By Austin Ogwuda

Asaba—THE Obi of Igbodo Kingdom, in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, Obi Ikechukwu Osedume I, has succumbed to the wishes of his people by marrying an indigene of the community amidst jubilation, in accordance with their tradition.

The solemnisation of the marriage between the monarch and an Igbodo maiden, weekend, has finally put to rest the crisis that rocked the community since the Obi’s earlier refusal to marry an indigene came to the open.

Graced by the state deputy governor, Prof Amos Utuama,  Senator representing Delta North senatorial district, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Ochei, traditional rulers, some commissioners, among other dignitaries, the colourful ceremony took place at the ancestral palace ground, Igbodo.

Elated, Obi Osedume I said: “The marriage has brought peace. When we had the crisis, it was not like this. With the turn-out at the event, you can see that we are now the way we used to be. I know it will sustain the peace and bring progress. I urge the people of Igbodo to cooperate, so that we all work in one accord to develop the community.”

The Iyase (Prime Minister) of Igbodo, Dr. Joseph Unomah, who was one of those in the forefront of ensuring that the Obi married a native, expressed his joy, saying: “Igbodo people are rejoicing with the king. We are happy to see that the king is happily married to a lady of our hearts, who has become the mother of the kingdom.”

Igbodo town was engulfed in crisis last year, following the Obi’s insistence not to marry an indigene of the community apart from the Abakiliki-born woman from Ebonyi State, whom he earlier married.