By Elijah Ugani and Odey Ojeka
The Obol Lopon of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana has said that his new wife, Mrs. Affiong Ofem Ubana will fill the vacuum in him.
Obol Ofem told journalists shortly after his traditional marriage on Saturday in Ugep, Yakurr local government area that his decision was not wrong traditionally and pointed out that there will be peace in his home.
“Traditionally it is not wrong to marry a second wife. Today history has been made in Ugep as the Obol Lopon of Ugep is marrying a second wife.
“My reason for marrying a second wife is because I want her to fill the vacuum space in me,” he said and maintained that there will be peace in his home despite both wives living together.
“My first wife and children are living in my house while my second wife will live here in the palace with me.
“So, there wouldn’t be any problem with them. They would not lack of anything because I will satisfy their various needs,” he said.
The event which one could mistaken for another Leboku festival was a colorful one with the wife of the Cross River Governor, Dr. Linda Ayade, who was represented by her aide, Mrs. Rose Eneji, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr. John Inyang, Managing Director of the state’s water board limited, Mr. Godwin Igile, the chief of staff to former Governor Liyel Imoke, Mr. Alex Egbonna, the Commander of the Yakurr Area Command of the Nigerian Police Force, Mr. Taiwo Adedeji, former Abi local government area Chairman, Mr. Chris Agube and officials of MTN as well as family, friends, well wishers and relatives.
His wife, formerly Miss Affiong Ikpi Edet who graduated from the Cross River College of Education, Akamkpa in 2016 and is the daughter of the Okpebri of Ugep whose role is akin to that of a Prime Minister, is pregnant and Obol Ofem promised to love, cherish, protect and care for her.
Also, Obol Ofem commended those who attended the event. He said that: “We are very excited to see this crowd, the calibre of people who comes to grave this occasion, we are grateful, we can never forget this in a short moment, may the Almighty God reward you immensely.”
On her part, the bride, Mrs. Affiong Obol Ofem expressed her health felt satisfaction to see the turn out to witnessed her marriage and promised to do everything humanly possible to sustain Peace in the palace.
Mr. Inyang served as the Chairman of the occasion and in his opening remarks, averred that: “We are here to witness a marriage between my father, my friend a man I respect very much, Obol Ofem Ubana and his beautiful spouse, Affiong Ikpi Edet.
“I see myself as very privileged to chair this occasion, in the midst of great men, this event is going to be added to my CV that I am chairman in the marriage of His Royal Majesty.
“Marriage is an institution destined by God, kindly pray for His Royal Majesty and Mrs. Affiong Ofem that it will be a blessed Union. We will support them materially and in prayers.”
Mr. James Uket and Miss Stephanie Michael presented toasts to the couple.
And, Mr. Uket said that the mother of the Obol Lopon had foretold his kingship in 2009 when she said that: “My son you better guide your stick, I see you becoming the Obol Lopon of Ugep.”
He disclosed that Obol Ofem was a very keen sport person who enlisted into the Nigerian Army and rose to the position of Master Warrant Officer.
“His position requires a lot of responsibilities, notable is the peace effort he guarantee in his neighborhood, the Mkpani and Ekori, Usumutong and Ediba. He was able to return the AK 47 rifle that was taken by the youths of Abi from the Police; today he has decided to add another feather to his cap as we join in this celebration.”
For the bride, Miss Ene said that the bride is a nice person and noted that she was loyal and knows how to keep secrets. “She keeps secret no matter the pressure, she studied English Language from the state College Of Education Akamkpa, she fits the crown, the palace needs secrets to stand, she will make a good wife and a good mother to your children.”
Mr. Igile told CrossRiverWatch that the Obol can take as many wives as possible and had already announced steps to prevent any conflict.
“To avoid possible conflict of interest between his two wives, Obol Ofem stated that that he has decided to keep his first wife in his family compound while his second wife will live with him in the palace and there is no need to anticipate conflict, he further expressed his fulfillment having taking a second wife,” he said.
Below are images from the event by CrossRiverWatch’s Monday Ogar.
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