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… Ohakim, Ilomuanya Tony Chukwu, Obi Cubana Ahize, Nwosu, grace ocassion
By Njoku Macdonald Obinna
•The new couple: Mr and Mrs Azikwe
It was simply the most well attended traditional wedding ceremony in Imo for the record time; as a galaxy of personalities drawn from the political and business class, members of the Diplomatic Corps, foriegn investors, religious leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and top-notch social clubs in Nigeria gathered at the Obi-Udo palatial Anara country home of High Chief Duru Mike Ejiogu, Traditional Prime Minister of Anara Ancient Kingdom, Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State, as the serial entrepreneur, real estate mogul and respected community leader gave out his beautiful daughter (Akudo Stephanie Ejiogu)’s hand in marriage to her heartrob, Dr. Frank Arinze Azikwe, in a traditional way.
The former Miss Akudo Stephanie Ejiogu and Dr. Frank Azikwe’s love story is nothing short of extraordinary; a divine meeting orchestrated by God, and marked by mutual respect, admiration, and unwavering commitment as the two stand as pillars of strength and form an indomitable force to navigate through a new phase of life as newly married couple as Igbo tradition demands. Just 24 years; the former Miss Akudo Stephanie Ejiogu nay Mrs. Stephanie Frank Azikwe was born into the highly revered family of High Chief & Lolo Duru Mike Ejiogu, from Umudo village Anara, in the Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
Stephanie, a very beautiful fair -in- complexion lady of elegance and substance , radiates charisma, grace, humility, and with strong respect for family values despite her rich background as the daughter of a wealthy man; Chief Mike Ejiogu (Onuowu of Anara Ancient Kingdom). Beyond her striking beauty lies an intellect and boundless ambition, as she has already carved her path to success working as a manager at the Citygate Saloon and Spa upon graduation from the Veritas University, Abuja, contributing to the family’s legacy. Akudo Stephanie Ejiogu is a good combination of beauty, brain, bold, soft-speaking, and with tender love as she exudes a cheerful vibe that adds to her youthful and amiable demeanour.
The traditional marriage rite which was performed in the presence of the Umunna; that is, Umudo kinsmen of the bride’s father, High Chief Mike Ejiogu (Onuowu Anara), as they conducted the administration of the marriage rites of their Onitsha North LGA, Anambra State in-laws, including negotiations with the groom’s family on the dowry to be paid for the bride (the precious sweet fruit, odara nwanu) they came to pluck from the compound of the bride’s parents, High Chief & Lolo Duru Mike Ejiogu, Traditional Prime Minister of Anara Ancient Kingdom. It was a show of traditional inclusivity and community involvement as both in-laws; the Umudo Anara kinsmen of Chief Mike Ejiogu and their Azikwe’s Anambra in-laws exchanged handshake with their backhands and walking sticks with the traditional greetings of ` Igbo Kwenu ` having fulfilled the marriage rite stipulated in the list.
Accompanied by her amazing bridal train, in a most exquisite appearance and unmatchable beauty, the obviously elated former Miss Akudo Stephanie Ejiogu was elegantly adorned in stunning gold, milk, and red colored expensive Igbo cultural attires with a touch of Isi-Agu as she received her parent’s traditional blessings to be married to her heartrob, Dr. Frank Arinze Azikwe, a US trained Medical Doctor, who is the son of Elder Victor and Mrs. Jane Azikwe; grandson of the late Zik of Africa , His Excellency, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, GCFR (Owelle of Onitsha); the 1st Nigerian President during the First Republic (1963- 1966).
The traditional wedding ceremony turned carnival became a reunion and business rallying point of some sort as Imo top government functionaries, Nigeria’s political leaders, established entrepreneurs, road construction giants, business czars, respected community leaders, opinion moulders, and members of different billionaire social clubs like; Akuluno United Brothers, De Pinnacle International Social Club, Oganiru Anara Unity Forum, Umu Mbano Connect, Friends of Willie Amadi, among others, converged at the Obi-Udo Umudo Anara palatial home of one of their prominent members, High Chief Mike Ejiogu (Onuowu of Anara Ancient Kingdom), who gave out his darling daughter’s hand in marriage to Dr. Frank Arinze Azikwe.
Speaking at the event, a former Imo State governor, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, while thanking God for a successful traditional wedding ceremony of Miss Akudo Stephanie Ejiogu which coincided with the housewarming of the Obi-Udo palatial home of Chief Mike Ejiogu, congratulated him for such an eventful outing and the grand reception accorded his invited guests.
