. I’m very happy.
What can you say about your wife?
When you see Helen, you will agree with me that she is a pretty woman. Above all, she has good manners, character and highly disciplined.
What do you wish this marriage?
Success in our marriage and peace that supercedes everything.
‘She should put God first in everything’
– MRS. OMORODION, bride’s mother
How do you feel about today?
I feel happy. Any marriage without the consent of the parents is not authentic. So, I’m very happy for both of them. I wish Francis and Helen long life and a very happy marriage. I wish them God’s guidance and abundant blessing in Jesus name.
What is your advice for the couple?
They should put Christ first in their marriage and should pray together. In every situation, they should remember God.
For how long have you been waiting to see this kind of marriage?
I have been waiting for this for a very long time, like three years ago. So, I’m so happy today that my heart’s desire has been fulfilled. As a mother, if your daughter’s bride price is not paid, they are just staying together as lovers. But now, I’m so happy they are husband and wife.
What advice will you like to give to them?
Especially to my daughter, she should have perseverance. She should crave God’s guidance. She should put Christ in the centre of their family and respect the husband. As Christ is the head of the church, so our husbands.
Whatever her husband wants her to do, she should do but she should also have her own opinion. She should register her own opinion in a polite and diplomatic manner.
You have been in marriage for years, what has kept you in marriage till now?
I have been in marriage for 40 years plus now. What has kept me in marriage is first, I respect my husband. Second, I put God at the centre of our marriage. And third, understanding.
‘I wish them blissful marriage’
PRINCE HENRY OMORODION, Bride’s father
How do you feel today?
Today is great. I’m very happy.
For how long have you been waiting for this kind of event?
Just occasionally. Once you have female children, you should be expecting a bride price.
What was your reaction the first day you saw your son-law?
You just have to accept what your daughter wants.
What is your wish for the couple?
I wish them success and blissful marriage.
What advice would you like to give them?
They should always be in harmony and stay together.
‘It’s a great wedding’ – DINO MELAYE
How do you feel about today’s event?
It’s a very wonderful day for my friend. Marriage is an institution ordained from heaven. It’s a great wedding, well organised, well attended and my prayer is that God will sustain them. God will bless the marriage and there should be absolute peace in their home.
– DAPO ADESEKO
