Exclusive Lifestyle
By George Ozalla
The highly anticipated traditional marriage between Ugochukwu Okonkwo, son of Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo (Ikenga Ichi), Chairman and CEO of Ekulo Group, and Kenechukwu Obiejesi, daughter of Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi (Obijackson), Chairman and CEO of Nest Oil and Hammakkopp Construction Company both from Anambra State, South East Nigeria, brought together the crème de la crème of society on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the prestigious Acropolis Event Center, Ubahu, Okija, Anambra State.
The grand celebration, which was in every aspect splendid, practically drew a massive turnout of guests from all walks of life. In fact, it was a masterclass in elegance and sophistication. The venue was literally transformed into a spectacle of glitz and glamour, with meticulous attention to detail evident in every aspect of the event. Guests were treated to a sumptuous spread of local and international cuisine, accompanied by an array of fine wines, champagnes and other assorted drinks.
When the ceremony began proper, the bride, Kenechukwu Obiejesi, made a grand entrance, resplendent in a stunning traditional attire adorned with intricate designs and patterns. The groom, Ugochukwu Okonkwo, looked dashing in his traditional attire, complete with a matching cap and ornate accessories, walking with measured steps. As the young couple danced and exchanged affectionate gestures, their families, friends, associates, in-laws, invited guests, and well-wishers looked on with joy, admiration, cheers, and intermittent applauses.
Flavour Na Abania, the popular musician, kept the crowd enthralled with his captivating performances late into the night while the new couple danced with friends joining them. Earlier, in their separate prayers and advice to the newly married, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo and Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi prayed and wished their children long life, good health, prosperity, and the blessing of good children. Dr. Obiejesi, popularly known as Osuofia na Okija, advised his daughter to love and be submissive to her husband- emulating her mother who gave him so much joy and peace of mind, while also counseling Ugochukwu to be strong, tolerant and fearless.
Other dignitaries in attendance, including His Royal Majesty, Emeka Okezie, Okaije of Okija; His Royal Majesty, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi); His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, and one of his wives; His Royal Majesty, Igwe Sir (Dr) Ben Izuchukwu Emeka (Okebo II, Umueri) Ancient Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka of Obosi Kingdom; Prince (Dr) Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma), APC Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate; Chief Barr. Ifeatu Obi-Okoye; Senator Victor Umeh (Ohamadike)- representing Anambra Central and his wife; Senator Osita Izunaso and his wife; Senator (Dr) Tony Nwoye; His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo (Seahorse), Anambra South Senatorial District Aspirant; Hon. Uchenna Harris Annie Okonkwo, Member representing Idemili North/South Federal Constituency; Hon. Chuma Nzeribe, Anambra South Senatorial District Aspirant; Chief Chidi Anyaegbu (Chisco); Chief (Dr) Ignatius Nnubia, (Anya Ihembosi)- Chairman ANNIG &NOWAS, Hon. Barr. Jesse-Okey Onuakalusi, Member representing Oshodi-Isolo 2 Federal Constituency; Dr. Mark Okoye II, Managing Director, South East Development Commission (SEDC); ESV Ezechukwu M. Okeke ‘FNIVS, Fmr Director, Fidelity Bank Plc & Principal Partner/Head of Practice Ezechukwu Okeke Associates, Estate Surveyors & Valuers; Hon. Ikenna Iyiegbu; Chief Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi-Cubana); Hon Ifeanacho Atusiuba, Chief (Engr.) Johnbosco Onunkwo- many of whom offered prayers and advice to the couple, emphasizing the importance of love, wisdom, tolerance, and understanding in their marriage.
Some of the politicians in attendance used the opportunity while fielding questions from newsmen to reaffirm their individual resolve to contest and win various offices, pledging to serve the people better. These included Prince (Dr) Nicholas Ukachukwu (Ikukuoma), APC Anambra Gubernatorial Candidate; Dr. Ebuka Onunkwo (Seahorse), Anambra South Senatorial District Aspirant and Hon. Chuma Nzeribe, Anambra South Senatorial District Aspirant.
The highlight of the ceremony came when Kenechukwu Obiejesi knelt down before her father, collected a cup of blessed palm wine, and then searched for her husband, Ugochukwu, before equally kneeling down to offer him a sip, prompting a thunderous applause from the guests.
The long guest list was a veritable Who’s Who of Nigerian society, featuring prominent figures such as Prince (Engr) Arthur Eze (Ozoigbondu), Chairman, Oranto Petroleum International Limited, Mr. Peter Obi, former Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Dr. Chris Ngige, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, (former Governors of Anambra and Delta States respectively) and Chief Cletus Ibeto, foremost industrialist and Group Chairman of Ibeto Group of Companies, Chief Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation among many others. Guests later received thoughtful souvenirs as mementos of the special occasion.
As the newly married couple embarked on their new life together, they were showered with good wishes and gifts, setting the stage for a bright and prosperous future. The grand finale of the ceremony was indeed a testament to the love and commitment that Ugochukwu and Kenechukwu share together.