In the same vein, a former Chief of Staff to the Imo Government and Commissioner for Lands, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, affirmed the beauty of marriage as ordained institution especially, when the couple love and understand each other. While wishing the new couple well, he prayed for peace, mutual love, respect, and prosperity in their union.
The doyen of automobile business, Nigerian socialite, and politician, High Chief Charles Ahize (Akpuruka ‘N’ Orlu, Ugochinyere of Ihioma), commended Chief Mike Ejiogu for the parental care and training on his daughter, who has made him a proud father as she is now happily married, and has her own home. The senatorial candidate of Labour Party during the last general elections for Imo West Senatorial District (Orlu zone), Charles Ahize, therefore, prayed God to give the new couple all-round blessings in their union.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the event, Chief Mike Ejiogu, expressed gratitude to God for the success of the wedding ceremony of his daughter, thanking diginatries and all who came from all walks of life to honour his invitation. He however, expressed his inexplicable joy in witnessing a day like this in his life, while applauding everyone for the show of love and solidarity.
According to Chief Mike Ejiogu, Chairman of Citygate Homes; a leading real estate company in Abuja- Nigeria; “ About 70% of the guests who graced the traditional wedding ceremony of my daughter have always identified with the Ejiogu family in all their occasions, their commitments to the affairs of the family is highly appreciated. “
Congratulating his daughter and her husband, he prayed God to bless the union with love, peace, unity, good health, offspring, longevity and prosperity, he emphasized that there is no particular formula for marriage but with patience and tolerance, a beautiful home is built.
The watershed event which took place in an atmosphere of social convivality at the serene Obi-Udo palatial home of the bride’s father, Chief Mike Ejiogu, being venue of the traditional wedding ceremony entered another dimension when legendary music maestros Sharma Melody, Chief Paul Azibe (Onwa Nsugbe), and other performing guest artistes took turns to thrill and entertain all in attendance with their special renditions as friends, business associates and billionaire club members of High Chief Mike Ejiogu came out in their numbers to show their avowed support to the bride and groom as the gigantic box provided was filled to the brim with different currencies; Dollars, Pound Sterlings, and Naira, to the chagrin of villagers and other onlookers.
Among the dignitaries spotted at the epochmaking traditional wedding ceremony by 4th Estate Reporters included but not limited to; His Excellency, Chief Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, former Imo State governor, Sen. Patrick Ndubueze representing Imo North Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief Sam Osuji, member representing Isiala Mbano State Constituency, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, former Chief of Staff to the Imo State Government, High Chief Charles Ahize, Senatorial candidate of Labour Party during the 2023 general elections, High Chief Tony Chukwu (Onweghi Ihe Kariri Chukwu), Chief Jonas Okeke, CON, Chairman of Fortec Technologies, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), Hon. Chief Ikechukukwu Iyiegbu (Ike Cubana), Chief Paschal Chibuike Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), Chief Ozioma Njoku, Chief Kingsley Nwachukwu (Akurulo of Amaraku), Prince Eze Ugochukwu (Ochiagha Nkwerre), Hon. Chinasa Nwaneri, SA on Special Duties to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Nze Tex Ukonu , Hon. Emma Orie, Chief Dr. Batos Nwadike , Chief Dennis Okwu, Chairman, Sweet Apple, Hon. Engr. Kenechukwu Iwuogo, Prince Azu Uwandu.
HRH Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, Chairman , Imo Council of Traditional Rulers
HRM Eze Dr. I. C. Ilomanya, Chairman Imo State Elders ‘ Council
HRH Eze Joseph Ikeh ( Ekeshi Mgbaja IV of Umuneke Ugiri)
HRH Eze Ibechi Emmanuel ( Akagu 1 of Umunakanu)
HRH Eze Eric Uchegbu ( Ano ll of Nneano Agbaja Ehime)
HRH Eze Edmund Adim,
Chairman, Isu Council of Ndieze
HRM Eze T. O Obiefula,
Chairman, Ndieze Orlu Zone.
HRH Eze Godwin Ndubueze Ejiogu (Kara of Umunakra Autonomous Community, Nwangele LGA).HRH Eze Leo Mike Enwerem, HRH Eze Joseph Ikeh, High Chief Sir Dave Nwosu (Nwanne Ejiejemba), Chief Christognus Ugochukwu Okoro (Agbara Ahuru Gbo Okuko),
President, Mbaise Stars, among others too numerous to mention.
High Chief Mike Ejiogu, Traditional Prime Minister of Anara Ancient Kingdom, has gone down in history as an illustrious son of Imo who hosted the state to a pomp and pageantry ceremonial grandeur during his daughter’s traditional wedding on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, at his Obi-Udo palatial home.
