As Chidimma Umeh Weds Hubby, Obinna Ifeanyi

Charles Ajunwa writes that the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Chidimma Uzoamaka Umeh and Obinna Cyril Ifeanyi, attracted dignitaries from all walks of life to Nigeria’s City of Excellence

The weather in Lagos last Saturday was clement as  the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Chidimma Uzoamaka Umeh and Obinna Cyril Ifeanyi, held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The bride, Chidimma is the daughter of Senator Victor Umeh (Ohamadike) and Mrs. Prisca Umeh. Senator Umeh represents Anambra Central Senatorial District at the 10th National Assembly. While the groom, Obinna is the son of Chief Obiora Cyril Ifeanyi (GburuGburu Obikings) and Mrs. Ifeoma Evangeline Ifeanyi. Chief Ifeanyi is a revered industrialist whose businesses span locally and internationally.

In Catholic fashion and tradition, adherence to the Order of Mass was strictly observed. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Choir sang the entrance hymn, ‘Come to a Wedding, Come to a Blessing.’

With guests standing, Umeh who wore a flowing white caftan, his traditional long red cap and a pair of black shoes walked his daughter Chidimma who looked adorable in her flowing white bridal gown, into the church.

They were followed almost immediately by the officiating ministers, namely: Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor (Bishop, Awka Diocese); Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu (Parish Priest); Rev. Fr. Oscar John Obi (Associate Parish Priest); Very Rev. Fr. Prof. A.B.C. Chiegboka; Rev. Fr. Basil Ekwunife; Rev. Fr. George Adimike; Very Rev. Fr. Peter Val Uzoezie; Very Rev. Fr. Jude Ezeanokwasa; Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Anike; Rev. Fr. Francis Oranye; Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Onuorah; Rev. Fr. Anthony Udogu; Rev. Fr. Constantine Okoli and Rev. Fr. Paul Onyebuchi.

Others were Rev. Fr. Alfred Umeh; Rev. Fr. Felix Umegboro; Rev. Fr. Paulinus Adinnu; Very Rev. Fr. Cyprian Eluwa; Rev. Fr. Nicholas Ibeneme; Rev. Fr. Christian Ezurike; Rev. Fr. Augustine Oguine; Rev. Fr. Hilary Okwunalu; Rev. Fr. Augustus Aduaka; Rev. Fr. Peter Ndianefo; Rev. Fr. Marcellenus Uzoezie and Very Rev. Fr. Jonas Unegbu.

Accordingly, the introductory rites, penitential rites, Gloria, opening prayer, liturgy of the word and homily were observed. And when it was time for the rite of marriage, the officiating priests asked all to stand including the bride and  groom.

He addressed them in these words: “Chidimma and Obinna, you have come together in this church so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the church’s minister and this community.

“Christ abundantly blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in baptism and now He enriches and strengthens you by a special sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity. And so, in the presence of the church, I ask you to state your intentions.”

The priest then questions them about their freedom of choice, faithfulness to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children.

The declaration of consent, blessing, and exchange of rings, the prayer of the faithful, offertory hymns, the liturgy of the Eucharist, nuptial blessings, sign of peace, communion hymns, prayer after communion, signing of marriage certificate, thanksgiving, and final blessing were observed too.

As the choir sang the recessional hymn, ‘My Soul Now Glories’ Obinna and Chidimma who have been certified husband and wife were all smiles as they marched together with groomsmen – Emeka Ifeanyi, Emeke Umeofia, Lotanna Julian, Uzo Nwaije, Osaze Omo Ojo, Kene Obianodo, Chuks Onedibe and Collins Anachusi; and bridesmaid – Nneoma Umeh, Ofejiro Aroriode, Christabel Ojinnaka, Kehinde Smith, Ugochi Umeh, Jola Ayeye, Mazino Malaka and Bertille Guitton Broggi, to the church’s back door for photographs.

The bride and groom including guests proceeded to the reception venue at Balmoral Convention Centre, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island. 

It was a gathering of crème de la crème from business, politics and the academic world.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, former Secretary General, Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku who attended the church wedding also showed up at the reception.

Other guests at the reception included the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, his Lagos State counterpart, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor Anambra State, Chief Willy Obiano who was represented by Dr. Daniel Nzekwu, former deputy governor Anambra State, Nkem Okeke,  former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, Senator Osita Izunaso, former Minister of Interior, Emmanuel Iheanacho, former Chief of Naval Staff and Military Administrator of Anambra State, Rear Admiral, Allison Madueke (rtd), Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, Chief Ifeanyi Nwosu, Chief Dennis Osadebe, Ernest Anyaeche, Igwe Charles Ezeugwu, Hon. Ifeani Ibezim, Chief Tony Ezenna, Chief Afam Chukwu, Dr. Chidi Anyaegbu, Dr. George Moghalu,  Valentine Ozigbo, Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, sponsors Dr. Mike Amailo Ezeaju and Mrs. Gladys Nwamaka Ezeaju, Engr. Azubuike Okeke, Mr. Ikem Ume-ezoke, Mr. Michael Onuoha, VC of UNIZIK, Prof. Okey Esimone, Managing Director, Zenith Bank, Dame Adaora Umeoji, Prof. Greg Ozumba Mbadiwe and many others.

With guests seated and treated to delicious cuisines and assorted drinks, the MC, Okey Bakasi announced the entrance of the bridal train. Shortly, Chidimma and Obinna were ushered into the reception hall which was lavishly decorated. The cozy ambiance was lit up intermittently with soulful music serenading the whole place.

Chairman of the occasion, Onyema in his welcome address, implored the newly wedded couple to be each other’s best friend, noting that it’s only friendship that can keep their marriage.

“I want you to be your wife’s best friend. It’s not going to be easy for the rest of your life, you need friendship to keep your marriage. Be each other’s best friend,” Onyema said.

The MC called out the parents of the bride and groom to the dance floor.

As Senator Umeh danced with his daughter, Chidimma to the admiration of guests, the comedian chipped in: “Senator Umeh you are dancing too long with your daughter, the husband is becoming jealous, please release her to hubby. She is now his property.”

This light joke sparked off laughter all over the hall and brought the dance to a stop.

The hall became electrified when Obinna and Chidimma hit the dance floor. They entertained guests with their unique dance steps from the live performance of one of Nigeria’s music icons, Kcee.

Some guests were invited to the beautifully decorated podium to take photographs with Chidimma and Obinna.

For Chidimma and Obinna, it was a day to be cherished and remembered for the rest of their lives.