By Benjamin Njoku

The sleepy town of Obolo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State, last weekend lost its peace, as a mammoth crowd of celebrities, politicians, friends and well-wishers thronged there to be part of what many described as “the traditional wedding of the year”involving pint size- star actor, Chinedu Ikedieze (MFR) popularly known as Aki and his heartthrob, Nneoma Hope Nwajah.

The much talked about wedding momentously shut down the small town of Obolo as shops were locked up and business activities were paralysed.

While the ceremony lasted, children, the young and the old trooped out en-masse to catch a glimpse of the celebrity wedding.

The ceremony which was as successful as it was glamorous was obviously the first of its kind in the town.

As early as 9am, Obolo was in festive mood as guests started arriving in their droves. Indeed, the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church Primary School field venue of the event was the centre of attraction.

Not only was the field crowded with dignitaries from all walks of life, it was a beehive of activities as many local musicians were on hand to entertain the teeming guests.

Heavy security operatives

On hand to provide security at the occasion were mobile police men, soliders, plain clothe officers and some para-military establishments who took charge of affairs as they controlled the teeming crowd that surged forward to catch glimpse of the star actor and his beautiful wife.

Aki and his wife, Nneoma

And unlike a previous celebrity wedding that was witnessed in Lagos, few months ago, where security operatives acted like an untamed animals, the ones at this occasion were friendly.

Roll call of Dignitaries

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State and his amiable wife defied their other engagements to grace the ceremony which was anchored by popular comedian Kingsley Ogbonna better known as Dauda and chaired by Chief Kingsley Megwarah.

Orji who was accompioned to the event by some of his cabinet flew in from France the same morning. Unknown to many, the respected Governor is a staunch supporter of Nollywood industry.

Apart from the fact that Aki hails from Abia State, the governor specifically is one of the fans of the pint -size actor. His presence at the occasion indicated the high regard he has for the industry.

The same could be said of the Chairman of the All Citizen Hotels, in Owerri,Mr. Mike Ikoku who came to the venue in a convoy. It was indeed an invasion of Obolo town by an army of dignitaries to say the least.

Nollywood stars who flew in from Lagos to witness the wedding, included Kanayo .O. Kanayo, Mike Ezuruonye, Uche Jombo, Emeka Enyiocha, Aki’s screen twin, Osita Iheme, Chidi Nwakoabia, Sonny Macdon and Steve Eboh.

Others were Ebube Nwagbo, Tom Njemanze, Emeka Ani, Uche Elendu, Muma Gee, J-Martins, Charles Inojie, K.C, Lancelot Imasuen amongst others.

HVP learnt that those of who could not make it to the ceremony, were caught up in other events. For instance, the Amatas buried their late mother the same weekend. And to show their support many of the stars, travelled to Delta State to commiserate with the family.

Toast of the Day

Aki

But Aki was the toast of the day. The moment he stormed the venue clad in his Igbo traditional attire, the shouts of Aki rented the air. When it was time for him to take to the floor with his heartthrob, Aki was not found wanting.

Like in one of his many movie roles, the diminutive actor proved his mettle in the art of dance. No wonder the audience descended on them, raining dollars, pounds and the Naira ceaselessly on the couple.

Indeed, the only rite the couple performed at the event venue was when Nneoma was given the palm to take to her husband which she did romantically amid cheering.

It was later learnt that prior to the activities at the field, both families had met and performed the traditional marriage rites behind closed doors at the bride’s family house.The white wedding has been slated for December 10. dubbed, “a celebration of true and undying love.”