IT was gathering of who is who in Nigeria, in particular Edo and Delta states at the weekend, when the daughter of Benin born billionaire, Ivie Uhunoma Okunbor and son of the Olu of Warri, Utieyinoritsetsola Ayonmigbesimi Emiko concluded their traditional wedding ceremony in the ancient city of Benin.
Over ten private jets conveying dignitaries from different parts of the country for the colourful ceremony landed at the Benin Airport between Friday and Saturday. Apart from solidifying the relationship between both families, the occasion brought the warring leaders the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state together.
The leaders of both parties buried their political difference to honour the father of the bride, Captain Hosa Okunbor who is well known for his philanthropic gestures in the state.
Very remarkably also, the marriage have once again solidified the historical relationship between the Benins and the Itsekiris. As it seems, Prince Emiko only came home to take one of his kindred as a wife.
It will be recalled that Prince Iginuwa, heir apparent to the Benin throne in the 14thcentury left Benin to found the Warri Kingdom of which today the Olu of Warri, a descendant of Prince Iginuwa now sits on the throne.
It was not surprising that the ceremony was like home coming for the Itsekiri palace chiefs and political leaders who stormed Benin City, dressed in their native attire with the Benin counterparts.
The roll call of dignitaries at the occasion includes Governor Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Chairman Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolemenmen, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan of Inter Party Affairs, Senator Ben Obi, Publisher of Vanguard, Sam Amuka, former Chief whip of the senate, Senator Rowland Owie and wife, President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Austin Alegbe, Chairman of Sky Bank, Dr Tunde Ayeni.
Others are President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejiafor, Speaker of the Edo state House of Assembly, Uyi Igbe, chairman of the APC in Edo state, Barr. Anslem Ojezua, chairman of PDP in Edo state, Chief Dan Orbih, Chief Tom Ikimi, Chibudom Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Chief Ifeanyi Uba, Julie Coker, Solomon Edebiri, Senator Daisy Danjuma and former Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Lucky Imasuen.
Other dignatories include Minority whip of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, former Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Mr Victor Ochei, Chief Ayiri Emani, Chief Tunde Smooth, Gen. Charles Airiavbere, former First Lady of Edo state, Mrs Eki Igbinedion, Endurance Odubu, wife Edo Deputy Governor, West Ehigie Idahosa, members of Benin Traditional Council and many others.
