Royal splendour and rich Igbo cultural heritage were on full display in Anambra State as the traditional ruler of Ossamalla Community in Ogbaru Local Government Area, Igwe Patrick Sule Ugboma, formally presented his son’s wife to the Umuada during a colourful Igba Nkwu ceremony held in the yuletide season.
Igba Nkwu, a central stage in Igbo traditional marriage, is a vibrant, multi-layered ceremony that symbolises the formal union of a couple after family introductions (Iku Aka) and the payment of bride price (Ime Ego). The event is marked by colourful traditional attire, music, dancing, feasting and blessings from elders, with the bride publicly identifying her groom by offering him palm wine.
At the Ossamalla ceremony, Igwe Ugboma formally introduced his son’s wife, Jamila Zuriya Uwani from Niger State, to the Umuada, signifying her full integration into the womenfolk of the community and her acceptance into the royal family.
The royal father further added colour to the occasion by fetting scores of women with food, drinks and cash, a gesture that drew admiration from guests and underscored the communal and inclusive nature of Igbo traditional marriages.
Speaking to journalists at the event, Igwe Ugboma explained that traditional marriage in Igboland follows clearly defined stages, beginning with Iku Aka, and stressed that his son, Patrick Nduka, had duly completed all the required marital rites.
According to him, the Igba Nkwu ceremony goes beyond the couple, as it is a community-centred event that reinforces family unity, shared values and respect for tradition.
“The significance of today’s ceremony is not just about the bride, but about the family and the community coming together to uphold our customs,” the monarch said.
The ceremony, which signified the mutual acceptance of the bride into the groom’s family and the groom into the bride’s family, was enlivened by cultural music, traditional dances and lavish hospitality, making it a memorable celebration for all in attendance.
Expressing his joy, the groom, Patrick Ugboma (Jnr.), thanked guests, family members and community leaders for their support, describing the successful completion of the ceremony as a moment of great happiness and fulfilment for his family.
